Before starting the article let us look at two most staggering numbers. It is estimated that by 2025 there will be more than 230 billion Mobile App installs for both Google Play and App Store combined. Additionally, it is also projected that people will spend more than 230 billion by the end of 2025 on these platforms.
Now these are serious numbers that should be considered. Taking into account these projections Android App development turns out to be a promising career option. However, you should be aware of the various terminologies related to mobile app development for android.
If you are looking for resources to improve your App development skills and land a job in this niche, you are at the right place to grab all the necessary knowledge. By the end of this article you will be completely aware about the basics of mobile app development for Android and the career scope in this sector.
We at Virtual Oplossing are always on the lookout for excellent talent and building careers for curious candidates. If you read this article and want to explore your skills, you are most welcome to contact us with any projects that you have prepared. We will be more than happy to welcome you with warmth to this Mobile App development industry.
What is Mobile App Development?
Mobile devices have become a big part of our everyday lives. People use their phones for almost everything – from communicating and shopping to banking and entertainment. Because of this, businesses and individuals are investing in mobile apps to connect with users, provide services, and make life more convenient.
This is where Mobile app development comes into the fore. Mobile app development is the process of creating software applications that run on mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets. These apps are designed specifically to take advantage of the features and hardware that mobile devices offer.
This includes the process of creating software applications that are specifically designed to operate on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. These applications, or “apps,” are tailored to function optimally within the confines of the mobile device’s operating system, hardware capabilities, and smaller screen size. Mobile app development requires a combination of technical programming skills, design, and an understanding of user behavior on mobile platforms, which we will discuss in upcoming sections.
Mobile app development is an exciting and fast-growing field. As more people use mobile devices, the demand for high-quality apps continues to rise. With the right idea, good planning, and proper execution, anyone can create an app that people will enjoy using.
Different Mobile App Development Frameworks
Mobile app development happens on different frameworks. It is essential for you to be aware of all these different frameworks to choose the right career track for your future. This section will provide you with a brief introduction to various different frameworks that will assist you in the process.
Native Frameworks
Native frameworks are designed specifically for a particular operating system, like Android or iOS. Original apps are developed using the programming languages and tools that these platforms provide.
Android Studio (For Android Apps Only)
Android Studio is considered the best framework for building native Android apps. Google introduced it in 2013 as the official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Android development. Built on IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio comes with a wide range of features such as a powerful code editor, real-time code analysis, and an emulator for testing apps. It supports languages like Java and Kotlin, making mobile app development more efficient and seamless.
Xcode (For iOS Apps Only)
Xcode is Apple’s IDE used to create apps for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Since its launch in 2003, Xcode has been a trusted framework for developing native apps for Apple devices. It offers a complete set of tools, including a robust code editor, a visual interface builder, and debugging tools. Xcode supports Swift and Objective-C, both essential programming languages for creating high-performance iOS applications.
Cross-Platform Frameworks
Cross-platform frameworks allow developers to write code once and deploy it on multiple platforms, like iOS and Android. This approach helps developers save time and resources by avoiding the need to create separate apps for each platform. According to a 2023 Statista Survey, the top cross-platform app frameworks used by software developers are listed below:
Flutter
Flutter is one of the leading frameworks for cross-platform app development. It was first introduced in 2015 at the Dart Developer Summit and officially launched on May 12, 2017. According to the 2023 Statista Survey, Flutter is the most widely used cross-platform framework, with 46% of developers (about one-third of professionals) using it for their mobile apps.
React Native
React Native is another popular open-source framework for building apps across multiple platforms. Released by Facebook on March 26, 2015, it has gained significant popularity for its efficient cross-platform capabilities. The 2023 Statista Survey reports that React Native is the second most popular cross-platform framework, with 35% of experienced developers choosing it for app development.
