Features

Python for S60 provides a full Python environment for development on S60 devices from Nokia or in an S60 SDK emulator.

System requirements for Python for S60

To develop and run Python for S60 scripts on a device, you'll need an S60 2nd Edition or S60 3rd Edition device from Nokia.

To develop and run Python for S60 scripts on a PC or create applications and extensions to Python for S60, you'll need one of the following SDKs:

• S60 2nd Edition SDK for Symbian OS, for C++.
• S60 2nd Edition, Feature Pack 2 SDK for Symbian OS, for C++.
• S60 2nd Edition, Feature Pack 3 SDK for Symbian OS, for C++.
• S60 3rd Edition SDK for Symbian OS, for C++, Maintenance Release.
• S60 3rd Edition SDK for Symbian OS, supporting Feature Pack 1, for C++.
• S60 3rd Edition SDK for Symbian OS, Feature Pack 2.

For information on the system requirements for S60 SDKs for C++, see Forum Nokia's S60 Platform SDKs for Symbian OS, for C++ page.

Key features of Python for S60

Full implementation of Python 2.2.2
Python for S60 is based on, and its byte code is compatible with, the open source release of Python 2.2.2, which is available from the Python official Web site.

Python script shell
The script shell enables the launching of Python scripts and utilities on S60 devices.

Python console with Bluetooth connectivity support
A full, on-device Python console is available, enabling development and testing of Python scripts on an S60 device. For convenient programming from a desktop computer, the console can also be accessed over a Bluetooth connection from a serial terminal emulator running on the Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux operating system.

Python installer
On S60 2rd Edition devices, the Python installer enables a user to install Python scripts or libraries on a device directly from the S60 Messages application inbox. Installed scripts can then be launched from the main Python environment.

SDK-emulator-based development
SDK plug-ins provide full support for the development and testing of Python scripts using an SDK emulator. SDK plug-ins are available for all S60 2nd Edition and S60 3rd Edition SDKs for C++ development.

Application-build tools
The Python for S60 SDK plug-ins include a utility for creating installation packages that enable the installation of stand-alone Python applications on S60 devices.

Networking support
Support is provided for connecting Python for S60 scripts and applications to the Web using GPRS and Bluetooth (OBEX and RFCOMM) sockets.

Support for native S60 UI objects
Python for S60 includes a custom module for access to native S60 UI objects, including text display, dialog boxes, and menus. Additional modules provide for:

• Launching global notes and confirmation queries from scripts or applications without a UI.
• Creating graphical windows that are displayed on top of other applications.

Graphics-canvas and image support
Graphics support, built on S60 2D graphics APIs and OpenGL ES for drawing and image processing, is provided.

Support for native Symbian OS features
Python for S60 includes a number of dynamically loadable extensions for access to native Symbian OS features, including:

• Creating, updating, and querying a Symbian DBMS.
• Sending SMS and MMS messages.
• Receiving notifications of incoming SMS messages and accessing them in the Messages application’s inbox, outbox, sent items, and drafts folders.
• Retrieving GSM-based location information, such as Mobile Country Code and Cell ID.
• Retrieving location information from a Bluetooth GPS or, in S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2 devices or later, an internal GPS.
• Retrieving device information, such as current profile, IMEI code, battery level, and network signal strength.
• Taking still images and recording video.
• Recording and playing audio files and using the device’s text-to-speech engine.
• Making and receiving calls.
• Reading, updating, and creating entries in the Calendar and Contacts applications.
• Capturing information on keys pressed.

What example scripts are included in Python for S60?

Python for S60 includes six example scripts:

• ball.py, which illustrates basic graphics.
• filebrowser.py, which demonstrates a simple file browser.
• gles_demo.py, which demonstrates the use of OpenGL ES.
• imgviewer.py, which illustrates the locating and displaying of an image file.
• simplecube.py, which provides another graphics example.
• snake.py, which implements the classic Snake game.

What documentation is available for Python for S60?

Comprehensive documentation is provided in the PyS60 Library Reference, available for download from the Python for S60 download page at SourceForge.net.

Where can I get more information on the features of Python for S60?

For more information, download and read the Python for S60 data sheet »

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