Skills Required by a Mobile App Developer

In today's’ world, technology has advanced to higher levels, with mobile technology making a breakthrough in the world of inventions. Mobiles have become an integral part of the modern lifestyle. The invention of smartphones with high-end user-friendly applications like iOS and Android have raised the demand for mobile app developers in the digital industry at a global level. With the growing popularity and demand of the latest mobile applications, career options in mobile apps development are growing rampantly.

What Does a Mobile AppDeveloper Do?

A mobile application developer is involved in the process of programming and developing user-friendly software applications for modern gadgets like tablets, smartphones and smartwatches etc. Mobile applications development, though being similar to Web applicants, is unique in its way as it caters to specific devices only.

Skills Required By a Mobile App Developer:

1. Degree in Computer Science or Equivalent Qualification in Computing:

The first and the foremost skill required for a career in mobile app development is a degree in computer science or at least an equivalent qualification in computing. However, this does not guarantee a career in mobile apps development, as the field requires a particular set of skills. If you have the skills along with the degree in computer science, you can hope for a safe career at the mobile app industry.

2. Expertise in Cross-Platform Development

A mobile app developer is required to be versatile in his field of development. You should be able to create all types of applications and for all types of gadgets. You should be skilled to develop an app that can be used on different platforms. Mobile apps developers, with language coding skills in iOS, Android and Blackberry are in popular demand amongst the IT employers as the mobile technology revolves around these platforms in today's’ world. The knowledge of responsive site development is always an advantage especially for those interested in mobile-friendly website development.

3. Expertise in User Interface (UI) Designing for Mobile Apps:

The interaction between the user and the application completely depends upon an effective user interface (UI). With the vast array of mobile applications available in the market for download, it is necessary to develop an effective, user-friendly and appealing software application, exceptional in the market. Thus, the mobile application developer should be skilled in the following:

4. Knowledge of Modern Programming Languages:

A key skill required for any software development; a sound knowledge and experience of the modern programming language is a basic skill required of a mobile app developer. You must have the knowledge of the common programming languages including; C, C++ and Java and of the languages used for web development including; HTML 5 and CSS. Exposure to Application Programming Interfaces (API) including; Apple iOS and Xcode, Android, Windows Mobile and Symbian always gives an edge to the mobile application developer in comparison to those with no knowledge of the same. A mobile application developer always has an added advantage if he/she is skilled in using mobile suites like Antenna and AMP (Accounting-Management-Promotion) across multiple platforms.

5. Knowledge and Experience of Agile Methodologies:

By Agile methodologies we mean a set of methods used for software development which are based on a constant flow of solutions jointly developed by the cross-functional and self-organizing teams of the mobile app industry. An experience in Agile methodologies gives you an edge to anchor your career in the mobile apps development sector of the industry.

6. Business Skills:

A person with business skills along with the required technical skills for mobile application development is sure to sail better in the industry in comparison to the rest. This knowledge would help in developing an exclusive application that gets optimal visibility in the list of similar applications.

After acquiring all the skill sets required for mobile app developer, you can start your career in various streams in the mobile industry as a mobile user interface designer, a mobile applications developer, a user experience and usability expert or a mobility architect.