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When it comes to tablet apps, iPad vs. Android comparisons spark spirited debate. In the area of apps for developers, the Android tablet apps are more often free and less polished. On the other hand, there are plenty of Android tablet apps that will help developers in one way or another. While Android takes a lot of flack for "fragmentation," in many ways it is now less fragmented than iOS from the viewpoint of a developer. It's straightforward to create a single Android app that will work properly on a large range of devices, measured in operating system level, CPU power, available memory, and device size. On iOS, developers often find themselves writing separate iPhone and iPad apps in order to optimize both.
[ Android is now ready for real usage in the enterprise. Read InfoWorld's in-depth guide on how to make Android a serious part of your business. | Keep up on key mobile developments and insights with the Mobile Tech Report newsletter. ]
Algoid programming language
Algoid is, in Hollywood terms, Logo meets Android -- complete with Turtle graphics. Don't be put off by the fractured English of the write-up in the Play store: Algoid is a for-real IDE with an interpreter, debugger, and scope explorer, as well as an editor with autocompletion and syntax highlighting. Algoid is primarily for educational use, but it isn't restricted to kids, by any means. I can see it used in many educational programming settings, both formal and informal. The author has also released desktop Java and Raspberry Pi versions of Algoid, although I haven't tested either of them.
Algoid, CyaNn, free
DroidScript programming IDE
DroidScript is a JavaScript-based app development environment that also lets you use your computer as a remote IDE over Wi-Fi. DroidScript supports most device capabilities, including GPS, compass, camera, and accelerometer, along with both native and HTML5 controls. It can interact...