C H A P T E R 4

Beyond Java: Programming in Python and Friends

While Java is undoubtedly the major programming language for Android devices, it is a long way from the only method available.

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Figure 4-1. Some people are naturally multi-lingual.

Scripting Layer for Android (SL4A) is an open source project that allows programmers to write applications not only for Android devices, but also on Android devices.

SL4A is a common framework that permits programming in any of a host of scripting languages: Python, JavaScript, Beanshell, LUA, TCL, PHP, Ruby, and Perl are all supported, with options for porting more.

All of these languages use a common ...

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