The mobile app sector is rapidly growing – there’s an app for everything these days. With this kind of growth comes many opportunities for anyone considering becoming a mobile app developer.
This blog looks at how to become a mobile app developer, sharing nine ways to get started learning and how Coding Dojo can help make it all possible.
What Is a Mobile App Developer?
Mobile app developers are software professionals who create apps for smartphones and various other devices. Typically, mobile app developers are in charge of creating, testing, and optimizing the final version of the application. With the skills and coding language knowledge, mobile app developers play an integral role in the success of any mobile app project.
What Does a Mobile App Developer Do?
Many mobile app developers wear several different hats when working in a team setting, not limited to writing the code for the application to function. Below is a brief list of some of the most typical responsibilities of a mobile app developer, which include:
- Writing a project plan for all activities relating to the application’s coding, testing, and final release.
- Checking for errors and identifying the corresponding debugging code.
- Developing applications and regularly patching up all errors in the application.
- Ensuring all applications are up to date and any new features function correctly to add value to all end-users.
Additionally, some mobile app developers can play a more active role in the business development side of building an application. In these cases, they’re responsible for meeting with potential clients to discuss desired features, budgets, and scope for upcoming projects.
How to Become a Mobile App Developer
For anyone seriously considering becoming a mobile app developer but unsure where to begin, this section will help provide some direction. Here are nine ways to become a mobile app developer. Keep reading to learn more about how to break into the tech space.
1. Learn the Mobile App Development Basics
Read Mobile App Development Books
One of the best ways to learn the basics around becoming a mobile app developer comes down to reading. Researching and finding books that discuss the specific types of code, tips from industry experts, and particular topics within the mobile app development space is a great starting point for all beginners.
Watch Mobile App Development Tutorials
Tutorials are one of the best ways to become an app developer. Tutorials on mobile app development are another excellent option for those looking to start in the tech space. Although tutorials need to be more substantial to learn about mobile app development, they are a fantastic resource paired with reading materials and hands-on experience.
Take a Free Mobile App Development Course
Taking a free course on mobile app development is the best option for newcomers. An introduction course allows students to become more acquainted with basic mobile app terminology and gain a better grasp on concepts – then easily move on to more advanced courses. H
2. Enroll in a Mobile App Development Bootcamp
When learning anything in tech, bootcamps are a student’s best weapon. With Coding Dojo’s software development bootcamp, students can become expert programmers in just 14 weeks and gain all skills and knowledge needed for a lucrative tech career.
3. Choose a Mobile App Development Platform
It’s critical to choose the right platforms for mobile app development, whether you’re developing for Android or iOS. Selecting which platform helps direct what to focus on learning. This decision is important because each platform uses different programming languages, requiring a specific skill set and background to become proficient.
4. Learn Essential Programming Languages
Top iOS Programming Languages:
C#
C# is a general-purpose, object-oriented coding language integrated within the .NET platform. This programming language is both a framework and a runtime environment, common on Windows systems, Linux, and iOS apps.
Swift
Swift is a programming language created by Apple as a follow-up to Objective-C. This coding language allows programmers to seamlessly develop macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS solutions. Additionally, Swift can work with frameworks such as Cocoa, Cocoa Touch, and Objective-C for various Apple products.
Objective-C
Objective-C is an iOS mobile application development language created in the 1980s as another variant within the C language family. Objective-C is the most commonly used programming language for iOS mobile app development, primarily because it’s easy for developers who already know C.
Top Android Programming Languages:
C++
C++ is another object-oriented coding language known for being one of the top options for developers looking to build a large-scale application. C++ is closely related to Java programming language as a subset of the C language. The main difference is that C++ uses a design that optimally distributes program objects throughout a network.
Java
Java is an object-oriented coding language widely used across millions of devices and applications. For beginners, Java is known for being a complex language to learn as it deals with pretty advanced topics. Based on the rules and syntax of C and C++, Java is one of the most popular programming languages in the Android mobile app development space.
Kotlin
Kotlin is a general-purpose programming language that’s open source and highly pragmatic because of its ability to blend object-oriented and functional programming features. As the most popular coding language within the Android mobile app development sector, Kotlin is used by over 60% of the top 100 Android apps, as it’s known for improving productivity and code safety.
5. Practice Your Mobile App Development Skills
In terms of learning approaches, hands-on experience is the best option. There are plenty of beginner coding projects you can take on to practice your skills. When it comes to mobile app development, this is especially true. By taking the time to learn how to master the specific technical skills needed to be successful and build a solid portfolio, it’ll be that much easier to land that next job.
6. Join a Mobile App Developer Community
Community support can be an absolute game-changer, especially for beginners starting to learn about topics within mobile app development. With the right community, you can easily share knowledge, overcome daunting problems, and complete even the most complex projects.
7. Make a Mobile App Developer Portfolio
A compelling portfolio can make all the difference in job searching and finding great opportunities. The truth is that portfolios are one of the best ways for mobile app developers to showcase their skills and knowledge from past work experience and personal projects. While a resume states an applicant’s skills, a portfolio shows employers tangible proof of those skills.
