Mobile-developer is an IT specialist specializing in the creation of programs for tablets and smartphones on iOS and Android. Since mobile applications are created by programming, a mobile developer is primarily a programmer who, depending on the development platform, works with Java, Objective-C or Swift languages.
What are the prospects for a mobile application developer?
According to a study by the Statista portal, in 2014 there were 1.57 billion active smartphone users in the world, and at the end of 2017 their number reached 2.32 billion, an increase of 48% over this period. The growth rate of mobile users is increasing every year, while the number of created applications is increasing. To reach a growing audience, there is a shortage of skilled developers in the market.
The development market for mobile devices is a gold mine for many areas of business. Trends in recent years have shown not only an increase in the number of downloaded products, but also an increase in in-app sales. Thus, the gross income of mobile application development companies is growing by an average of 20% annually, and by 2020 will exceed $ 100 billion (data from App Annie).
The scale of the mobile product market guarantees highly qualified developers employment and top positions in salary ratings.
In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of this profession, the qualities and skills required for an IT specialist, as well as useful tips for novice programmers.
Features of the profession
Mobile developer specializes in developing software products for mobile devices.
Mobile applications are of various types depending on the subject matter and the functions performed. There are entertainment applications (for learning languages, reading books, traveling, sports), shopping applications (e-commerce segment) and a separate category - mobile games. Mobile apps are also classified based on which platform they are intended for (Android, iOS, Windows Phone, or cross-platform utilities).
The developer's profession is quite new, especially in Russia and the CIS, therefore, specific requirements for this category of specialists have not yet been developed. According to the analysis of vacancies of many IT studios, the developer is required to understand both programming, and both frontend and backend, as well as user interface design and layout.
Pros and cons of the profession
Among the advantages of the profession of a mobile application developer, we highlight the following:
- Decent wages. There is a shortage of qualified developers on the market, which affects the level of salaries. Today, a mobile developer in Moscow and St. Petersburg makes a third more than, for example, a php programmer. The average salary of mobile app developers in Moscow is from 60 to 250 thousand rubles, on average in Russia - from 40 to 150 thousand rubles.
- An interesting and exciting profession. Technologies are rapidly becoming obsolete, therefore, in order to remain at the top of mastery, a programmer needs to improve, keep abreast of new products in the IT industry, and constantly replenish the store of knowledge and skills. The constant search for information on forums and specialized sites, the analysis of large amounts of information keeps the brain in good shape.
- Career prospects. For a good Java developer, programs are not the ultimate goal. It can successfully develop by mastering the technologies of artificial intelligence and the Internet of things (internet-of-things).
The disadvantages of the profession include the exactingness of customers and all the same large amounts of information and constant search, which does not allow you to relax for a minute. So, if you do not like to read, read a lot and analyze what you read, then you should not be involved in software development at all.
Required skills and personality traits
In order to develop serious products, you must:
- Knowledge of OOP (Java, Objective-C, Swift);
- Knowledge of Java Script, HTML, SCC;
- Experience with design patterns;
- Knowledge of SQL and network protocols.
To further progress in the mobile development segment, you will have to delve into Computer Science, algorithms, data structures. A professional developer also needs to understand the philosophy of user interface and user experience (UI / UX) in order not to just write programs, but to make products that are useful and easy to use.
Personal qualities
- Perseverance and tenacity;
- Curiosity;
- Stress tolerance;
- Multitasking;
- Focus on results.
How to start getting acquainted with the development of mobile applications?
For a beginner, we recommend starting with the basics of object-oriented programming (OOP). There are many training materials and video tutorials on this topic posted on the network. It is better to study OOP using the example of a specific language, Java or Objective-C. We recommend Java, as it is not only an android programming language, but one of the main platforms for creating software.
After you get familiar with the basics of Java programming, take some time to practice. Try programming in a new language by creating programs of different difficulty levels. As soon as you feel that you have become from Java to you, move on to the next stage - studying the features of development for mobile platforms Android or iOS.
There are many courses on the basics of software development for iOS and Android can be found online. We recommend the following ones:
- Stanford University Mobile Development Course;
- IOS Development Course in Swift, University of Toronto;
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) android development course.
Read about what the process of android development is in our article:
Website builders can be a great help for novice developers. These free and shareware services will help you create a mobile application using a specific set of templates. Some of these platforms open the source code and documentation of the program to the user, which allows them to study the project from the inside and make the necessary changes to the code.
Android mobile application development. Level 1
Are you already confident in programming in one or more languages \u200b\u200band want to develop applications for Android? Today it is a very prestigious and well-paid profession, which is at the peak of its popularity. However, in order to become a good developer, you must learn how to write high-quality and functional applications. After completing this course, you will gain practical skills in creating applications and will effectively use the capabilities of the Android platform and resources.
The first level will give you general knowledge about the architecture of the Android operating system, familiarity with the Android Studio development environment, knowledge of the basic patterns of developing applications for Android. And most importantly, the ability to create applications that do not require interaction with the outside world (via the network, camera and other sensors).
