Cython Not Found Error in Buildozer
The “Cython not found…Please install it” error in Buildozer usually arises when you try to build an Android app using Kivy, and your system lacks the Cython compiler.
Understanding the Error
Cython is a compiler that translates Python code into C code. It’s a critical component of Kivy’s build process. When Buildozer tries to compile your Kivy app, it looks for Cython to handle the translation. If it can’t find Cython, it throws the “Cython not found” error.
Resolving the Error
1. Installing Cython
The simplest way to resolve this error is by installing Cython on your system. You can do this using pip:
pip install cython
2. Specifying Cython in Buildozer.spec
In some cases, even after installing Cython, Buildozer might not be able to find it. To overcome this, you can explicitly specify the Cython location in your Buildozer configuration file (buildozer.spec).
Here’s how:
[app] # ... other app settings ... requirements = python3,kivy,cython
This tells Buildozer to include Cython in your app’s dependencies.
3. System-Wide Installation
If you encounter issues even after installing Cython and specifying it in Buildozer.spec, consider installing it system-wide using:
sudo pip install cython
Remember to replace ‘sudo’ with the appropriate command for your operating system (e.g., ‘su’ for macOS).
4. Checking Python Version Compatibility
Verify that the version of Cython you installed is compatible with your Python version. You can find this information in your Python environment (e.g., using ‘python –version’ on Linux/macOS). If necessary, install a specific version of Cython compatible with your Python version.
Additional Notes
- Buildozer Configuration: Make sure your buildozer.spec file has the necessary configurations, including your Kivy version and other dependencies.
- Virtual Environments: If you use virtual environments, ensure that you install Cython within the same virtual environment where you’re running Buildozer.
- Kivy Documentation: Refer to the official Kivy documentation for additional guidance on building and deploying Kivy apps using Buildozer.