Application Developer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an application developer. Feel free to use our application developer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an application developer.
Who is an Application Developer?
An application developer is a computer software engineer who creates, tests, and programs apps for computers, smartphones, and tablets. These programmers usually work in groups and come up with concepts and ideas for the general public or for a specific client requirement. App developers are familiar with coding languages and how to apply them, and they may collaborate on projects with visual artists, data scientists, and other software professionals. They also test the product and correct any bugs that are discovered before it is released. Software for a certain operating system (OS), such as Android, iOS, or Windows, can be written.
App developers usually specialize in a particular field of development, such as mobile phone apps, graphics software, accounting software, or office suites. Market research is frequently conducted by marketing firms in order to acquire information about consumer wants. This data is then passed on to app developers, who construct new apps that satisfy the expectations of the public in terms of usability and cost. The same basic program is available in multiple versions that may be read on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. After an app is finished and put into production, the developer works on patches (upgrades) that are distributed to the public on a regular basis. App developers create ‘native’ experiences that allow people to complete tasks, consume content, and interact with brands and other people. They work for themselves as well as for small, medium, and large businesses.
A skilled application developer is a software source code creator of the highest caliber. Application developers are involved in the end-to-end software development life cycle, depending on their specialized field. They develop, test, implement and assist with software upgrades as needed by clients. Developers also collaborate with designers, analysts, and computer engineers to ensure that software applications are of the highest quality possible. In this technologically advanced age, the role of an application software developer is vital. On app development projects, software application developers are given the same level of responsibility. A skilled programmer may transform a concept into a stunningly simple app that has the potential to revolutionize the way we live.
A general and specific skill set is required to perform the duties of an application developer. An application developer, in addition to having strong technical and analytical skills, might tackle any software design problem. A programmer should also be an inventive thinker and a creative individual. The capacity to speak clearly and patiently listen to the user contributes to the professional quality of app developers on a regular basis. In brief, professional application developers should have all of the abilities necessary to complete the project cycle of -Planning-Estimation-Design-Development-Testing-Support-and-Maintenance.
Application developers are “software developers” in the sense that they write programs for computers and mobile devices using code. Application developers, on the other hand, focus solely on their own apps, building programs for certain operating systems (such as Windows or Mac OS) or mobile devices. While desktop apps (such as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office) continue to play a significant role in the market, apps downloaded to mobile devices such as smartphones account for a greater and more rapidly changing portion. From start to finish, an app developer’s work on a project will entail analyzing consumer research, defining a potential app to address these issues, outlining a development plan using defined parameters and specifications, building and coding the app, testing and refining the app to address immediate issues, troubleshooting the app once it’s up and running, and making necessary modifications to existing related programs if necessary. App developers frequently create documentation (such as charts and spreadsheets) to track their progress for future technicians and developers.
Types of App Developers:
Mobile App Developers
More and more people are turning to smartphones and, more recently, tablets as their primary computers. Mobile app developers are trained to design small electronic devices and write computer programs for smartphones and other mobile devices. Rather than designing for a larger PC screen, these developers are working with incredibly small Android, iPhone, and BlackBerry devices. They’ve worked with a variety of multimedia applications and programming languages for mobile devices. Objective C, C++, Python, and Java are the most common programming languages used by mobile app developers. Each mobile device has its own programming language that app developers must be familiar with.
Android Developers
Android is the brand name for Google’s mobile operating system. Android is available on a wide range of smartphones and tablets from a variety of manufacturers, including Samsung, Sony, and Motorola (as well as Google’s own Nexus smartphone), and gives users access to Google services such as Search, and YouTube, Maps, and Gmail. An android developer creates apps for the Android operating system that run on phones and tablets, including interactive games, media players, electronic book readers, and worldwide navigation software. The code necessary for Android development is largely open-source and freely available to anyone interested in creating apps for the Android operating system. It’s a fantastic moment to work in Android development. Jobs are plentiful, demand for Android apps is increasing, and technology is progressing.
iOS Developers
The mobile operating system that runs on Apple’s mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads is known as iOS. It is a shortened version of ‘iPhone OS’ or ‘iPhone Operating System.’ iOS developers know how to structure, test, and debug software, as well as how to handle source control. Swift or Objective-C are two programming languages that iOS developers are familiar with (and some know both languages, which is best). They are familiar with iOS, which means they can construct views, manage user interaction, display data, provide alerts, navigate, display photos, labels, and text views, and integrate with REST APIs and parse JSON.
