How to Set Up a Mobile Development Environment

Running a Linux development environment on a mobile device: a guide to using Samsung DeX

Core points:

• Samsung DeX uses the computing power of mobile devices to run desktop-like environments, allowing you to set up a Linux development environment on your mobile device.
• To create a Linux development environment, you need to install the Samsung DeX application and Linux on DeX application, and then use the Linux image to create a virtual container, currently only supporting the Ubuntu 16.04 LTS version.
• Although Linux on DeX is still in the testing stage and its performance is not as good as desktop computers, the improvement of mobile device performance and the popularity of cloud services show that mobile devices may replace traditional computers in the future.

The use of mobile devices has increased significantly over the past decade. Mobile browsing has exceeded desktop browsing for more than two years. The availability of mobile devices has also been greatly improved. Mobile devices today have strong processing power.

We often ignore the powerful tool for mobile platforms as developers, but today you can take advantage of the portability of your mobile device and gain the flexibility that you get closer to your desktop every year.

This article describes how to use Samsung DeX to run a Linux development environment on mobile devices.

A brief history of Samsung DeX

Samsung DeX is a platform that allows you to run desktop-like environments using the computing power of your mobile device. It was launched in 2017 and has been actively developed since then. The number of devices capable of running DeX has increased steadily. In this article, we will explore how to set up a Linux development environment through Samsung DeX.

Since its launch, Samsung DeX has been available on all Samsung flagship devices, including:

• Galaxy S8/S8
• Note 8
• Galaxy S9/S9
• Note 9
• Galaxy Tab S4
• Recent S10 Series

Samsung DeX initially launched a docking station accessory called DeX Station. You must connect your mobile device to the DeX Station, which provides an interface to the output device via the HDMI port and to input devices such as the mouse and keyboard via the USB and USB-C ports.

Samsung DeX Station (Source)

While DeX Station was initially required, this requirement has been relaxed in newer devices. If you are using a Galaxy Note 9 or newer device, a USB-C to HDMI converter can help you connect to your monitor and Bluetooth can be used for peripherals.

Samsung recently launched the DeX Pad, a portable version of the DeX Station, which has built-in wireless charging and cooling fans in addition to HDMI and USB ports.

Samsung DeX Pad (Source)

Suppose you meet the hardware requirements, you need two applications to create a Linux development environment. First, you need to install the Samsung DeX application to enable the Samsung DeX experience. Next, you need the Linux on DeX application, which is currently in beta. You can request access through the Google Play Store.

Now that we have solved the requirements of the process, let's get started!

Configure Linux environment on Samsung DeX

The Linux on DeX application shows you a list of virtual containers you created on your device. Let's try to create our first container by clicking the " " button in the lower right corner of the screen.

When creating a container, you need to use a Linux image. Currently, only Ubuntu 16.04 LTS is supported. This image can be downloaded from the Samsung DeX server. You need to use a modified version of Ubuntu to comply with Android's security policies.

Download custom Linux image provided by Samsung

After the download is complete, you need to unzip the image.

Unzip the downloaded Linux image

To create a new container, browse to the location where the image is decompressed in the file system and provide a name and description for the image. You also need to specify the storage space to allocate to this image. This can be changed later after the container is successfully created. At least 10 GB is required.

Options to create containers

Creating containers won't take a long time - custom images of the Linux operating system provided by Samsung are already compatible with DeX. The default user is dextop and the password is secret.

After creating the container, you can view the list of containers in the application. Select a container to view its details.

Container details

Test Linux environment on mobile devices and Samsung DeX

You can still access the container from the Linux on DeX application through the startup terminal before connecting to an external monitor. Select the "Terminal Mode" option in the details page shown above to start the terminal.

Terminals running containers on mobile devices

You can run the Python interpreter from this terminal and test some basic statements.

Python interpreter for running containers on mobile devices

To use the Linux environment in your desktop settings, connect your mobile device to an external monitor. At this point, you may not be running a Linux on DeX application. When the desktop version is loaded into the monitor, you will see the Samsung DeX logo on the monitor.

