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This article is about Mobile App Development
Skills to Become a Mobile App Developer
By NIIT Editorial
Published on 18/01/2021
6 minutes
The mobile app industry has been a key beneficiary of the pandemic that confined people within their households. With little to no choice for commotion outside, human indulgence on the digital scale tipped big time in the favor of mobile apps. Daily average users for content creation, entertainment apps went through a significant hike in-app traffic. Therefore, a conclusion to be derived from the COVID-19 pandemic for mobile apps is, they are here to stay and will have a substantial say in our lives.
Also, easy to surmise is the fact that when the industry grows, so will the job roles encompassed in it. To make it easy for future professionals to make an informed career choice, today we’ll share the skills that will have you sail through an interview in the mobile app industry.
JavaScript
JavaScript is best suited to front end assignments. Native mobile apps can be developed using JavaScript-based frameworks such as React and Angular. One reason the React framework is regarded highly is that it embraces the Learn Once Write Anywhere principle making code development compatible with major operating systems simple. Angular shares the similar, well-liked fate of React in that it is highly compatible with JavaScript libraries providing for mobile app customization.
Intuitive UI Design
Having robust backend functionalities isn’t enough. Developers must back them up by enriching them with intuitive user interface designs. Intuitive actions come naturally to people without second thoughts. When the app design is self-directing, or so it feels, users would be drawn to use it gradually. On the contrary, if the UI is confusing it would result in customer churn and hard to bear app uninstallations.
Cross-Platform Development
The app industry is so vivid that developers often choose to become subject matter experts for operating systems such as android, iOS, or Windows. However, the asking price for such talent begins to tick north if they are capable of working efficiently on both. Yes, everyone begins with a single OS but they should try and make the code reusable, mitigating development timeframes, and deliver cross-compatible products with minimum hiccups.
Cyber Security
It is hard to call software fail-proof. After all, code is logical, and someone else’s logic can be superior to yours. But measures must be put in place to at least ensure the presence of hack-averse firewalls. Using techniques like encryption and cryptography, reducing dependencies on third-party libraries, and relying on authentic data storage facilities should be a top priority.
Programming
At the most basic level, working knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript is recommended for full-stack developers. Java used to be the official language for mobile app development in the nascent years of Android. Since then, both Google and Apple have come forward with open source programming languages built on purpose to be used for app development. This includes Kotlin for android and Swift for iOS. Similarly, Python will also be a top contender for the programming languages to learn in 2021 as its lean syntax and low-volume code is loved by programmers across the board.
Agile Development
Agile is a mindset more than an ideology. It has its roots in the acclaimed book The Lean Startup by Eric Ries where the author discusses the importance of managing colossal projects by breaking them down into short-spanned assignments with ample room for testing, revisions, and the eventual product rollout. Agile technokrats are not hard bound on tweaking product versions, in fact, they welcome the opportunity to face hick-ups earlier during the SDLC than risk miffing customers later. Having prior experience or a strong interest in Agile is always a welcoming sign for modern-day mobile app developers.
GIT
Git is an open-source version control software trusted by the global programming community. You can conveniently save one version of your code on it and continue making changes in parallel. If anything goes haywire, the previous copy of the code can be retrieved and re-deployed on production. Mobile app development companies tend to land a barrage of projects from various sources. Managing multiple levels of code on the platform would always interest recruiters to prefer you over others in interviews.
Internet of Things
There are over 20 billion devices connected to the internet already. With the impending national rollout of the 5G technology, smart homes and cities will soon be a reality. Mobile apps are one way of capturing the ocean of data that would be generated with so many interconnected devices. A strong background in networking, system security, and data analytics therefore would be a big advantage for professionals wanting to create a unique identity for themselves in this space.
Final Thoughts
The skills required to remain in demand in this industry are just as dynamic as the technologies. Watch this space for more updates as we bring you all there is to know about mobile app development careers.
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