Coding On Your Android Phone Using Termux
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| Writing code on Android Termux app |
Install Termux
All developers or whatever IT guys need is a simple command line tool that you can use to do some operation like editing a file or installing some tool or program on the system. Luckily the Android world is very robust, we have a terminal tool to execute the Linux command line on your phone. The app is called Termux.
Although Termux is available on the Android Play Store, it's been long abandoned by the developer, it's still running but no longer maintained. The newest version of Termux is available on the F Droid app store. So the first thing to do is install f droid and install Termux from FDroid instead of the Google play store.
Actually, by Termux alone you can do any kind of coding using it, like on your computer you first need to install Vim for editing your code and install some more tech stacks you need. After Termux is installed and ready everything is just the same as if you are working on your regular computer.
Still, if you need to know how to develop a react app, here's an example step-by-step of developing a react application using Termux on your android phone.
Install NodeJs
No need to worry, Nodejs is also available on the Termux repository. You can use this command to install node js on your android phone. First, like always find an updated package:
pkg upgrade
Then install node js:
pkg install nodejs-lts
Verify the installation:
node -v
Also you need python because nodejs requires it
pkg install python
Allow Termux access to your external storage
If you want your project to be accessible by another app later, for example, file manager or Vs Code, then you need to make sure that Termux is allowed to access the storage. And later you create your project inside the external storage that you are familiar with. So that you can open the project using another app.
To allow Termux access to the system's external storage type :
termux-setup-storage
Now if you type: ls. It will show the list of folders on your phone. Navigate through the folder using the CD command.
Create your react project
Every Nodejs installation comes along with Npm or NodeJs package manager, so just like the usual type:
npm install -g create-react-app
That will do the same way as if we are on a computer running windows, Linux, or Mac.
The next step tries to create your new react app on a folder you choose by using the CD command. After the cursor is at your chosen directory, create react project using :
create-react-app your-app-name
Edit the code on vim, and change whatever is inside app.js to verify that you are doing some changes using vim on Termux.
To debug and run your react app as easily as usual:
npm start
Conclusion
And just FYI, I also wrote this article using only google docs on my phone while I feel bored lying on my bed because I am not in the mood to sit at the desk, even though my computer is just right there in my room.
Termux is a very helpful tool for us developers whenever we are not in front of a proper computer. When you need more editors, Vs code is also available on the google play store.
I have been working as a software developer for over 7 years. Me, I know a lot of things to do for setting up my working environment. Mainly I am using windows.
Now that I am not always bringing my laptop with me, my only tool to do software development is by using my phone which is never far away from me. A smartphone is always available near me, unlike my very heavy laptop.
Allow Termux access to your external storage
If you want your project to be accessible by another app later, for example, file manager or Vs Code, then you need to make sure that Termux is allowed to access the storage. And later you create your project inside the external storage that you are familiar with. So that you can open the project using another app.
To allow Termux access to the system's external storage type :
termux-setup-storage
Now if you type: ls. It will show the list of folders on your phone. Navigate through the folder using the CD command.
Create your react project
Every Nodejs installation comes along with Npm or NodeJs package manager, so just like the usual type:
npm install -g create-react-app
That will do the same way as if we are on a computer running windows, Linux, or Mac.
The next step tries to create your new react app on a folder you choose by using the CD command. After the cursor is at your chosen directory, create react project using :
create-react-app your-app-name
Edit the code on vim, and change whatever is inside app.js to verify that you are doing some changes using vim on Termux.
To debug and run your react app as easily as usual:
npm start
Conclusion
And just FYI, I also wrote this article using only google docs on my phone while I feel bored lying on my bed because I am not in the mood to sit at the desk, even though my computer is just right there in my room.
Termux is a very helpful tool for us developers whenever we are not in front of a proper computer. When you need more editors, Vs code is also available on the google play store.
I have been working as a software developer for over 7 years. Me, I know a lot of things to do for setting up my working environment. Mainly I am using windows.
Now that I am not always bringing my laptop with me, my only tool to do software development is by using my phone which is never far away from me. A smartphone is always available near me, unlike my very heavy laptop.
