Step by step guide to becoming an App developer

In today’s fast paced world people are wondering what really is mobile app development. Mobile application development is the process of making or creating a mobile application to run on various mobile platforms. A mobile platform is a mobile operating system. Apple’s mobile operating system is called iOS, Google’s mobile platform is Android, RIM has Blackberry, and Windows has Windows Mobile.  Each platform has its own rules, regulations, and requirements to make a mobile application. For instance iOS mobile apps require the use of Objective C, whereas Android mobile applications use Java.

This is very important to understand because when making an application for mobile app development on the various mobile platforms you cannot just make one app and port it over to the next platform. In addition you must consider what application stores you wish to have your mobile application highlighted in. Each mobile application store has its own requirements most mobile applications must meet outside the requirements for the mobile platform.

What does an App developer do?

An application developer is a computer software engineer whose primary responsibilities involve developing new types of applications for computers, mobile phones, and other types of electronic devices. Application developers are generally employed by major technology companies, but some software engineers work independently of major firms and sell their applications to major companies. Successful software engineers develop new programs for existing platforms as well as develop ideas for platforms that are not yet in full production.

Typically, an application developer has a college degree in computer programming, computer science, or a related field. Many major information technology firms recruit recent college graduates, but other firms require employees to have postgraduate degrees that focus on specific aspects of programming. Some firms have entry-level positions for people who have basic programming skills but no college degree. On occasion, some entry-level employees are able to transition into higher paying roles if they prove adept at handling software development.

Marketing firms conduct research to gather information relating to consumer needs and economic trends. The information is passed onto software engineers who are tasked with creating new applications that meet the public’s needs in terms of use and cost. An application developer begins to draw up plans for proposed applications. Details of those plans are passed on to marketing firms that conduct further research to see if there is sufficient consumer demand to warrant further product development. The ideas that receive the best feedback are put into full production.

What kind of skills are required?

  1. Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  2. Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  3. Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  4. Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  5. Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  6. Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  7. Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  8. Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

The steps to becoming an App developer

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (with an emphasis on computer science)
  2. Choose one of the major platforms
  3. Use online development programs
  4. Consider classes in marketing
  5. Take business classes
  6. Work as a freelancer or apply for a job