Programming for Android in a 100% C++ Environment?

Can You Program for Android Exclusively in C++?

While Android development predominantly utilizes Java and Kotlin, a 100% C++ environment is achievable for certain scenarios, offering distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Methods for C++ Android Development

1. Native Development Kit (NDK)

The NDK is the official route for integrating C++ into Android apps. Here’s how it works:

• Create C++ Libraries: Write your C++ code and build it into dynamic libraries (.so files).
• JNI Bridge: Employ the Java Native Interface (JNI) to establish communication between your Java code and the C++ libraries.
• Java Frontend: Craft your Android app’s user interface and logic in Java, calling the C++ libraries via JNI for intensive operations.

2. Qt for Android

Qt, a cross-platform framework, provides tools to build native Android apps using C++:

• Qt Widgets/QML: Design your app’s UI with Qt’s declarative language (QML) or traditional widgets.
• Qt Core: Leverage Qt’s extensive libraries for tasks like networking, databases, and threading.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Deploy your app to multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) with minimal code changes.

3. Other Frameworks

Alternative frameworks, like SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) and SFML (Simple and Fast Multimedia Library), can be used for Android game development with C++.

Advantages of C++ for Android

• Performance: C++ is known for its speed and efficiency, suitable for demanding applications like games and multimedia.
• Low-Level Access: Direct control over memory management and hardware resources.
• Cross-Platform Development: Reusing code for other platforms (desktop, mobile, embedded systems).
• Existing Codebase: Leverage existing C++ libraries and code for Android development.

Disadvantages of C++ for Android

• Steeper Learning Curve: Mastering C++ and JNI can be challenging compared to Java/Kotlin.
• Increased Complexity: Managing memory manually, handling platform-specific nuances, and bridging with Java require extra effort.
• Limited UI Support: C++ UI frameworks for Android are less mature compared to Java/Kotlin.

Comparison: Java vs. C++ for Android

Code Example (NDK):

C++ Code (native-lib.cpp)

#include 
#include 

extern "C" JNIEXPORT jstring JNICALL
Java_com_example_ndk_MainActivity_stringFromJNI(
        JNIEnv *env,
        jobject /* this */) {
    std::string hello = "Hello from C++!";
    return env->NewStringUTF(hello.c_str());
}

Java Code (MainActivity.java)

package com.example.ndk;

import android.os.Bundle;
import android.widget.TextView;
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity;

public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

    // Used to load the 'native-lib' library on application startup.
    static {
        System.loadLibrary("native-lib");
    }

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);

        // Example of a call to a native method
        TextView tv = findViewById(R.id.sample_text);
        tv.setText(stringFromJNI());
    }

    /**
     * A native method that is implemented by the 'native-lib' native library,
     * which is packaged with this application.
     */
    public native String stringFromJNI();
}

Output

Hello from C++!

Conclusion

Programming for Android using solely C++ is achievable through methods like the NDK and Qt. While C++ offers advantages in performance and low-level control, it comes with increased complexity and learning curve. The choice between C++ and Java/Kotlin hinges on project requirements, developer experience, and desired balance between performance and development speed.