Samsung DeX Desktop at startup

When Samsung DeX loads, you can use the connected mobile device as a trackpad, or use the connected mouse and keyboard. Navigate to the application installed in your mobile device and select Linux on DeX Applications. You will be able to see a list of all available containers in your application. Select the container you want to run.

Click the Run button to enter the Linux environment.

You will enter the Linux environment in Samsung DeX. You can still access the bottom menu of the DeX environment, which I have used to take screenshots.

Linux on DeX is still in its infancy, and you can run various applications, but the performance is comparable to that of a desktop computer. Linux on DeX is primarily aimed at developers, perhaps this is the user base that can use it in its current form.

Final Thoughts

Linux development machines with Samsung DeX can simulate desktop computers in terms of functionality. Crucially, the growing popularity of cloud services has reduced reliance on traditional storage needs.

Computing power is not strong compared to running Linux natively on desktops, it is not the smoothest experience. Additionally, support for various devices is limited, and Linux on DeX is still in beta. But, given the speed at which our mobile devices are becoming increasingly powerful, it is no surprise that end users replace traditional personal computers with containers on mobile devices in the coming years.

Have you tried Linux on DeX? Do you think it will complement (or even replace!) your current development setup? Please let us know in the comments below!

FAQs about mobile development environments (FAQ)

What is Samsung DeX and how does it work?

Samsung DeX is a feature included in some high-end Samsung handheld devices that allows you to "extend" your device to a desktop-like experience. With a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, you can use your phone or tablet as a computer to run Android applications in a desktop-like interface. This feature is especially useful for developers who want to code anytime, anywhere, as it allows them to use Samsung devices as a portable development environment.

Can I use Docker containers on Samsung DeX?

Yes, you can run Docker containers on Samsung DeX. Docker is a platform that allows you to automate the deployment, scaling, and management of applications. By running Docker containers on Samsung DeX, you can create a portable development environment that allows you to work on projects anytime, anywhere.

How to set up my Samsung DeX for encoding?

Setting up Samsung DeX for encoding involves several steps. First, you need to connect your Samsung device to your monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Then you need to install a code editor on your device, such as Termux or CodeAnywhere. After installing the code editor, you can start encoding directly on your Samsung device.

What are the limitations of encoding on Samsung DeX?

While Samsung DeX provides a convenient way to code anytime, anywhere, it does have some limitations. For example, not all programming languages ​​and frameworks are supported. Additionally, Samsung devices may not perform as well as traditional desktop or laptops, which may affect the speed and efficiency of encoding.

Can I use Samsung DeX without a docking station?

Yes, you can use Samsung DeX without a docking station. Samsung DeX can be activated using a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable. However, using a docking station can provide other benefits, such as an additional USB port for connecting peripherals like keyboards and mouses.

Is Samsung DeX compatible with all Samsung devices?

Samsung DeX is not compatible with all Samsung devices. It is only available on certain high-end models, including the Galaxy S8 and later, the Galaxy Note8 and later, and the Galaxy Tab S4 and later.

Can I use Samsung DeX with non-Samsung displays and peripherals?

Yes, you can use Samsung DeX with non-Samsung displays and peripherals. Samsung DeX is compatible with most HDMI monitors as well as USB and Bluetooth peripherals.

Can I run multiple applications on Samsung DeX at the same time?

Yes, you can run multiple applications simultaneously on Samsung DeX. This allows you to multitask as efficiently as you would on a traditional desktop or laptop.

Can I access the internet on Samsung DeX?

Yes, you can access the internet on Samsung DeX. You can use the internet connection of your Samsung device or connect to a Wi-Fi network.

Can I save and transfer files on Samsung DeX?

Yes, you can save and transfer files on Samsung DeX. Files saved on Samsung devices can be accessed on Samsung DeX and vice versa. You can also transfer files between a Samsung device and a connected USB or Bluetooth device.

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