You run into the work of application developers daily. In fact, they design, create, and maintain the software you’re likely using right now to read this. They are responsible for everything from the games we play on our phones to the apps we use to book flights and track our fitness goals. If you’re interested in becoming an application developer, you should know a few things before selecting it as your career path. That’s what our focus will be here today. We’ll begin by discussing what application development is and what responsibilities you can expect in this career, followed by perquisites, training, skills, job outlook, and more. And hopefully, you’ll walk away from reading this article having a clearer sense of whether or not being an application developer is the right career path for you.
Application development follows a process known as the application lifecycle — it’s the application’s journey from idea to delivery and eventual retirement.
The application lifecycle begins with an idea. It could come from anywhere — a business need, a customer request, or even a personal interest. Once the idea has been generated, it will be fleshed out into a concept.
From there, the application will be designed, built, and tested. Once it has been determined that the app meets all the requirements, it will be released to the public. The deployment process will vary depending on the type of application being developed.
After the application has been released, it will be monitored for any issues. When necessary, developers will release updates to fix any bugs.
Eventually, the application will reach the end of its life cycle and will be retired — this could be for several reasons, such as changes in technology or the user base’s needs.
In short, app developers create programs for a specific operating system (often mobile OSes). This process can involve everything from designing the initial prototype to maintaining and updating the application after its release.
Application developers usually work as part of a team, though they may also work independently on smaller projects. And while some developers may work exclusively on coding, others may also be responsible for managing application development projects from start to finish.
Once the application has been approved, developers will begin writing code and building the app according to the specifications set forth by the client. This can involve working with a variety of programming languages, as well as testing the application to ensure that it functions properly.
After the application has been completed, developers may also be responsible for submitting it to app stores (such as the App Store or Google Play) and providing support and updates after the fact.
The day-to-day tasks of an application developer will vary depending on the project at hand. However, there are some general duties that most app developers can expect to perform daily, such as:
Application developer teams may also include project managers, designers, and quality assurance analysts. In larger organizations, there may also be a dedicated application development department.
Developers usually work full-time, though they may occasionally need to work overtime to meet deadlines or to handle unexpected challenges. Some developers may also travel to meet with clients or attend conferences.
There are several reasons why you might want to become an application developer. Some of the most common reasons include:
Yes, application developers are in high demand, primarily due to the increasing popularity of smartphones and other mobile devices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for application developers is expected to grow by 25% between 2021 and 2031, which is considered a much faster than average job outlook growth rate.
And the number of jobs or positions within this labor category was sitting at 1.6 million as of 2021.
If you want to become an application developer, there are many skills that you will need to succeed in this role. Let’s break these up into the more technical skills and those more related to workflow, productivity, and performance.
As an application developer, you must be proficient in various programming languages.
Common programming languages for application developers include:
You may also need to understand web-based languages like HTML5 and CSS3.
You will also need to understand different operating systems, such as Android and iOS. This will allow you to develop applications for various devices.
To store data efficiently, application developers need to understand databases well. This could involve anything from MySQL to MongoDB.
Application developers need to create user-friendly interfaces for their applications. This involves a good understanding of human-computer interaction and graphic design principles.
When application developers encounter errors, they need to be able to debug their code to find the root cause of the problem. Web app development often involves general web development to coincide. In these cases, being familiar with performance monitoring tools like Kinsta APM is essential, especially if you work with WordPress.
Along with your technical skills, you’ll need business savvy and an ability to work with others. Some of these skills include:
According to Glassdoor, the average application developer’s salary is $93,000 per year. MOte can be made with extra pay and bonuses.
However, salaries can range from $50,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience and skills.
Application developers with more experience and more specialized skills can expect to earn the higher end of the salary range. This is similar to the salaries of those in other development fields, like full-stack developers.
Other reported averages include $80,000 per year from Indeed, $98,000 per year from ZipRecruiter, and $72,000 per year from Payscale. For further context, the current average salary when combining the figures reported by Glassdoor, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Payscale is $85,000 per year.
If you’re interested in becoming an application developer, there are a few things that you need to do. Let’s first talk about the general job requirements of a role in this field and then discuss specifics like how to get started, the minimum you need to know to begin, and what programming languages you should learn.
To be an application developer, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements. First, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
Additionally, it would help if you had experience working with computers and application development software and a strong understanding of programming languages. Finally, it’s also essential to have strong problem-solving skills, as application developers often need to debug code and find solutions to errors.
While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most application developer roles, some companies may require that you have a master’s degree or higher. Additionally, some companies may prefer that you have experience working in a specific application development software or programming language.
There are two main options for application development roles: freelancing or full-time employment.
There are benefits to each. For example, freelancing offers more flexibility regarding hours and working from home, while full-time employment typically comes with more job security and benefits.
The best way to decide which route is right for you is to start applying for jobs and see what’s out there. If you’re unsure where to start, Indeed is an excellent resource for finding application developer jobs. You can also check out freelancer job boards, such as Upwork.
Application development is a complex process, but you don’t need to know everything to get started. The best way to learn is simply by doing.
That said, there are a few key things that you should know before getting started, including the basics of app development software and programming languages. And your approach will be slightly different if you aim to build an app yourself to launch then or to be hired by a development company.
If you’re looking to get hired by a development company, your best bet is to focus on learning one or two specific programming languages. The most popular programming language for application development is Java, followed by Python. Other popular options include C++ and PHP.
If you’re looking to build an app, you’ll need to be familiar with the application development software and programming languages. For example, if you’re using the popular game development engine Unity for building a game, you’ll need to learn C#.
In terms of resources, many great books, websites, and online courses can help you learn the basics of application development.
There are a variety of programming languages that application developers can learn. The best language to start with will depend on your goals and interests.
If you’re looking to get hired by a development company, we recommend starting with Java or Python. These are two of the most popular programming languages, are relatively easy to learn, and can be used for various application development projects.
If you’re looking to build an app yourself, we recommend starting with C# or JavaScript — they’re versatile languages for building diverse applications.
Before we part ways, we also want to look at the hiring side of things. If you’re aiming to hire an application developer, you must be clear in your expectations of the candidates. Before ever losing your job posting, have a good sense of:
Once you’ve got a good sense of what you need, it’s time to start writing your job posting. Make sure that your job posting is clear and concise and that it includes all of the relevant information that candidates will need to know.
If you’re stumped, here’s a quick rundown of job expectations for a junior app developer as an example:
Now that you know what to look for in an application developer, it’s time to start your search! You can find application developers on a variety of job boards, as well as on freelancer websites. You can also check out the Kinsta Agency Directory, which is filled with many qualified professionals willing to take on your project.
When searching for candidates, use keywords that relate to the skills and experience you’re looking for.
And that’s everything you need to know about becoming an application developer! We hope that this guide has been helpful and that you now understand the application development process better.
Remember, if you’re looking to get hired by a development company, focus on learning Java or Python. If you want to develop an app, focus on learning C# or JavaScript. And if you’re hiring an application developer, make sure to be clear in your expectations of the candidates.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck in your application development journey.
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Are you looking to get started as an application developer? If so, is there anything holding you back from entering the field? Sound off in the comments below!
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