Whenever you choose a profession, there can be a lot of thought given to job security. In addition to a career in the medical field and education, software development is proving to be another area with longevity and greater need on the horizon. Computer programming needs have been around for decades, but there is a new industry taking over programming needs. After all, the growing career opportunities in the programming industry has never been a lot better!
The role of a mobile app developer is to design, build, or maintain the software applications for mobile devices that operate using the Android or Apple iOS platforms. While there are other operating platforms in the world of mobile use, these aren’t as common. If you want a career that you can bet on being around for a long time, the mobile app developer is a solid investment.
Essential Training and Skills
If you are going to become a mobile app developer, the basic knowledge and skills of computer software development is often where you get started. Although you can pursue these skills through an associate or bachelor program in computer science, you can also gain similar training through a management information systems degree. There are also bootcamp programs established online and among local institutions that can help provide a foundation understanding of software development. The most basic qualifications that you will need to get into practice with software development include:
- Knowledge and understanding of the basics concerning stable software design
- Knowing the process of software development and its lifecycle, including the process for designing, developing, testing, releasing, and maintaining a program
- Exposure to the basics of development platforms, methodology, and environments
- Knowledge of two or more of the most in-demand programming languages such as Java, SQL, JavaScript, Python, or iOS
- General understanding and ability to interpret either iOS or android crash log analysis reports
This background provides you with the basics of working with software development, but you will need to focus your education and training on things specific to the area of mobile development. Mobile development has some differences from general development, and some areas of programming will be specific to the platform that will host the application.
Mobile Development Platforms
There are a number of different tools and technologies that come into play with mobile development, and since these all rely heavily on the operating platform, you will need to tailor your interest or training in one area to be most successful. Things, like compute cycles, memory, storage, and bandwidth, are all varied according to the mobile devices and their operating system.
There are currently two primary platforms used for mobile devices, but there are dozens of mobile app development platforms that are used to provide users with the unique experiences of individual apps. Learning how to use a platform takes effort, time, and dedication. It doesn’t happen overnight.
However, most of the solution providers are offering new learners a limited-use version of some of the most well-known platforms available at reasonable costs. You can also take advantage of a number of free or low-cost self-help materials through the internet and local library.
Learning by Doing
For aspiring developers, attending a bootcamp or specialized training might provide the best introduction and skill development. You can find bootcamps that offer a special focus on different tools, topics, or programming languages. These bootcamps give you the knowledge you need, but the best way to truly learn is to put it in practice.
Finding a job or internship in the area of your interest can be one of the most successful ways of learning while doing, and potentially getting paid for it. The intensive training that occurs in the first few weeks is akin to a Bootcamp program.
There is a world of potential waiting in the area of mobile app development. There is plenty of room for a new developer, so get busy with your training and start working towards a successful career.