During the training, you will learn how to develop simple mobile applications in the Android emulator. You will learn how to make a menu convenient from the point of view of usability. You will work with internal system services in the Android OS, content providers and databases.
And also test the created mobile applications for effective work. Each module of the program involves the mandatory consolidation of skills in practice and solving problems that you will encounter in real life.
Do you want to become a successful and in-demand developer? Sign up for this course. It is the first in the chain for Android app developers.
Android developer is engaged in the creation, updating, improvement of mobile applications and software for smartphones, tablets, e-books, game consoles and other devices running on the Android operating system. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in computer science (see choosing a profession by interest in school subjects).
Short description
In the second half of 2016, the total share of Android smartphones sold to customers was 87%, surpassing the equally popular iOS platform. Demand is growing, but the number of smart developers for Android is not increasing, which is due to the minimal popularity of the profession in the CIS countries.
The creation of software products for devices is a fascinating and very profitable process, because today every company that does business strives to release its own application for interacting with customers.
An unprepared applicant can get the knowledge necessary for work in courses, the cost of training is not too high, which makes the profession accessible to everyone. After specialized courses, such specialists are dismantled by various companies and partners of educational institutions, so the young programmer immediately undergoes an internship and starts practical work, receiving a stable salary.
Features of the profession
An Android programmer does the following job:
- analysis of technical specifications, briefs, prototypes and user interfaces received from the customer and the designer;
- making recommendations to the TK, choosing ways to solve problems;
- writing program code;
- software testing;
- debugging and retesting;
- uploading the created software product to the store or to any other site;
- making edits, creating updates;
- analytics, search for innovative solutions to improve the created product;
- development of all kinds of software for Android OS.
Working in small companies, an Android developer turns into a human orchestra that analyzes the target audience, performs the functions of a designer, and sometimes draws up a technical specification if the customer has a poor idea of \u200b\u200bthe development process. But in general, the work is not too difficult, experienced programmers cope with the tasks quickly.
Some Android developers do not work for someone else, but create applications that are then successfully sold through Google Play. Development does not require large material investments, but in this case the programmer must have basic knowledge of marketing and design.
Pros and cons of the profession
pros
- Affordable tuition fees.
- High wages in any region of the country.
- The best working conditions: an excellent team, a comfortable workplace equipped with the best devices, a social package.
- Constant interaction with people.
- Creation of useful software.
- Career prospects.
- Specialists engaged in the development of software products for Android are in demand.
- Modern profession.
- You can work for yourself, receiving income from the created applications all the time.
Minuses
- A young developer may not have enough funds for a mobile app startup.
- The profession is not suitable for creative people with a humanitarian mindset.
- Excessive customer requirements.
- Android developers working in a company cannot fulfill themselves.
- The need to make constant edits to the created product.
Important personal qualities
The representative of the profession must be ready for anything, because the created software products will be mercilessly criticized by both customers and users. You will have to find common ground with the designers and the marketing team, make edits at any time of the day or night, be able to hear the requirements and admit your mistakes. Therefore, the profession should be chosen by people who have the following character traits:
- calmness;
- life wisdom;
- accuracy;
- professional integrity;
- attentiveness;
- business approach to work;
- hard work;
- sociability;
- non-conflict;
- organization.
Android developer training
Creating software for Android OS is not too difficult work, future specialists can choose one of the following training methods:
- obtaining higher education related to professional programming;
- attending developer courses;
- self-study on the Internet.
In the first case, it will be necessary to complete your studies, self-study is good, but too long, and a lot of useful materials are printed in English. The best solution is courses, during which the applicant will receive a package of necessary knowledge, useful materials and practical skills in simple programming.
Master the intricacies of building applications for the most popular mobile platform: explore architectural approaches, popular libraries, Unit and UI testing. Let's create our own application and put it on Google Play, even if you have never programmed before. After completing training - guaranteed employment.
Classes are taught by practicing Android programmers with specialized education and work experience in the specialty of at least 5 years. 11 practical courses and 2 months of internship. 10 years on the education market, 4 million users. All courses can be purchased with an interest-free installment plan for a year. You can also get an IT specialty at Geek University, and pay for your studies a year after it starts.
Universities
Moscow 70,000-300,000 ₽
Professional skills
- Knowledge of the principles of OOP.
- Experience with the Java programming language.
- Practical skills in working with Kotlin, View and ViewGroup, Android SDK, Java Core, Dagger, RxJava, REST, Android Framework.
- Understanding the principles of UI / UX design, SQL, SQLite.
- Experience with Google Play (hosting, updating, and more).
- Ability to correct errors in someone else's code.
- Foreign language.
Useful Resources for Android Developers
- Russian-language forum http://w3bsit3-dns.com/.
- Android Programming: http://www.cyberforum.ru/.
- P. Deitel, H. Deitel, A. Wold Android for Developers 3rd Edition.
- Phillips B., Stuart K., Marsicano “Android. Programming for professionals. 3rd edition ".
- Sylvain Retabouil “Android NDK. A beginner's guide ”.
