


If you’re developing a web-based application, a View Source handler is a necessity. I recommend OI File Manager, a free, open-source replacement for Android’s file explorer, which will let you copy, move, rename and share files easily. However, these apps are usually very limited for a programmer, primarily because they don’t show all the data on your phone.īecause every program you write or app you build will be represented as a file in your Android device, you’ll need an explorer that gives the flexibility to find and manipulate files as you please. If you ask an Android enthusiast why they prefer the platform to iOS, they’ll likely say it’s because Android comes with a file manager application that offers the ability to create folders and move files around. One of the best is Hacker’s Keyboard, which makes special characters like brackets or colons easier to type by laying them out as they typically appear on a computer keyboard. I would also recommend a more code-writing oriented keyboard than the one that ships with your device. If you’re familiar with Vim Touch for PC, an Android version exists, and its handy features are well laid out to make touchscreen editing a lot more bearable. The Play Store is well-populated with text editors, but if you’re new to programming on your phone, go for the most popular app you can get, preferably for free. The abilities to handle UTF-8 encoded text and highlight syntax are also elements you may want in your editor. Similar to a desktop editor, your Android tool should be easy to navigate, customizable by modifying font size, color schemes, etc., and offer simple cut, copy and paste features. In other words, this is where you write your code. Essentially, an editor will allow you to create and edit text files written in various programming languages. To develop on your smartphone, the first thing you’ll need is a source-code editor. That is why we decided to dig deep and uncover what you’ll need to turn your phone into a desktop-like programming device. Unless you’re very specific, searching the internet will often lead you to a page about how to code and debug apps that run on mobile phones. Unfortunately, information on how to use a phone as an environment for developing applications and websites is somewhat hard to find.
