How to Learn Python for Data Science on your Smartphone

When I begun learning Python for Data Science, my laptop was my immediate learning machine. When out of the house or the move, I wondered how I would continue learning. At the same time, I wondered whether I could practice writing code with my Android smartphone. This was one due to one idea in mind - learning and practice should not stop if I don't have a laptop with me. I wanted to learn home and away from home.

Out of the curiosity, I googled to see if I would learn and practice Python programming on my phone. The search results presented a lot of options. Out of the many choices, I choose one Python programming language learning app - Sololearn.

I have loved learning Python using Sololearn overtime. There many reasons why I love this app. The most important is that their content is absolutely free. Secondly, the content is structured and includes knowledge testing questions and exercises rated automatically. Thus, it is suitable for beginners and those who want immediate feedback. It helps in tracking progress and earns you credit points that are used to get more learning opportunities.

Also, most of the features are free except for advanced practice exercises on the interactive coding environment. Some of the exercises require subscription to premium version. However, this does not limit you as Sololearn allows you to proceed with learning. At the end of the course, you get a certificate.

While finding a way to solve the Sololearn's limited and advanced exercises without subscription, I came across another favorite app - Pydroid 3. It is available on Google Play store. I downloaded it and I have used it for years now to write and run Python programs on my Android phone. Note that it runs offline - it's not a must to have internet connectivity. Internet is only required during the application download and installation process.

 

Mastering code directly on your mobile device - like I did, is completely possible, and setting up your environment takes less than five minutes. In this comprehensive step-by-step guide I will walk you through launching your very first mobile Python script today. This is the same way I have used for over three years now.

Why Code Python on an Android Smartphone?

Just like me before, many aspiring programmers believe that you need an expensive, high-end computer to start learning how to build software applications. However, modern smartphones possess incredible processing power, meaning you can easily practice programming while commuting, relaxing, or traveling.

By utilizing mobile development tools, you effectively remove financial barriers and unlock continuous learning opportunities right from your pocket. For example, I have been learning Python coding and practicing using Pydroid on my Techno Android phone. 

Consequently, this mobile approach allows you to master complex core programming concepts without being chained to a traditional office desk setup or laptop. This is my joy number 1 and that is why I started this learning platform.

What you require to get started 

To get started with our practical guide, you need two main applications. The include the Sololearn App and the Pydroid 3 App.

1. The Sololearn App 

This is your structured Python learning content engine. 

The Sololearn app will give you learning content and some free practical interactive exercises as you learn.

2. The Pydroid 3 App 

Similarly, Pydroid 3 will give you the opportunity to run the codes which requires subscription. It is your free Python coding practice partner.

How to download and install Python on Android phone

In this hands-on training guide, I guide you through installing the Pydroid 3 App. Later, you will follow the same process to install Sololearn App. To get started, ensure you have internet connectivity. 

Step 1: Install Pydroid 3 from the Google Play Store

First, navigate directly to the Google Play Store on your Android mobile device and search for the application named Pydroid 3. To do this, scroll down to where we have applications whose name start with letter "P." Click the icon to open it.

Once it opens, tap the search button on the menu at the bottom of your screen. See the image below.

Next, tap the search bar and type Pydroid 3 (indicated with 1) and tap the search button (2). On the search results page, tap install to start the downloading and installation process.

After that wait for the Pydroid 3 application to download and automatically install on your Smartphone. The process will be displayed on your screen as follows.

Once installation process is complete, tap the blue "Open" button on the right side to launch the app on your mobile device.

This free software application functions as an integrated development environment, which means it provides everything necessary to write and run code. 

Pydroid 3 App setup 

Tapping the above button will immediately land you on the Pydroid 3 App welcome page shown 👇. Next, click the "Continue" button at the bottom to setup the application for use.

Setup step 1: Choosing your goal

On the first setup page that opens after tapping continue, you will be asked what is your goal. Choose what you want to achieve using Pydroid 3 and tap continue. For example, to learn Python, choose option 1. Similarly, choose option 2 if you aim to develope or write small scripts.

In this tutorial, I choose Data Analysis - option 3. This is because previously I have been using option 1 to learn Python programming.

Note:

Your choice determines the configuration settings the app will implement during installation for best experience.

Setup step 2: Choosing your Python level 

After chosing and tapping continue on the above setup page, you will taken to Python levels page. Here, you are required to choose your Python skills level and tap continue. For my case, I chose the "Begginers" level.

Setup step 3: Selecting the types of programs you are planning to run

On this page, you asked to choose one option under the Python programs you plan to run using Pydroid 3 App. On my case, I chose option 1 - Simple terminal or Web Applications. This was because I wanted to write and run simple Python scripts for Data Science projects.

Setup step 4: Changing some settings preferences

On this setup page, you are provided with three toggle switches. They provide you with a chance to twerk some of the app settings before beginning your Python coding with Pydroid 3 on your Smartphone. I toggled all the three options so that:

• My project files are preserved upon exit and accessible once I'm back on the application.
• The tab button would insert spaces during project programming.
• I would use dark theme on the editor to safeguard my eyes.

Setup step 4: Pydroid 3 premium features for personal personalization

After toggling the three preferences above, the next page is on premium features. It explains what you will gain with subscription to the premium package.

To continue with the setup process, click the "Continue" button. This opens the subscription packages page. Since I wanted the free version, I tapped the close button (x) on top right.

Setup step 5: Python IDE creation 

After closing the above subscription packages page, you will land on the account creation page. It will pass the message that your account is being created. It takes a matter of seconds and your account is ready.

Once the Python IDE creation process above is over, the app directs you to the editor landing page. This is where you can start creating your first Python script or data analysis project code.

How I wrote my first Python program on Android smartphone

The first program used the inbuilt print function. After Pydroid 3 App launched on my Android phone, I proceeded to the first program shown below.

How to save the Python program file in your Smartphone.

To save the new created Python file, I tapped the folder icon next to the file name "new." Once clicked, the save file options drop-down menu appeared. Next, I choose save.

Granting file permissions for Pydroid 3

The save option prompts you to choose a directory where to save your projects. Therefore, tap the "Allow" button under the directory menu.

On the next page, toggle the permissions button then click the backwards arrow on top left.

After allowing access and toggling the file access button, you will be prompted to choose storage location. I chose internal storage. However, you can choose your favorite folder or location.

I recommend you choose the same option. This ensures that even if you uninstall the Pydroid app, you will not loose your project files. Retention of files guarantee consistency.

Now that you have chosen storage location, check at the bottom of the screen for highlighted file name for the Python file. Type a new name and click the save button next to it. For example, I named my file "First Python Program." See the screenshot below. Ensure the extension is ".py" so that the program executes correctly as a Python file.

The program executed to output the message below on my screen.

Now that you have come all this way, what is holding you back from starting learning Python using your Smartphone? If I begun it, you can do it too. 

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