The Android Scripting Environment (ASE) will make Android development easier and more accessible for a number of developers who don’t want to build a full application.

The ASE allows developers to develop directly on the Android powered device without the need for a separate computer using Android’s development environment.

Scripts can be run interactively in a terminal, started as a long running service, or started via Locale. Python, Lua and BeanShell are currently supported, and we’re planning to add Ruby and JavaScript support, as well.

The ASE scripts will allow access to many of the API’s that are available to application developers, but according to Google will include a much more simple interface that will make it far easier to:

Handle intents

Start activities

Make phone calls

Send text messages

Scan bar codes

Poll location and sensor data

Use text-to-speech (TTS)

And more

The Android Scripting Environment can be downloaded from the ASE project page HERE.

[via Google Open source Blog]