Mobile Python: Rapid Prototyping of Applications on the Mobile Platform

Chapter 1. Introduction and Basics

This practical hands-on book introduces the Python programming language for rapid prototyping of mobile device applications. It effectively teaches how to program easily on Nokia smartphones that are based on Symbian OS and the S60 platform. A wide range of smartphone functionalities are covered, including camera, sound, graphics, Bluetooth, Internet, positioning, SMS messaging and many more.

Mobile Python – or, more formally, Python for S60 (see Figure 1.1) – empowers you to do fun and engaging stuff with your mobile phone. You can start programming shortly after getting into this book. Being able to see results quickly on the phone guarantees to bring inspiration and makes programming these gadgets fun!

Figure 1-1. Python for S60

Development on the Symbian platform has been time-consuming in the past and it has required in-depth knowledge of C++ or Java. Python for S60 remedies this problem. It is easy to learn and takes only a few days to get into most of its features. Novice programmers, artists and people from creative communities can innovate and contribute applications to the mobile space.

Python for S60 brings the increasingly popular Python programming language to the mobile platform. You can use this book to learn the Python programming language by way of Python for S60 or use your previous Python knowledge to get into mobile programming ...