Why You Should be Interested in Android Development!

By NIIT Editorial

Published on 23/10/2021

7 minutes

In terms of Operating Systems, it is safe to surmise that Android is the ruling king. The numbers are staggering. As of January 2021, there were about 3 million apps hosted on the platform. In terms of market share, another study projects that by 2022, Android shall own an 87% hold of the market. Considering the total number of smartphone users in 2020 (3.6 billion) there remains over half of the global population that needs to be connected through smart devices.

In other words, an Android Big Bang will unravel before us. If you needed reasons to learn Android in 2021, this is it. But if you need any further explanation, then continue scrolling.

Why Should You Become an Android Developer?

Here are the top reasons you should learn Android development.

Android is Open Source

Android is an operating system that was chiefly designed for touchscreen devices such as mobile phones and tablets. It was created by the Open Handset Alliance and built on a modified version of the Linux Kernel and a collection of other open-source software bases. It has the sponsorship of Google and runs under the Apache License. The fact that Android is open-source, makes it easier for developers to customize the program in tune with their specifications. The most popular version of this software is the Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Wide Market Grip

Launched with the global touchscreen device market at the back of mind, Android earned a place in the good books of manufacturers such as Samsung, HTC, and Sony who responded by creating devices specifically for this OS. As of January 2021, it owns up to 71% of the smartphone OS market. In addition, Android is being used to operationalize TVs, watches, smart glasses, gaming consoles, and home appliances. Such a diversified market means an android developer shall never be out of work, from an employment demand view.

Earn a Respectable Salary

There are always layers to each profession. Following a beginner-level certification program or a UG degree, you’d be placed as an associate-level Android developer. Job portal Indeed captures the payroll at this rung of the ladder throughout major employment strongholds in India. As you would note, IT hubs such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurugram (earlier Gurgaon), and Hyderabad offer the most lucrative salaries for Android development capabilities. Android applications need considerably fewer resources and permissions to develop and publish. It is an 8-step, which if done right, consumes lesser time versus an iOS platform. You can go through the details of it right here:

Establish your app architecture
Upload the specifics of your app on the dashboard
Use the App bundle to state the app version
Plan and initiate the app release
Utilize the Play App Signing option to secure your APK Keys
State the permissions needed by users to access your app
Submit for review by Android authorities
Upon approval, publish the app

Variety of Roles

There are a variety of roles that you can be well suited to after acquiring suitable expertise in android development. For instance, you could become a mobile application developer, or a dedicated android developer as well. Many organizations or upcoming startups also hire Android engineers, and mobile embedded software engineers as well for such jobs. The KRAs will vary along with the title however the core of the job will remain the same.

No Rocket Science Skills Involved

There is a checklist of about 8 technical skills that developers should develop to certify their credentials. It begins with actionable knowledge of Java/Kotlin or both. While at it, you should try and foster an appreciable understanding of Android SDK concepts. On-the-job requirements will involve a lot of database operations in which case SQL should prove useful. Mobile apps tend to undergo multiple iterations for upgrades. Maintaining an updated repository of each version on GIT is an exercise that professionals do involuntarily.

Lest we forget, professionals are expected to be capable enough to operate Android Studio individually. Last but not the least, android programmers are expected to know how to work with backend programming languages such as HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.

Leverage the Gig Economy

As the trend goes, it is not an iron-clad rule that you should work for just one organization at a time. Job aggregators such as Upwork and Freelancer offer refined projects for virtual collaboration opportunities. Work from home is the new normal with Big Tech organizations such as Microsoft, and Amazon, and Facebook have endorsed the permanent WFH clause to be activated. This leaves programmers with additional time that can be allocated, if needed, towards freelance projects for additional income.

Wrapping Up

Mobile app development is a vivid domain with ever-growing opportunities that can be tapped by individuals with an up-to-date skillset. NIIT, in its efforts to offer high-end transformational programs, has an array of MOOCs for students. Make sure to go through our extensive certifications many of which carry placement assistance services.