8. Build a Mobile App Developer Resume
The mobile app development sector is highly competitive, so your resume is critical when job searching. It’s essential to craft a compelling resume that’ll stand out against the crowd when recruiters are looking to fill a position. Remember to include a section showcasing relevant technical skills, soft skills, and up-to-date work experience when putting together a resume.
9. Apply for a Mobile App Developer Internship or Job
Real-world experience plays a crucial role when it comes to becoming a well-rounded mobile app developer. In reality, a job or internship can allow an aspiring developer to take their knowledge and skills and put them to use.
Top Mobile App Developer Skills
UIkit
UIkits are essential in helping mobile app developers improve the overall app design workflow. As an extensive collection of design elements and styles, UIkits allow developers to recycle components rather than having to start over, effectively saving time.
Xcode
As the complete toolset that any mobile app developer would ever need, Xcode lets programmers build apps for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. The main benefit of Xcode is that it combines user interface design, coding, testing, debugging, and app submissions to the App Store, all into one seamless workflow.
Android API
Android API (which stands for Application Programming Interface) is what’s known as the software intermediary which permits two applications to communicate with one another. Android API is so important because it allows applications to share and access data with one another.
Swift and Java Programming Languages
Since most applications use either Java (for Android) or Swift (for iOS), knowing these programming languages becomes a fundamental skill every developer should know inside and out. For Android mobile app development, Java is a favorite due to its reliability for apps that require high security. When it comes to Swift, its popularity is primarily due to its intuitive language syntax structure.
User Interface Design (UI Design)
All mobile app developers must have stellar UI design skills to ensure that the final design is simple and intuitive for end-users to navigate. By paying close attention to aspects of functionality and crafting a streamlined design, developers will guarantee that the finalized version of their app delights customers and is easy to recognize.
User Experience Design (UX Design)
The final version of an app must be friendly to look at and easy for users to interact with and navigate. Additionally, user experience design is equally as critical as user interface design. It’s important to emphasize that the mobile app developers who understand this skill set will find success and build an app that end-users love.
Cross-Platform App Development
Regardless of if the final app begins life on Android or iOS, it will need to migrate over and be available on both operating systems. Due to this fact, all mobile app developers need to be well-versed in all of the top coding languages used on both platforms.
The Average Mobile App Developer Salary
On average mobile app developers in the United States enjoy a salary of $98,554 as of October 27, 2022. Overall, salaries range between $85,392 and $112,496 on the higher end. Keep in mind that salaries can vary depending on different factors such as level of education, types of certifications, skill set, and the amount of work experience as a mobile app developer.
3 Reasons to Become Mobile App Developer
Here are three top reasons why becoming a mobile app developer is a good idea and an excellent investment for a prosperous future.
1. High Salary
It’s no secret that a career as a developer can be incredibly lucrative, even for those just starting in tech. For an entry-level mobile app developer, the average salary in the United States ranges from $61,000, and $77,247. While money shouldn’t necessarily be the sole reason for entering a specific field or career, it sure does help to know that a future of financial stability is possible.
2. Job Security
Another top reason for becoming a mobile app developer is strong job security, partly because this sector is experiencing tons of growth, giving everyone enough room. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for mobile app developers will grow by 22% from 2019 to 2029 – far above the national average.
3. Work from Anywhere
Last but not least, as a mobile app developer, there’s immense freedom because professionals have the added advantage of working remotely or in the office. You can work from home in your pajamas if you want, or even work and live abroad. The possibilities are endless!
Start Your Mobile App Developer Career at Coding Dojo
For anyone looking to start a career as a mobile app developer, Coding Dojo can help turn those dreams into a reality. After 14 to 16 weeks, students walk away as developers with the technical skills and critical knowledge for a long, lucrative tech career.
Your future career in app development is waiting! With Coding Dojo’s hands-on learning approach and comprehensive three-stack courses, students leave ready for that next opportunity. For more information on how to become a mobile app developer, check out Coding Dojo’s full-stack software development bootcamp.
Mobile App Developer FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about learning mobile app development; read on to learn more.
Is Mobile App Development Worth It?
Between high salaries, strong job security, and the freedom to work from anywhere, becoming a mobile app developer is a great career option. As the mobile application field continues to grow in the coming years, there’s no shortage of new and exciting opportunities for those looking to learn to develop mobile apps.
Is Mobile App Development Hard?
The truth is that mobile app development isn’t easy; it can be pretty tough. The reason for this difficulty is that mobile app development, in comparison to web development, requires programmers to build apps that are platform specific, usually from scratch. That said, mobile app development is an excellent choice for anyone who loves a challenge and enjoys getting paid to work on complex puzzles.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Mobile App Developer?
Typically, it takes most people to become highly proficient mobile app developers in about two years. A secret that many people tend to overlook is that bootcamps can rapidly speed this process up, giving beginners the skills to start a new career in a couple of months. With help from Coding Dojo, students leave with hands-on experience, and the technical knowledge employers desperately need today.