How to become An App Developer

• Mobile App Developer 
• Android Developer 
• iOS Developer 
• Application Developer 
• Mobile Application Developer

What do App Developers do?

An App Developer would typically need to:

• Design, develop, test and program apps for computers and mobile devices such as phones and tablets
• Analyse user needs before designing an app; write programs that convert software requirements into workable code using computer languages
• Fulfil clients’ needs based on their specifications; maintain existing programs or develop new ones for business use as needed
• Clearly outline which actions the program is meant to perform
• Work with a team of experts, from senior App Developers to marketing specialists, to design user-friendly apps 
• Create several models and diagrams to show programmers the various systems and software codes an application might require
• Incorporate elements of logic and commercial awareness while developing applications
• Monitor the application throughout its lifetime, from its conception and testing up to its installation and evaluation
• Design solutions to potential problems to increase the application efficacy
• Evaluate application performance periodically; update and rewrite codes; repair or modify the software to adapt the application to the latest needs 
• Conduct user-acceptance and sample data-set testing to ensure that the application serves its purpose in a user-friendly, quick, and accurate way
• Prepare detailed documentation of the functioning of the app for users and computer operators to consult whenever necessary and as future reference
• Consult technical manuals and reports to upkeep current skills and knowledge and incorporate innovations into app development 
• Suggest software upgrades for consumers’ programs and systems

App Developers work in well-designed offices with sophisticated equipment, such as desktops and computers. Their work could be done remotely or even from multiple locations since it is done entirely on computers.

Occasional travel, domestic or international, may be required to meet clients. 

App Developers work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Their work schedule could exceed 40 hours per week, including weekends or evenings, to meet deadlines. Career breaks and part-time or flexible work are viable options in this industry.

Once you have a few projects under your belt, you may work as a freelance App Developer, which will give you greater flexibility to set your schedules.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. App Developers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs and inquiring at staffing agencies.

App Developers are generally employed by:

• Android & iOS App Development Platforms
• Computer Systems Designing Firms
• Software Firms & Publishers
• Manufacturing Firms
• Retail Firms
• Healthcare Services
• Government Agencies
• Financial Services
• Insurance Carriers
• Manufacturing Industries
• Media Houses
• Travel & Tourism Services
• Entertainment Firms
• Corporate Management

Professional associations and organisations, such as the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), are crucial for App Developers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Susceptibility to eye diseases and other health issues owing to the long hours spent sitting and in front of the computer
• Rigid hours at the time of project completion to meet deadlines
• Difficulty in developing applications that are compatible with multiple operating systems and devices and suit diverse users
• Lack of work-life balance reduces time spent with family and for self-care

Any academic program that a potential App Developer takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship.

Some form of experience is always recommended. Students may consider completing internships with various software companies when in school or college. This way, you can acclimate to the working environment while gaining familiarity with computers, building technical skills in programming languages and learning to meet project deadlines. You may do a placement year during your degree program or find part-time IT work alongside your studies.

Another avenue to acquire experience is working on projects for local businesses or charities and developing programs and codes for them with your knowledge of computer languages. Community involvement not only gives you joy paired with immense social and political awareness but also bolsters your resume.

Keep in mind that prospective employers will expect you to show them your portfolio as evidence of the mobile applications and development projects you have worked on earlier. 

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in App Development to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

App Developers require a bachelor’s degree or higher in computer and information technology, computer science, information systems or allied avenues, including software engineering, mathematics, physics or other pure and applied sciences. Coursework in business management is beneficial. Although coding may not span your entire gamut of job responsibilities, writing and executing flawless codes and algorithms is as essential as your academic qualifications.

Without a degree or a diploma, you may be able to enter the field, but only if you demonstrate your motivation and technical skills, for which it may be helpful to complete an IT conversion course.

While several firms accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree, top-tier firms look for candidates with a master’s degree covering specific programming aspects.

Consider taking high school classes in mathematics, physics, computer science, programming and business if you aspire to develop apps that can change the world.

Certification demonstrates an App Developer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Application development, as of now, does not have any standardised mobile app development certifications. However, the space continues to grow with the influx of vendor training certifications and platform-specific or platform-neutral credentials in mobile app development offered by Google, IBM, Microsoft and other firms.

While pursuing certifications, consider specialising in a given area to bolster your resume and commercial awareness. In addition to such programs, consider taking certification courses in programming languages and functionalities so that you may become as versatile and flexible as an App Developer can be. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

Software firms typically employ graduates as junior App Developers and have them work under and shadow senior App Developers. Starting with programming would give you experience in systems analysis or systems design. Once you gather experience, you may advance to Senior App Developer or App Manager. Other higher roles include Senior Software Developer and Computer & Information Systems Manager, typically tasked with supervising software development. 

As a Project Manager, you would provide an overview of the process rather than its minute details, supervise programming teams and lead the overall project design and specifications.

If you take up contractual or freelance work, you would typically work as a Systems Developer. You would find it helpful to assess user needs and experiences using certain apps to write improved codes that eliminate glitches.

Candidates with a master’s degree and updated technical know-how have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active App Developer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. 

The tech biz is in a state of constant flux, and continuing education (CE) helps you remain updated on the latest developments. You may specialise within specific applications, such as databases, or acquire expertise in a single language, such as Java or C++. 

Completing a master’s degree is recommended if you strive for higher-level positions since it requires a unique set of skills and in-depth knowledge. Large firms usually offer structured graduate programs that rotate you through several work areas, typically working in teams on diverse projects. Some offer ongoing in-house training, usually in the areas of interest for the firm. If you are self-employed or working on a contractual basis, consider taking courses and seminars from reputed organisations and software vendors to upskill yourself.

Mobile App Developers

‘Smart’ devices such as smartphones and tablets are becoming the most popular choice among consumers. Mobile App Developers are specialised in designing apps and writing computer programs for small and mobile electronic devices, such as phones and tablets. They are well-versed in multimedia applications and use multiple programming languages ranging from C and C++ to Python and Java. Typically, every app follows one uniform programming language. 

Android Developers

Android is the operating system that Google owns and operates. It comes with a variety of smartphones and tablets manufactured by Samsung, Sony, Motorola and Google. Android App Developers create the various apps and systems one may find on these devices. The code required is open source and is available for anyone interested in developing apps with Android OS. This operating system is experiencing a healthy boom in employment and output, and it is thus a valuable time to consider jobs with this system. 

iOS Developers

iOS or iPhone Operating System is an operating system owned and operated by Apple Inc. iOS App Developers build and run software for applications and systems on the iPhone, iPad and other Apple mobile devices. These developers know computing languages such as Swift or Objective-C, or even both. iOS is unique for its efficient user interaction, which requires iOS Developers to possess a strong sense of commercial awareness to cater to the varying and dynamic needs of users. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing App Developers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time App Developer, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Even though the first programmer was a woman, men constitute a majority of programmers and developers, occupying about 85-89% of the workforce.

It is hardly far-fetched to say that applications are technological magic. Though they already cover almost all facets of our existence, their demand continues to rise with expanding and diversifying human needs. Their success is solely due to the diligent App Developers, who work tirelessly to produce top-notch products for users.

While focussing on building your technical know-how, do not forget to update your commercial awareness to devise cutting-edge solutions for clients.