Hybrid Frameworks
Hybrid frameworks combine web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with native elements to create apps that work across different platforms. While similar to cross-platform frameworks, hybrid frameworks allow developers to build both web apps and mobile apps with a single codebase. Below are two of the most popular hybrid frameworks:
Ionic
Ionic is an open-source framework widely used for developing hybrid apps. Launched in 2013 by Max Lynch, Ben Sperry, and Adam Bradley, it enables developers to create mobile applications using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Ionic supports both iOS and Android platforms through AngularJS and Apache Cordova, making it one of the best frameworks for building cross-platform apps with a single codebase.
Xamarin
Xamarin, introduced by Microsoft in 2011, is a popular framework for building cross-platform mobile apps. It uses C# and the .NET framework, allowing developers to share up to 90% of the code across Android, iOS, and Windows, making development more efficient and cost-effective. When integrated with Visual Studio, Xamarin provides a complete development environment, including tools for debugging, testing, and deployment, making it a strong choice for hybrid app development.
What is the mobile app development process?
Every process is simple, if you have the right plan and strategy in place. SImilarly the mobile app development process can be simplified and managed when you have the right roadmap for the same. In this section, we have provided you with a simple 5 step approach to master the art of mobile app development process.
Idea & Planning
Before starting development, you need a clear idea of what the app will do. Planning involves defining the app’s features, target audience, and goals. It’s also important to decide which platform the app will be built for – iOS, Android, or both.
Design
The next step is designing how the app will look and feel. This includes creating the user interface (UI) and ensuring the app is easy to navigate and use. A well-designed app will keep users engaged and happy.
Development
This is where the actual building of the app happens. Developers write code to create the app’s functionality, making sure it works properly and smoothly. They also integrate features like push notifications, payments, or social media sharing.
Testing
Before launching the app, it goes through a testing phase. Developers and testers check for bugs, performance issues, and make sure the app works on different devices and screen sizes.
Launch & Maintenance
Once the app is tested and ready, it is launched on platforms like Google Play or the Apple App Store. But the work doesn’t stop there. Regular updates, bug fixes, and adding new features are needed to keep the app running smoothly and staying relevant.
How to become a Mobile App developer?
This lucrative career option can drive in high income and help you build a bright future. Let’s explore how to build up your career in this high-paying job. But before we know how to become a mobile app developer, let’s learn who a mobile developer is.
A mobile developer is a professional who specializes in creating apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Their main job is to design, code, test, and maintain apps that work on mobile operating systems like Android and iOS.
To succeed as a mobile app developer, you need a wide range of skills, including both technical expertise and soft skills. Here are the key skills every mobile app developer should have:
- Proficiency in various programming languages such as Java, Kotlin, Swift, and Objective-C.
- Understanding of mobile development frameworks like React Native, Flutter, Swift, and Xamarin.
- Strong knowledge of mobile UI/UX design principles.
- Experience with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs).
- Ability to use version control systems effectively.
- Familiarity with architectural patterns like Model-View-View-Model (MVVM) and Model-View-Controller (MVC).
- Strong problem-solving skills to detect and fix bugs.
- Good communication, teamwork, and project management abilities.
Becoming a Mobile App Developer
In order to become a successful mobile app developer, you should plan and start early. This will help you advance in your career with confidence.
Step 1: Understand the Basics
Start by building a solid foundation in computer science or a related field. A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or something similar can be very helpful. Along with this, you’ll need to learn programming languages that are used in mobile app development. For Android apps, focus on Java or Kotlin. For iOS apps, learn Swift or Objective-C. If you’re interested in creating apps that work on both Android and iOS, JavaScript (with frameworks like React Native) or Dart (with Flutter) will be important.
Step 2: Build Your Skills Through Hands-On Projects
Experience is the best teacher. While you’re studying, start working on your own mobile app projects. Try building something simple, like a to-do list app, or more complex applications. These hands-on projects will help you apply what you’ve learned and give you real experience, which is essential for building a portfolio.
Step 3: Gain Experience
Once you’ve finished your education, look for internships or entry-level roles where you can work with experienced teams. Working on live projects will give you valuable insights and improve your skills. Plus, collaborating with others in the field will expand your understanding of mobile app development.
