integrate matplotlib into android app?

Question

I've been playing for some time with python and matplotlib and managed to create some neat desktop applications. [like graphical analysis tool for linear algebra, rendering engine for maps etc.

I was wondering if I could turn these applications into android apps. I'am completely new to android. I plan to use python (though I'm good with java) for the coding (I know this is possible with tools such as kivy or SL4P).

I want to know the limitations for using these tools in android. Can I even get matplotlib into android? I searched everywhere, but couldn't find how to go about a matplotlib based android app.

Any kind of pointers would be helpful.

Answer 1

I doubt you can embed matplotlib on an Android device (or any other kind of smartphone or tablet).

One alternative possibility would be to make your app connect to a back-end server that has matplotlib, and use that to generate the figures and send back images to the client.

• Advantage: Can potentially get a working mobile prototype finished somewhat quickly by reusing existing code.
• Disadvantage: The app cannot work offline since it relies on your central server.

Answer 2

Matplotlib cannot be compiled for android, numpy can though:

https://code.google.com/p/android-scripting/issues/detail?id=260