Main image of article How to Break into Mobile Development

With billions of smartphones worldwide, it’s safe to say the mobile app industry isn’t declining anytime soon. For those who’ve mastered the intricacies of producing iOS and Android apps, opportunities potentially abound. But what are the most effective ways to break into mobile development, and what do you need to know?

Why Should You Consider Mobile App Development as a Career?

The mobile-development arena can translate into huge salaries for those developers with well-developed skills. But that’s not the only reason to consider jumping in:

  • High demand: People rely on a variety of mobile apps (and entertain themselves with mobile games) every day, and that’s not going to shift anytime soon. If you can build mobile apps, chances are good an organization will need your skills.

  • Pay: Whether you’re a full-time employee of a company or an app-building contractor, those who can build mobile apps can unlock generous salaries, bonuses, and benefits. If you’re working as a full-time employee but always wanted to be a contractor or freelancer, mobile development can provide the opportunity to make this jump.

  • Help Drive Innovation: A mobile app that streamlines a task or process is a net benefit for humanity.

What Skills Do I Need to Become a Mobile App Developer?

The mobile-app world is essentially a duopoly between Google Android and Apple iOS. While some mobile app developers decide to master both platforms, just as many have perfectly serviceable careers by specializing in one or the other.

Here are the skills you need to know for Android development:

Java is the original (and most widely used) language for building apps in Android, and Kotlin is likewise considered a “first class” language for Android development. Google offers courses for building your Android apps in Java, in addition to the enormous number of tutorials and documentation out there about Java development. Google also has Android Basics in Kotlin.

On the iOS front, key skills include:

  • Swift
  • Objective-C
  • Software Engineering
  • Software Development
  • Xcode
  • Unit Testing
  • Git

For many years, Apple developers relied upon Objective-C as the main programming language for iOS. Almost a decade ago, Apple introduced Swift, which was intended as a replacement for Objective-C. Many iOS developers rely on both languages. For those mobile app developers totally new to iOS, start your learning journey at Apple’s website, which features a ton of iOS documentation, including tutorials and sample code. 

What Does a Mobile App Developer Do Daily?

A typical day for a mobile app developer might involve the following:

  • Writing and testing code: This is the core of the job, translating app designs into functional code. Depending on the size of your team, you might be building an iOS or Android app on your own… or you might be working on just one app element as part of a larger team’s combined efforts.

  • Debugging and troubleshooting: Fixing bugs and ensuring the app runs smoothly.

  • Collaborating with designers and product managers: Discussing features, user flows, and overall app functionality.

  • Developing and maintaining APIs: Integrating with external services and data sources.
  • Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends: The mobile landscape is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is crucial.

How to Become a Mobile App Developer

There are several paths to becoming a mobile app developer:

  • Formal education: Earning a computer science degree or a related field provides a strong foundation in programming principles and software development.

  • Boot camps: Immersive boot camps offer intensive training in specific mobile development technologies in a shorter timeframe.

  • Online courses and tutorials: Numerous online resources and platforms offer comprehensive learning materials and interactive tutorials.

  • Self-learning: You can teach yourself through online resources, open-source projects, and personal app development. Once you have the basic skills, build your portfolio by working on personal projects, contributing to open-source projects, or taking on freelance gigs.

Choosing Between iOS and Android

Apple’s iOS is a closed ecosystem (i.e., it only runs on iPhones), whereas Android runs on a variety of devices. This comes with some trade-offs: Apple’s environment is more curated, but Android’s is larger. Both ecosystems can pay well. In other words, as long as you keep your skills up-to-date, you can’t really go wrong with mobile development.