Look around you and think like a user - how many apps do you use daily? How many apps do you install? Probably a lot, right? This is precisely what's depicted in this chart. In 2021, users downloaded over 230 billion apps.
This number is undoubtedly quite significant, so there's an opportunity for app developers. But how can you become a mobile app developer?
This article is a comprehensive guide to becoming a programmer. We cover what you need to know before becoming a programmer and other essential topics in this article.
This is a question that only you can answer. In general, mobile app development is an excellent choice as it combines logical thinking with creativity. Additionally, mobile app developers can earn a high income. As a mobile app developer, you also have flexibility in your work, as you can choose to work from home, be contract-based, or even become a freelancer.
In the development profession, you also have various options. You can become an iOS app developer and create apps for the $72 billion Apple app market, expected to grow even further in the coming years. Alternatively, you can choose to be an Android app developer and reach over 2.5 billion potential users.
Who Should Become a Programmer?
There are various reasons to learn app development, and it may vary from person to person. Some possible options include:
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If you are starting your own startup business, learning app development is a great idea. It allows you to create an app for your business without significant expenses.
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You can also become a mobile app developer to kickstart a freelance career. This skill is in high demand and can help you earn a substantial income.
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Learning app development can also be an option for business owners and entrepreneurs who do not have the budget to outsource their projects.
To understand how to become a mobile app developer, consider whether you have the following conditions or not. Let's take a look at the crucial aspects:
- Problem-solving ability and logical thinking.
- Persistence to overcome challenges and continue the learning process.
- Project management and time management skills.
- Interest in technology and how to solve various problems.
- Willingness to invest time and effort in learning app development.
When you possess the above qualities, there's no doubt that you can learn app development. The good news is that you don't necessarily need to learn coding to build an app!
App developer challengs
Like any other profession, mobile app developers also face their own set of challenges. However, these challenges should not deter you from learning how to develop apps. There are ways for mobile app developers to overcome these issues and create excellent apps. Let's first discuss the potential challenges:
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User Interface (UI) Design: One of the primary challenges for any app developer is designing a user-friendly UI and delivering a good user experience (UX). This is the most critical part of the app and needs to be practical and visually appealing. Many developers strive to find the right balance.
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Budget and Resources: Like any other profession, mobile app developers need a budget for their projects. Apart from software and hardware costs, they may need a budget for testing and marketing their app.
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Consistent Performance: Another challenge for app developers is ensuring that users get consistent performance from the app. This means thoroughly testing the app and making sure it functions flawlessly. Additionally, addressing bugs and releasing timely updates is expected.
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Cross-Platform Development: While some apps can be exclusively launched on a single mobile OS, many developers may want to bring their app to both iOS and Android, which requires cross-platform development. This can be more technically challenging and demands extra effort from the developer to provide a seamless experience.
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User Feedback Collection: After launching an app, mobile app developers must continue to collect user feedback. Lack of user feedback can negatively impact an app's reputation and download count.
If you are someone with a sense of visual aesthetics and problem-solving skills, you can become an exceptional app developer. Since people spend over 4 hours using their smartphones daily, launching an app allows you to tap into this opportunity for income generation. Some general skills you need include:
- Problem-solving and logical thinking abilities.
- Persistence to overcome challenges and keep learning.
- Project management and time management skills.
- Interest in technology and problem-solving.
- Willingness to invest time and effort in learning app development.
When you possess these qualities, there's no doubt that you can become a successful app developer. The good news is that you don't necessarily need to learn coding to build an app!
Technical Skills Required to Become a Developer
Whether you want to become an iOS developer or an Android developer, you need to acquire several essential technical skills. Keep in mind that different programming languages and frameworks are used for the iOS and Android operating systems. Therefore, it's recommended to choose accordingly. If you want to develop an app for both platforms, learning cross-platform languages is a good idea.
Technical Skills Required to Become an iOS Developer:
Swift:
Swift is a relatively new programming language introduced by Apple for developers who want to create apps for iOS. It's straightforward to use and learn, and it receives regular updates that make coding easier. If you want to become an iOS app developer, you should familiarize yourself with Swift and its tools.
UIKit:
As the name suggests, this framework empowers iOS app developers to design UI and UX. You can use this tool to add 3D touch, animations, gestures, and other interactive elements to your iOS app.
Xcode:
Since Apple manufactures mobile devices in various sizes and resolutions, creating an app for all types of devices can be challenging. Xcode makes it much easier for you to develop apps for all Apple phones and tablets.
Technical Skills Required to Become an Android Developer:
Java/Kotlin:
Java and Kotlin are the two primary programming languages used for Android app development. Java has been the traditional language, but Kotlin is gaining popularity for its conciseness and expressiveness. You should be proficient in at least one of these languages.
Android Studio:
Android Studio is the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android app development. It provides various tools and resources to help you design, code, and test your Android apps efficiently.
XML:
XML is used for defining the layout and UI elements of Android apps. You need to understand how to create and manipulate XML files to design user interfaces effectively.
These technical skills are fundamental for becoming a successful app developer in either the iOS or Android ecosystem. Depending on your choice of platform, you should focus on acquiring the relevant skills and continually updating your knowledge to stay current in the rapidly evolving field of mobile app development.
General Skills Needed to Become a Developer
When you want to develop an app, you need not only technical skills but also general skills that directly impact creating a successful mobile application. Some of the general skills you might need include:
Problem Solving: Developing an app is all about solving a specific problem, which often requires relying on algorithms and code. Therefore, analytical thinking skills are essential to make the necessary adjustments and changes to build a robust application.
Imagination and Creativity: Remember that creating an app is not just a technical task. To design an engaging user experience, you need to be creative and come up with solutions that others may not have thought of.
Attention to Detail: Having a keen eye for detail can be a significant advantage when developing mobile applications. Since even a minor typo can lead to issues and errors, being meticulous about every little detail is crucial.
Teamwork: Building an excellent app rarely happens in isolation; it's all about teamwork. To ensure your app is top-notch, you must communicate and collaborate with other team members, including developers and testers.
Your Journey Begins Here
We've covered nearly all the essential information you need to know to become a mobile app developer. We hope this information helps you make the right decisions for your bright future career.
If you encounter challenges when developing your first app or need assistance from professional developers, you can contact us. The expert development team at Tenetup will provide you with the best possible guidance.