How to Become an App Developer
If you’re a tech-savvy person who loves to make things, becoming a developer seems like a natural fit. After all, you’ll be creating software and apps that people use every day—and you’ll get paid for it! But what’s the process for becoming an app developer? And how can you get started?
To become an app developer, there are three main steps: learning how to code in programming languages like Java or Swift; learning how to create apps with a development tool like Adobe Director; and building up your portfolio of work with clients or on your own projects. Let’s break down each step below.
Step 1: Learn Coding Languages
In order to be considered a “developer,” you need to know at least one programming language. You might already have some experience with coding languages—if so, great! If not, don’t worry—you’ve got options. Here are some of the most common programming languages used by app developers today:
JavaScript (JS) is used for frontend web development and is supported by most browsers (including Chrome). It’s often used for client-side scripting and frontend frameworks such as AngularJS and ReactJS.
How To Become App Developer
As smart devices become more advanced, the demand for app developers who can design, build and maintain mobile applications continues to increase. They are an important part of a project management or technical team responsible for meeting user needs. With a high earning potential, strong career outlook and opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology, many app developers find their careers highly fulfilling. In this article, you’ll learn about what an app developer does and how to become one.
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What does an app developer do?
App developers work on the design and implementation of applications for mobile devices. This can include both utility apps and mobile gaming apps. Although some developers work alone, many commercial app development projects are completed by teams of developers and often involve work with additional departments such as writers, artists and graphic designers.
Related: Technical Skills: Definitions and Examples
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How to become an app developer
There is no one way to become an app developer. However, you can take steps to ensure that you are as fully qualified as possible. If you’re interested in a career in app development, follow these steps.
- Decide how you want to develop.
- Brainstorm your ideas.
- Consider profit options if pursuing independent development.
- Learn to code.
- Pursue certifications.
- Diversify your coding skills.
- Create your app developer resume.
- Apply for app developer positions.
1. Decide how you want to develop
Before getting started with app development, you need to determine how you want to approach your career. The traditional route to working in app development is to find work with a development company. When working for a company, you will need to apply yourself and show your worth, and then likely be assigned specific elements of the app build to work on throughout the development process. As you progress on this career track, you might find more opportunities to take on more leadership roles.
2. Brainstorm your ideas
If you’re starting out by developing your own app, there are additional considerations you need to address. The first issue to consider is what your app will be. Whether you’re looking to make the next big game or have an idea for what you believe can be a highly successful functional app, it’s important to first have a solid idea that you can develop over time into a full-fledged app.
The best way to come up with a product others will want to use is to build an app you would want to use, so consider the types of games you like to play or problems in your life that need better solutions. Once you have found the idea that has the most potential or is most interesting to you, it’s time to move forward in the development process.
3. Consider profit options if pursuing independent development
The major drawback to independent app development as opposed to working as an employee or contractor for a company is that you will need to come with the funds yourself. There are many options for funding a development project, each with their own pros and cons, so finding the right choice will require you to assess your current situation and find a solution that works for you. Potential methods of generating revenue with your project include:
- Developing your app with an eye on commercial sale upon completion: If you build a successful app, this can be a highly lucrative model, but it does mean you do not receive a payoff for your work until the project has been completed.
- Crowdfunding services: These can change up the order of payment and delivery, with a successfully-funded project resulting in an instant injection of cash into your accounts. This removes some of the uncertainty of independent development, as you receive your money upfront when your funding drive ends.
- Patron funding options: These are similar to crowdfunding, but instead of a lump sum in the beginning, your patrons pledge a set donation either monthly or for each update. This can be a great way to build financial support for your project, particularly if you are comfortable sharing in-progress builds with patrons.
- Developing a free or freemium app: This can bring in revenue without requiring any financial contribution from users. Modern app platforms allow for easy integration of advertisements that deliver small amounts of money for every ad view by users, while freemium games are free to play but offer in-game advantages for players who are willing to pay small transactions.
4. Learn to code
The most important step to becoming an app developer is learning how to code. Although there are development platforms that you can use to create basic apps in a drag-and-drop style, any professional app will require you to know how to code. Even when building on a platform, coding allows you to customize your app and add features not included in the visual-building engine. When learning to code, you can generally choose two routes: enrolling in classes at a college or self-teaching through the use of online coding courses.
There are many effective online courses, both free and paid, that can teach you everything you need to know to succeed as an app developer. This may be the most cost-effective option, especially if you’re pursuing independent development. You simply choose your preferred programming language and start learning at your own schedule.
5. Pursue certifications
One of the most effective ways for an app developer to highlight their qualifications is to earn coding certifications. Certifications for coding usually require the applicant to pass an exam. Although all resumes benefit from including one or more coding certifications, earning certifications is particularly important if you opt for independent education. Similar to a degree, these certifications will verify your coding knowledge.
6. Diversify your coding skills
There are many language options when learning to code. The best way to position yourself for success in programming is to master multiple languages, as this expands your options when searching for jobs. The most popular coding languages for app development are:
- Java
- C#
- Objective-C
- C++
- Swift
- Kotlin
7. Create your app developer resume
App development is a competitive field, so coders seeking employment with a development studio need to do everything possible to stand out as an exceptional candidate. A compelling resume is one of the best ways to make a strong impression, as it’s the first thing a potential employer will see about you. To start, list your best coding skills as well as any responsibilities and duties at previous jobs that could be useful as a coder.
Read more: How to Make a Resume (With Examples)
8. Apply for app developer positions
Once you have your base resume, you should save it as its own file, then create a new copy of it when applying for each job. Before sending your resume and cover letter off to potential employers, reread the job posting, taking note of any skills and responsibilities specifically cited in the listing. Employers will be looking for similar skills on your resume, so it’s best to highlight as many as possible that you have experience with.
