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When I first heard about Termux packages for development, I was skeptical. Coding on a phone? It sounded like a nightmare. I had tried SSH apps before, but the experience was clunky, slow, and nowhere near as efficient as working on a proper machine.

Then I installed Termux, and everything changed. With the right packages, my Android device became a full-fledged development environment. I could manage Git repositories, compile code, run servers, and even monitor system performance—all from my phone. It wasn’t just convenient; it was empowering.

But here’s the thing: most developers barely scratch the surface of what Termux can do. They install a few basic utilities and miss out on the powerful packages that can transform their workflow.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the must-have Termux packages for development, the ones that have made my mobile workflow smoother, faster, and more efficient. Whether you’re a web developer, sysadmin, or someone who just loves tinkering, these tools will turn your Android into a serious dev machine.

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Table of Contents

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• Development Packages
  • Git
  • Python
  • Node.js
  • PHP
  • OpenJDK
• System Monitoring Packages
  • htop
  • iftop
  • termux-api
  • ncdu
• Networking and Security Tools
  • nmap
  • OpenSSH
  • curl
  • tcpdump
• Text Editors
  • Vim
  • Emacs
• Utilities and Productivity Tools
  • tmux
  • rsync
  • zip/unzip
• The Verdict: Termux Is More Than Just a Terminal

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Development Packages

When it comes to development, Termux provides a plethora of tools that can help you write, compile, and run code directly from your Android device. Here are some must-have packages:

Git

Version control is essential for any development project. With Git, you can clone repositories, commit changes, and manage branches just as you would on any other development environment.

pkg install git 

Python

Whether you’re scripting or developing full applications, Python is a versatile language to have.

pkg install python

Don’t forget to install pip, Python’s package manager.

pkg install python-pip

Node.js

If you’re into JavaScript development, Node.js is a must. It allows you to run JavaScript on the server side.

pkg install nodejs

PHP

For web development, PHP is still a dominant language. Install it with:

pkg install php

OpenJDK

For Java development, OpenJDK provides the necessary tools to compile and run Java applications.

pkg install openjdk-17

For a more in-depth look at setting up your development environment on Termux, check out our Ultimate Guide to Termux.

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System Monitoring Packages

Monitoring your system’s performance and resources is crucial, especially when running tasks on your mobile device. Here are some packages to help you keep an eye on your system:

htop

A process viewer that shows a dynamic real-time view of the running processes on your system.

pkg install htop

iftop

A network monitoring tool that shows bandwidth usage on your network interfaces.

pkg install iftop

termux-api

This package allows you to access Android-specific features, such as battery status, sensor data, and more.

pkg install termux-api

ncdu

A disk usage analyzer that provides a visual representation of your disk space usage.

pkg install ncdu

These tools are essential for maintaining your Termux environment. For additional automation tips using Termux, visit our Automation with Termux guide.

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Networking and Security Tools

If you’re into networking or security, Termux has you covered with several powerful tools:

nmap

A network scanning tool that can discover hosts and services on a network.

pkg install nmap

OpenSSH

Securely connect to remote servers using SSH.

pkg install openssh

curl

A command-line tool for transferring data with URLs. It’s handy for interacting with APIs and downloading files.

pkg install curl

tcpdump

A powerful network packet analyzer that allows you to capture and inspect network traffic.

pkg install tcpdump

Learn more about setting up secure connections and file transfers in our Comprehensive Guide to rsync on Termux.

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Text Editors

While Termux comes with nano pre-installed, you may want to install other editors based on your preference:

Vim

A highly configurable text editor built to make editing text efficient.

pkg install vim

Emacs

An extensible, customizable text editor with a built-in Lisp interpreter.

pkg install emacs

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Utilities and Productivity Tools

Lastly, here are some additional utilities that can enhance your productivity:

tmux

A terminal multiplexer that allows you to run multiple terminal sessions within a single window.

Install it with:

pkg install tmux

rsync

A fast and versatile file-copying tool, ideal for backups and syncing files across systems.

pkg install rsync

zip/unzip

Manage compressed files with these essential tools.

pkg install unzip

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The Verdict: Termux Is More Than Just a Terminal

At first, I thought Termux packages for development were just a novelty—something cool to play around with but not a serious tool. But after setting up a full-fledged dev environment on my phone, I realized how powerful and practical it really is.

From coding on the go to managing servers and automating tasks, Termux breaks the barriers between mobile and desktop development. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about bridging the gap between accessibility and power, making development possible for anyone, anywhere, on any device.

If you haven’t explored the full potential of Termux packages for development, now is the time. Start experimenting, build your mobile dev stack, and unlock a whole new level of productivity.

📌 Check out the full guide and discover the essential Termux packages that will transform your Android into a serious development machine!