develop C#/.NET on Android devices

Question

I want to run C# programs on my HTC Magic, I can find the mono app on the Android market but I have no clue on how to run C# using.

The code is just for fun, I don't want official support and such. After coding Visual Basic on windows mobile, I really want to code C# on Android, whether directly using some sort of editor if exists, or compiling it on a PC then installing it on Android.

If anyone knows a way to do such please let me know.

Thank you

Solution 1

There's the androidmono project, which I gather pretty much works but is in relatively early stages.

EDIT: More recently: Mono for Android

Solution 2

As I originally answered this over two years ago...

These days I would look at Mono for Android, developed by the Mono team.

It's a commercial product, but yes, you can then sell your app on the Android Marketplace (aka Google Play store).

Solution 3

You may want to have a look at dot42 at https://www.dot42.com/ I've never tried it myself, tough looking at various articles, it seems that this may be a valid option.

Solution 4

Xamarin supports C# coding for both Android and iPhone, and is based on Mono. For more details, check out: http://xamarin.com/

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Comments

[Jon Skeet]

@Shimmy: It wasn't when I posted it :)

[Jon Skeet]

@Shimmy: So do you think no-one should charge anything for software? (It's not actually clear to me that androidmono is a commercial project, by the way... what made you think it is?)

[Shimmy Weitzhandler]

Cool now checking your link,.it's open source:) shame they charge 400 bux I sure rather learning Java and get used to eclipse quirks

[Jon Skeet]

@Shimmy: You seem to be getting confused between the open and free androidmono project, and the commercial Mono for Android project. They're not the same thing. (You should also think about how long it takes to earn $400. If paying for something saves you a few days work, it earns its cost back immediately.)

[Shimmy Weitzhandler]

Yes, I was confused. Anyway, I'm young I like to learn rather than pay :p Just started to get into Android development (I'm telling you, the best modern development platform is VS & .NET with C#/VB - MSFT is really spoiling its developers compared to other technologies).

[Frank Rem]

I know this is an old discussion, but nevertheless I wanted to add this one the discussion: dot42.com. Compiles C# to Android deployable code (no runtime/mone required). Comes with free and commercial license.

[Frank Rem]

Did you take a look at dot42? The approach is different from that of Xamarin in the sense that C# is compiled to dex. I would be intersted to learn what you think. Note that it is in tech preview stage.

[Jon Skeet]

@FrankRem: I haven't looked at dot42 yet, but I'm pretty impressed with what Xamarin has been doing...

[Frank Rem]

@JonSkeet: I agree. For one thing, Xamarin is a mature product with a large community. dot42 is a new product but it does take a unique approach that makes it worth looking at imho. dot42 compiles C# to dex code executed by the Dalvik VM which is found in every Android system. Because of that, you only need one deployment package for all Android systems out there today and tomorrow. Furthermore, dot42's implementation of the .NET Framework classes makes extensive use of available Android API's, avoiding large quantities of extra code in your deployment package.

[Murali Murugesan]

I have seen that xamarin android will load Mono Runtime which will take 6MB size, read this answer. Still xamarin is the best option for developing android app using c#? I have seen VS2013 supportsandroid development. But I cant upgrade my office PC to Windows 8 :(

[Jon Skeet]

@Murali: I think you've misread that article - it's comparing writing Windows Store apps with writing Android apps. But yes, I believe Xamarin.Android is still the best option for developing for Android using c#.

[dcastro]

@iandotkelly Considering the question, this is a perfectly acceptable answer.