Create an Android application: 6 best environments [without Java]

However, it is also true that competition in the Android development world is increasing today. And in this scenario, it is important to know other programming languages ​​besides Java, which will allow you to develop applications for both Android and iOS.

INDEX – Frameworks and programming languages ​​for Android

• NativeScript
• React Native
• Ionic
• Xamarin
• Kotlin
• Flutter

Environments to create an Android application

How to create an Android application without using Java? We show it to you in this list of 6 programming environments. Let’s go.

# 1 NativeScript

NativeScript is an  open source Android and iOS development environment for building mobile applications, with Angular, Vue.js, TypeScript or JavaScript. The main advantage of this programming environment is native performance. You only need to set it once and NativeScript will adapt to work anywhere, adapting the user interface of certain devices and displays.

Another advantage is its extensibility . You will have access to the Android APIs, but you will be able to reuse the Android SDK, as well as find free plugins or templates on the NativeScript store.

Also, if you start programming Android apps with NativeScript, you will find it easy to learn . You will be able to apply the knowledge you have already acquired in JavaScript and CSS, but you will also have a multitude of resources , tutorials and examples, as well as a strong user community that will get you up and running. faster than you think.

# 2 React Native

React Native is a framework by Facebook that allows you to build native Android apps using JavaScript . This is something that was already allowed by others like Cordova , but with the difference that with React Native, apps are rendered using native views, while in Cordova they work inside a webview.

React Native has access to Android APIs, so the user experience and performance is similar to that of a native app. Another advantage is the ease of viewing changes by simply recording. Thanks to JavaScript, React Native lets you iterate quickly, without having to wait for native builds to complete.

Without a doubt, this framework is a safe bet, because it is supported by Facebook but above all by a large community of users. In 2018, React Native was the second highest number of contributions to GitHub repositories.

# 3 Ionic

Ionic is an open source code framework for developing hybrid applications , combining Html5, CSS and Javascript . Free and open source, Ionic offers a library of components, gestures and user interface tools optimized for mobile devices, allowing to build fast and highly interactive applications.

Ionic 5, the latest version of the framework, is designed for fast performance on any device . It helps build fast and optimized Android apps that incorporate best practices. Additionally, Ionic provides easy access to native features through JavaScript. A library of native plug-ins is available to access geolocation, Bluetooth or camera without any complexity.

# 4 Xamarin

Xamarin is an Android development environment created by Microsoft that allows you to create applications in C#. It is free and integrated into Visual Studio.

Although it does not develop for Android in Java, Xamarin allows you to build a native application that ensures a good user experience, which is essential for any application. Additionally, if you need to develop a cross-platform application , you can do so with Xamarin.

On the other hand, C # language is easier to learn than other Android programming languages. So if Java isn’t your strong suit, Xamarin might be the best solution for building great Android apps.

# 5 Kotlin

Kotlin is a static-type Android programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine. However, creating Android apps with Kotlin has the advantage of simplicity. In Kotlin, you can do more with less code, which translates to a lower probability of errors.

Another advantage of Kotlin is that it is much more secure than Java, and the code is easier to understand when read by someone else. In addition, the compiler helps to detect compilation errors, which helps reduce possible errors. With Kotlin, you can program on Android, but also on iOS since it is cross-platform. All of this makes Kotlin a safe and reliable alternative to Java.

# 6 Flutter

Flutter is a Google SDK designed to build Android and iOS apps, for mobile, web, and desktop, from a single codebase. Its programming language is Dart and it is characterized by the fact that it allows fast Android application development thanks to the Hot Reload feature . It allows modifications to be made without having to stop and start the application, which makes programming more efficient since it reduces waiting times.