Python for S60

Accessible development for S60 devices

Python for S60, Nokia’s port of Python for the S60 platform, brings the power and productivity of the Python programming language to S60 devices from Nokia. Python for S60 enables rapid application prototyping and development with scripts and provides the ability to create stand-alone S60 applications.

Python for S60 offers byte code that is compatible with Python 2.2.2. It also provides developers with access to S60 and Symbian OS features and to the native S60 UI. It enables development of Python scripts on an S60 device or within the emulator supplied with the S60 SDKs.

What can I do with Python for S60?

Python for S60, which enables you to create Python scripts or applications for execution on S60 devices from Nokia, is designed to provide a high level of integration with the features of the S60 platform and Symbian OS. That's why you can create scripts and applications with Python for S60 that offer the same look and feel as native S60 applications and that make use of S60 platform features such as calendar and contacts functions. Python for S60 can also be extended to access almost any S60 platform feature using Symbian C++, in combination with Open C/C++ if desired, to write custom wrappers around Symbian OS and S60 APIs.

The interactive scripting features in Python for S60 make it easy to implement and test application ideas. This means that you will probably use Python for S60 mainly as a tool for prototyping and experimenting with application concepts. In addition, you can undertake Python development whenever and wherever you have access to your S60 device, and you can bring your ideas to life immediately. However, for complete applications, it is also possible to use Python for S60 as an alternative to developing in Symbian C++ or the Java™ programming language.

What tools does Python for S60 provide?

The tools in Python for S60 are:

• The Python for S60 runtime, which installs on S60 devices.
• The Python for S60 script shell, which installs on S60 devices and allows you to execute scripts either from files or interactively in a console.
• The Python for S60 SDK plug-ins, which add the Python for S60 runtime and script shell to an S60 SDK and also include tools for packaging Python scripts as applications and creating extensions.

For more information, visit Forum Nokia's Python for S60 features page »

How do I get started with Python for S60?

Python for S60 offers an easy route to mobile application development. If you already have some knowledge of Python, you can start right away. If you've never created a Python script, there are many Web resources that can help. In addition, the Symbian Press book Mobile Python: Rapid Prototyping of Applications on the Mobile Platform is an excellent place to start if you have no experience.

To use Python for S60, you need an S60 2nd Edition or S60 3rd Edition device for basic scripting. You can also develop scripts using a text editor or a Python IDE on any desktop computer. If you'd like to add extensions to Python for S60 or compile scripts into application packages, you need a computer with Microsoft Windows capable of running an S60 2nd Edition or S60 3rd Edition SDK for C++ development. For more information on the requirements for S60 SDKs for C++ development, see Forum Nokia's S60 Platform SDKs for Symbian OS, for C++page.

How does Forum Nokia help users of Python for S60?

Forum Nokia offers developers a wide range of professional and community-based help and support. (See the box at right for links.)

Of particular interest is the Forum Nokia Wiki, where you can find a wealth of information on Python for S60, including code examples and extensions.

How do I go to market with applications I develop with Python for S60?

You may use Python for S60 as a prototyping tool to help you get Symbian C++ or Java applications to market faster. However, your Python for S60 application may be suitable for marketing as it is. In which case, whether your application has local, regional, or global appeal, Forum Nokia can help you find the right channel to market. (See the box at right for links.)

If you're serious about commercializing your Python for S60 applications, spend some time becoming familiar with Symbian Signed. Although achieving Symbian Signed for your applications may not be required, there are many advantages in doing so. Find out more about Symbian Signed »

With which Nokia platforms and devices is Python for S60 compatible?

You can use Python for S60 to create scripts and applications for:

• S60 2nd Edition devices from Nokia. See specifications for S60 2nd Edition devices here »
• S60 3rd Edition devices from Nokia. See specifications for S60 3rd Edition devices here »

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