With Google making it more closed every year, I wonder if is it worth it. I don’t want to learn it to find a job or anything, it’s purely for open source development.
I’ve seen a few devs dropping FOSS apps due to Google decisions. Like the developer of a music player I used (Phocid):
According to him and I agree:
Because Google is essentially killing apps distributed outside of Google Play, I have lost interest in Android development and plan to switch to a different OS once my current five-year-old phone dies.
kotlin is a great programming language. The ui (compose) can also be used in kotlin multi platform to make desktop apps. You’ll have to learn about lifecycles etc but it’ll be worth it in my opinion
The question is really: what is your goal? You say Open Source software development - which software are you talking about? Are there certain projects you’re looking at? Are you looking at starting your own project? Are you trying to move the open source ecosystem forward generally? (Also, what is your current skillset? Are you just getting into development or are you fairly experienced already in other platforms?)
If it’s the first, follow the project and see what they’re doing. If it’s the second: look at the requirements. Most likely though, you will be stuck with Android, because the iPhone is even worse, and Linux on phones is far from being daily driver worthy for the vast majority of people. Alternatively, as people mentioned, you could try a Cross-Platform framework, but do be aware that these have downsides, as well. If it’s the third: why not try to see what you can do to improve the situation of Linux on phones? Depending on what you’re already capable of, you may already have the prerequisites to move that area forward, something badly needed IMO.
If Android dies soon then Linux phones will certainly get more popular. But if Android doesn’t get completely closed then Linux phones will be just forgotten by most people.
This is mostly for myself, but if I develop anything I’d provide as open-source. Currently I’m using a custom ROM and if things stay open and reliable for custom ROMs in the next years, then I’d just stick with it.
Even Linux desktop is sometimes problematic after all these years, imagine Linux android then…
If you want to build something fast and not deal with the ridiculous and ever-changing complexity that is Eclipse/Kotlin, consider Flutter. It’s cross-platform so if there turns out to be a Linux phone that gets past the stage of novelty, you won’t be re-writing it.
Flutter has it’s downsides, but it’s a pretty good platform overall. Many Android (and iOS) apps are done in it.
Oh man, I totally get you. But as others said, it is relatively easy to publish apps on the Play Store.
And I honestly think that the fight is far from over. I think it only serves Google’s purpose to already admit defeat.
If not in the US (whom I believe to be highly interested in tracking down “rogue” app authors), then at least other jurisdictions might outlaw this anticompetitive behavior.
Yes.
I’m long behind on Android development. I stopped not long after Google promoted Kotlin as the primary language for Android development. I really liked Kotlin though. Still these days, I’d probably go with react native or flutter. I always hear about people using those and see job postings for those in regards to android. I’d be interested in using Kotlin Multiplatform and hoping that builds up momentum and becomes super successful
Learning is fine. Its not too much different than other development if you have ever worked on java.
That being said if i had to make an app, i would just make a mobile site and call it a day. That way you can have iphone and any computer work with it.
If I had the time, I would try Kotlin Compose Multiplatform. That way I would hopefully be able to learn Kotlin (good language), have fun with my GrapheneOS, be able to test on iOS, and maybe be more employable without having to handle Google’s stupidity.
Unless you’re willing to get raped by the sheer amount of google’s surveillance, I’d say no You will be required to present your government ID, pay 25$ and other shit just to get a chance at getting approved and distributing your software
These changes aren’t going to prevent a developer from firing up Android studio and running their app. Distribution is where you’ll encounter some speed bumps as these changes go into effect.
I think it’s still fine, especially given that non Play Store apps will still be runnable, albeit with a very stupid 24 hour waiting period if no action is taken by relevant regulatory bodies.
But if you are looking to eventually ditch Android for Linux phones, you could always try your hand at making Linux-native mobile apps!
plus, the apps you create can be installed normally without a stupid waiting period on custom ROMs like LineageOS, GrapheneOS, iodeOS, and e/OS!
You can publish your open source app on Google Play, and this will not change. Google is also not planning to introduce $100/year publishing fee for devs like Apple, you pay $25 one time to register. There is also no real alternative open source OS for phones.
Google decision impacts apps like Termux, who use old Android API to install additional packages. If you are not planning to create Linux emulator, I guess this won’t impact you.
Tell that to the creators of apps that Google or the US Government do not like…
