Mobile App Development
By Jess Feldman
Table of Contents
Last updated August 22, 2024
What is Mobile App Development?
Mobile development is building software to run on mobile devices like tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches. Everything from Instagram to enterprise apps fit in this category. Mobile apps are built for the general public, private companies, and the government. Mobile apps might be native (written in a specific platform’s language) or non-native, written to work on multiple platforms. Android apps are typically written in Java while Apple/iOS apps are written in Swift or Objective-C. These languages are preapproved by the vendor who manufactures the device.
How to Learn Mobile App Development
If you wish to begin a career as a Mobile App Developer, learning to code with a bootcamp is probably the fastest option. Mobile App Development bootcamps can range from 5 weeks to 10 months and vary in price from $5,000-$15,000. The tuition depends on several factors, including location, whether it's immersive or part-time, or online vs in-person. If you’re a self-starter, you may be able to get the education you need by paying for an online, self-paced curriculum, or building your own curriculum to get the training to become a Mobile App Developer. Online resources like Treehouse and Codecademy offer free trials and paid monthly subscriptions. Many mobile app development bootcamps offer deferred tuition, Income Share Agreements (ISA), and financing options.
What Does a Mobile App Developer Do?
The job description for a Mobile App Developer often depends on the employer. The primary duty of a Mobile App Developer is to create, maintain, and implement source code that meets the requirements of the client. They should also understand the different platforms and tools available, and be able to design for any mobile device. The Mobile App Developer should understand the entire development process of an application and how to develop a minimum viable product (MVP). Their duties may include one or all of the steps in the design, development, testing, release, and maintenance life cycle.
Some of the most common Mobile App Developer job titles for bootcampers are:
- Mobile Application Developer
- Mobile Application Programmer
- iOS Mobile Application Developer
- Android Developer
- Mobile Engineer
- Mobile Software Engineer
- Hybrid Mobile Application Developer
- Mobile Developer
- Software Developer, Mobile
What Kind of Skills Do Mobile App Developers Need?
Most Mobile App Developer positions do not require a degree, but will require you to prove your skills with a coding challenge or whiteboarding. Additionally, you should have a portfolio of your apps ready to show potential employers. The skills you need will vary, based on whether you choose to develop for Android or iOS (or both).
Hard Skills Required for a Mobile App Developer
To be an Android Developer you’ll need to know:
- Java
- C++
- Android Studio
- Eclipse
- XML
- Kotlin
- Unity
To be an iOS Developer you’ll need:
- Objective-C
- Swift
- Xcode
You can develop on both operating systems using:
- React Native
- Text Editor
- Chrome Debugger
Other hard skills that would be helpful for a Mobile App Designer include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Frameworks such as jQuery, Bootstrap, and ReactJS.
Soft Skills Needed to Become a Mobile App Developer
Don’t discount the importance of soft skills to your career path. To be a successful Mobile App Developer, the following soft skills are vital:
- Strong analytical skills
- Creativity
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
Strong communication skills also are a requirement for App Developers because they’ll need to collaborate with other designers, developers, and departments as well as interact with clients.
Job Market and Salary Insights
Mobile app developers are in high demand. The growth rate for developers is projected to be 25 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than average. Globally, the mobile app market is expected to jump from $206.73 billion in 2022 to $407.31 billion by 2025, and the number of downloads is projected to increase by over 40 billion from 2020 to 2024. The job possibilities are nearly endless; after a mobile development bootcamp, you can design native apps for a vendor like Apple or Google, develop apps at a startup, or start your own business.
The average salary for a Mobile App Developer is $128,002. Location is a big factor when it comes to salary, with top markets such as Orlando ($211,747), New York ($155,412), and Atlanta ($147,173) offering the highest rates of pay. Educational requirements vary; while many employers prefer to hire those with college degrees in computer science, that isn’t always the case. However, there are a few certifications that can boost your salary, such as Certified iOS App Developer, Mobile Development Institute Certified Developer (MDICD), Oracle Certified Professional/Java ME Mobile Application Developer, or Xamarin Certified Mobile Developer.
FAQ Section
How do you become a Mobile App Developer?
Learning to code via a bootcamp is often the most efficient way to become a Mobile App Developer. Mobile app development bootcamps will teach you the hard skills you need to start your career, such as C++, Java, or Swift, and may offer career assistance after you complete the program.
How long does it take to become a mobile app developer?
It depends entirely on you and how much time you can commit to a bootcamp. Bootcamps take anywhere from 5 weeks to 19 months to complete, depending on whether you go full or part time, and may cost $5,000 to $15,000 (although most bootcamps offer financing options).
How do you become a mobile app developer without a degree?
Most app developer positions do not require a degree. To become a Mobile App Developer you will need to demonstrate your skills by creating a strong portfolio of apps you’ve designed, as well as performing a coding challenge or whiteboarding. The skills required for a position as a Mobile App Developer will vary based on the employer and whether you specialize in Android, iOS, or both. These skills can all be learned in a mobile development bootcamp.
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