Have you ever wanted to make your own computer or phone app? Have you thought it was beyond your scope of knowledge? Think again. You can become an app developer, it just takes studying in a few key areas.
Does the idea of learning to be an app developer seem just as impossible as being a rocket scientist? Well, it isn’t as hard as you think. The benefits will amaze you and outweigh any time you need to give to learning this new career path.
What Is an App Developer
An app developer is someone who creates applications for devices or computers. These apps make it easier for the user to navigate around their electronic device. They have the knowledge to tell the computer exactly what functions you want to do and put it together on an app.
Before we can really understand what an app developer is, we must learn the language that is used within this area. Words like coding, Swift, and XCode, to name a few, are Greek to those of us who are not developers. Studying the language of an app developer will help you understand their job and the process. Certainly, you will see it is someone that goes to the trouble of entering in key information to create exactly what will help us find what we are looking for. That is the basic job of an app developer.
The Language of the App Developer
Apple or Android
There are two operating systems that you might already be aware: Apple and Android. If you are using an Apple device, you would use Swift as your language and XCode as your software to create the app. But if you are creating an app for an Android, then you would use Kotlin as your language and Android Studio as your app software.
What is Coding?
When computer programs were first developing, they were made by typing lines of code. It was a special language a developer knew that would tell the system what it wanted within the program or application. For instance, if you wanted your text to be aligned there is a special code or language that you type in with words and symbols that tells the computer how you want to align your text.
But nowadays, there are computer programs you can use that already have the coding within it. So there is not a lot of the actual coding of the past to do. There are a lot of programs out there to use, so find the one that best fits your design needs. These are easy to navigate through and are what is used today to make all kinds of apps.
Benefits of Becoming an App Developer
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Now is the time to be an app developer. There are many opportunities and it will continue to grow as technology does. Some benefits are:
Increasing Demand
With a new phone coming out every day, it seems there is no fear of technology suddenly stopping. The market is expanding, and that means the need for apps will as well. The number of apps made in 2017 was around $78 billion. There were around 250 billion apps that were also downloaded that same year. So, the need has not diminished in the slightest. In fact, it is predicted that it will double in the next couple of years. This is no surprise given cell phones and computers are now commonplace.
A Creative Outlet
You might not think this, but being an app developer is a very creative job. You are designing an app and there are no restrictions on how to do so. The client has given you what they need, and you are now able to put it together and show off your skills. This is a great way to work and it will be a job that you will want to do every day.
Freelance or Employee
If you are working on your own as a freelancer, then you can literally work from anywhere. This is a huge plus for no commute, no set hours, and being your own boss. Being an app developer gives you time for yourself and lets you create the schedule that works for you and meets your financial needs.
However, should you work in a company atmosphere, there is a chance you can also have this type of freedom. Your boss might not need you to be there every day working at your desk. Take a moment and go over this with them and see what can be worked out.
Earning Potential
This is definitely one of the benefits we all need. There is money to be made in this job. The level of experience is the key to higher salaries. Longevity pays off big when you stick at it.
Up to Five Years of Experience
The US alone pays an annual salary of around $75,000 if you have up to five years’ experience. If you live in the UK or France, it’s around $40.000 and in Canada or Germany, it’s $50,000.
Five to Ten Years’ Experience
It goes without saying that the more you stay in this field the better your salary. If you live in the US, the annual salary is between $100,000 to $112,000. Outside the US in France or UK it is $50.000 and in Canada or Germany, it’s $50,000.
Over Fifteen Years
The US pays an annual salary of around $124,000 for its app developers that have been in the industry for over 15 years. No other country compares to this.
Easy to Learn
If you want to become an app developer, now is the time to learn. With so many ways of doing so, you are sure to find the one that works for you. Going to school is an option should you wish to get employed within a huge company. Others might just want to learn on their own and create the next big app. You must learn all you can no matter what path you choose. It isn’t that once you are a developer; you stop studying. There are constant changes and you must stay in tune with them.
How to Become an App Developer
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There are certain skills other than your degrees that you need to be aware of. It isn’t enough to know the technical side of being an app developer; you must have other skills that will help you make it in this field.
Ability to Communicate Well
Being able to talk to people that you are working with and your team is vital. They need to be able to share ideas with you and vice versa. While this might seem like a no-brainer, it can be overlooked as important when you are staring at your computer for most of your job.
Think Analytically
Being able to think analytically will help you determine what needs to be done to meet the needs of your clients. Mapping it out and finding the best solution even when under pressure makes a good developer into a great one.
Working with Others
The adage, “there is no ‘I’ in team” fits perfectly here. You must work well with others and be able to take criticism and advice. You’re gathering up ideas, opinions, and solutions with this team so it is a good idea to learn how to work well with others.
Problem Solver
You must be able to solve problems that come up and not let anything hang up the project. This is an area you will develop as you gain more experience under your belt.
Be Creative
It seems odd that in a technical job, one would need to be creative, but it is part of it for sure. When something unexpected comes up in the process, you must be able to think of other ways to go around it. In addition, the process of designing an app is a creative one, for you are developing something from once there was nothing.
Detail Oriented
You must be one that remembers to dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s. You must pay specific attention to each and every part of the app process and not leave anything out. It is like fine-tuning a machine, all parts must work together for it to run smoothly.
Good Customer Skills
In some areas of a company or if you’re working on your own, you will have customers to deal with. They are the bread and butter to your company. Without them, you wouldn’t be working there. Always keep your customer service skills in check.
Keep Learning
The industry of app development is constantly moving forward and expanding. This applies as well to your own knowledge of the industry. You must keep learning the new developments and stay up to date with the changes.
Conclusion
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Becoming an app developer is something to seriously look at, especially nowadays in this fluctuating economy. We live in a world where our cell phones and computers are our livelihoods. As technology has expanded, so have we. There is almost an app for everything we do and if there is not, there soon will be. If you want job security, being an app developer will give you that. You will always be in high demand and that will be perfectly fine for you financially as well.