Convert a website into an app?

[dorlow]

Ok, I do have some elementary programming experience. A while back, I did download android studio and created an app that just browses to one website. I still use it regularly. But, using android studio everytime I want to make a bookmark is a pain. Most bookmarks, I want them to work like an app so I can sort it in the app drawer instead of on the home screen or in chrome bookmarks.

Is there a free android app I can download and I enter in a url and it spits out an apk file?

 

[Milo Willamson]

Weebly is an amazing app that is also a web site on where you can, either chose it for a mobile view or not, I used it way in the past. And works amazing as an app One of my mutual online friends used it as a promo for our online home.

 

[dorlow]

I'm looking to make an android app that is installed on my phone that all it does is open a web browser and goes to the one webpage its programmed to. I know I can do it with android studio. Just kind of annoying that everytime I want to do that, I have to compile an apk file. Seems like someone would just make a tool to do it quickly seeing the only code that changes before compiling is the URL.

 

[AnonCritic]

Weebly is a simple website builder. There are many analogs, for example, the same Wix.I understand that the question is completely different.

 

[puppykickr]

I'm looking to make an android app that is installed on my phone that all it does is open a web browser and goes to the one webpage its programmed to. I know I can do it with android studio. Just kind of annoying that everytime I want to do that, I have to compile an apk file. Seems like someone would just make a tool to do it quickly seeing the only code that changes before compiling is the URL.

Ok, this seems more simple to me than it appears to me when I read it.

I can understand wanting to build your own app to do this, but why not just use an excellent browser that already exists- and change the homepage to the site that you wish?

That is exactly what I have done for this site, Android Forums.
In fact, I also have bookmarks for links to app stores and other sites that I use when answering questions here.

I use another version of the same browser while I am at work, as I need to look up fluid capacities of various vehicles.
Sure, I could use the computer at work, but the browser on my phone is actually faster than the website my work is using.

Try it and see for yourself.

Lightning is the original, but I included some varients that you may like more.

I have used Lightning for years, so if you have any questions let me know.

https://f-droid.org/en/packages/acr.browser.lightning/

https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.midorinext.android/

https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.cookiegames.smartcookie/

 

[laraming211]

Yo @dorlo how can you convert your website into app. can you help me please I also want to convert my website into app. and i am full newbie so i will need your proper help.

 

[dorlow]

Yeah I don't think most of you understand what I'm looking for. I want to enter a url into the app and have it generate an apk file that I can install and all the app will do is open an app that only shows that one website.

 

[mikedt]

Yeah I don't think most of you understand what I'm looking for. I want to enter a url into the app and have it generate an apk file that I can install and all the app will do is open an app that only shows that one website.

I'm pretty sure no app like that exists, and a dev would have to build it for you(if that's possible).

 

[puppykickr]

Yeah I don't think most of you understand what I'm looking for. I want to enter a url into the app and have it generate an apk file that I can install and all the app will do is open an app that only shows that one website.

And how is this end result any different from the solution that I suggested?

 

[dorlow]

I actually have an app on my phone that does it. It's called web2apk. It works... Sometimes. Seems like about a 50/50 shot. Sometimes I need to try multiple times to convert one site to an APK. so, it works, but it seems like someone else would offer it and have it work more reliably.

 

[Lexxisriennnl]

I haven't met any app that can do something like this (if it can be possible and a really fast working app it will ease a lot of dev-related processes).
Concerning website builders, I recommend Wix or Ning (they are kinda similar).

You've mentioned web2apk. Does it work well and without any crashes due to your experience?