Step 4: Develop a Strong Portfolio
As you gain experience, put together a portfolio that showcases your best work. Include descriptions, screenshots, and links to your apps or code. This will help demonstrate your skills to potential employers or clients. Mobile app development is a fast-paced field, so stay updated on the latest trends and tools by reading blogs, attending webinars, and taking online courses.
Step 5: Focus on Networking
Networking is key in the competitive field of mobile app development. Start building connections with industry professionals by joining developer communities, attending meetups, and participating in online forums. A strong network can open doors to new job opportunities and collaborations.
Step 6: Prepare for the Job Market
Finally, prepare yourself for job applications by creating a professional resume and cover letter that highlight your skills and projects. Tailor each application to match the specific job you’re applying for. Make sure to brush up on your knowledge to get ready for technical interviews.
By following these steps, you can build a successful career in mobile app development. Keep learning, stay curious, and continue growing your skills to thrive in this ever-evolving industry. The moment you slow down, the technology may be past your prime.
Advantages of building a career in Mobile App Development
Now that we have understood the process and perks of being a mobile app developer, let’s explore the advantages of this career option.
Secure career option
As the IT industry continues to expand, so do the opportunities in the technologies around it. There are many job options in this field, including tech support, database analyst, business analyst, and mobile app developer. In fact, mobile app development has been recognized as one of the top jobs in America by CNN Money. It’s also predicted that jobs in this area will grow by 19% in the coming years, with a median salary of over $97,000.
Focussed on brand building
As technological growth thrives, mobile apps have become essential for businesses looking to grow their brand and connect with customers. With smartphones being a part of our everyday lives, apps give companies a direct and personalized way to engage with consumers, build loyalty, and boost growth. As of 2024, there are already 4.48 billion smartphone users globally, and this number is expected to reach 6.2 billion by 2029, according to Statista. Additionally, 63% of mobile users prefer using apps over websites, making apps the go-to choice for communication, shopping, and interacting with brands. This shows why mobile apps are now at the core of brand-building strategies.
Many well-known brands have strengthened their market presence by creating useful and engaging mobile apps. For example, Starbucks has enhanced its brand through its app by integrating a loyalty program, mobile payments, and personalized offers, reaching 23.4 million active users last year. Similarly, Nike has used its app to offer exclusive content and personalized fitness plans, further cementing its reputation as a customer-focused brand.
Continuous development and evolution in app development
This niche has seen continuous changes and improvements over the past 20 years. What used to be a difficult and time-consuming process has become much simpler and more accessible. In the early 2000s, building apps required a lot of coding knowledge, specialized skills, and a lot of time. Only a few developers who worked in environments like Java or Blackberry OS could create basic mobile apps. However, things began to shift with the introduction of no-code and low-code platforms, such as Bubble and OutSystems. These platforms let people without coding experience create functional apps using easy drag-and-drop tools.
Research shows that low-code platforms can reduce app development time by up to 90% compared to traditional coding methods. Gartner also predicts that by 2024, about 65% of app development will be done using low-code platforms. In addition, advanced frameworks like React Native and Flutter let developers build apps for both iOS and Android using a single codebase, saving time and effort. With these advantages, around 87% of developers now rely on these frameworks for more efficient mobile app development.
Conclusion
Mobile app development has evolved significantly since its early days in the 1970s, transforming into a vibrant and versatile industry. Today, advancements in technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality (AR) are making mobile apps even more essential in our everyday lives. The growing demand for apps across various sectors, such as healthcare and entertainment, creates a wealth of opportunities for developers to innovate and thrive in this expanding field.
We at Virtual Oplossing are thrilled to groom and welcome the next gen of mobile app developers to this sector. If you read through this guide, you will be excited to hear that more suh educational blogs are coming up in the near future. We are excited to help you grow and put in your contribution to this ever-changing technology.