Application Developer Job Description
Below are the application developer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an application developer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an application developer include the following:
- Analyze the concepts, business models, and user needs in order to develop a design approach.
- Assume the role of a tenant to create a feasible application design and coding parameters that include the necessary functionalities.
- Distribute the process in several packets to other relevant technological project teams.
- Create numerous process flow diagrams and working models to streamline the process.
- Coordinate the development cycle and ensure that different components are compatible.
- Supervise and execute performance tests and trials to ensure a hassle-free user experience.
- Record and document each aspect of application development for future reference and maintenance.
- Deploy and install the applications to demonstrate that the program is performing as expected by the client.
- Fix issues that arise during test cycles and enhance the quality of deliveries on a constant basis.
- Communicate with other application development partners and technological arbiters to achieve exceptional results.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related discipline is required.
- Knowledge of programming languages such as Java and ORACLE is required.
- Application and software development experience.
- An understanding of software design and programming fundamentals is required.
- Good problem-solving and mathematical abilities.
Essential Skills
Hard Skills
- Software Development Life Cycle(SDCL): Analysis, study, design, coding, testing, releasing, and support are all broken down in detail by skilled application developers. Understanding the SDCL process can assist developers in managing the full development cycle and coordinating the required services at the appropriate time.
- UX/UI Expertise: The receptiveness of customers is the winning quotient in developing an application. The success rate of any consumer application software is determined by the user interface and user experience. As a result, developers with inventive application modeling skills and user interface coding methodologies have a better chance of succeeding.
- Algorithm and Data Structure: In programming, this is the fundamental counterpart. Getting experienced in data structuring and optimal algorithm design enables application developers to meet and surprise people without using a lot of time and data.
- Programming Language: A thorough understanding of fundamental and high-level programming languages such as PHP, Java, JavaScript, HTML5, C++, Xcode, SQL, Objective-C, Swift, RUST, GO, and KOTLIN is highly recommended. Developers, on the other hand, can specialize in any of them depending on their area of interest. Having a good command of a handful of these languages, on the other hand, may provide a professional edge.
- Networking and Testing: An application software developer must learn the appropriate networking skills. It aids in visualizing the client-server network architecture and designing the necessary infrastructure protocols and gateways while outlining the development process.
- Cross-platform Software: In the application development industry, versatility is highly valued. It can help programmers stand out from the crowd if they have cross-platform skills. A developer’s ability to weave cross-platform programs, such as Codename, PhoneGap, Appcelerator, NativeScript, and others, allows them to satisfy consumer-based software clients.
Soft Skills
- Analytical Skills – Recognizing client needs and developing new applications to meet those demands
- Communication – Communicating ideas to coders, teammates, and management in a clear and concise manner
- Creativity – Designing novel applications and inventing new approaches to solve challenges
- Customer Service – When engaging directly with clients and consumers, great customer service abilities are essential for answering questions and resolving problems.
- Attention to Detail – For an application to function, it must have all of its components operating together.
- Problem-Solving – Making decisions that will advance the project.
- Teamwork – Working effectively with others as part of a huge team of developers
- Technical Skills – Being fluent in computer languages and possessing a high level of technical understanding are both desirable qualities.
How to Become an Application Developer
- Decide how you want to develop
Before you begin developing apps, you must first decide how you want to approach your job. Finding work through a development company is the usual path to working in app development. When you work for a firm, you’ll be expected to put in the effort and prove your worth, and you’ll most likely be assigned certain aspects of the app construction to work on during the development process. As your career progresses, you may have more possibilities to take on more leadership duties.
- Brainstorm your ideas
If you’re just getting started with app development, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing to think about is what kind of app you’re going to make. Whether you want to design the next great game or have an idea for a highly successful utilitarian app, it’s crucial to start with a solid concept that you can expand into a full-fledged app over time. The ideal method to create a product that others would want to use is to create an app that you would want to use, so think about the games you like to play or problems in your life that need to be solved. It’s time to go forward in the development process once you’ve chosen the idea with the most potential or that interests you the most.
- Consider profit options if pursuing independent development
The main disadvantage of working as an independent app developer rather than as an employee or contractor for a corporation is that you will have to come up with the finances yourself. There are numerous ways to fund a development project, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so determining the best option will require you to evaluate your existing circumstances and discover a solution that works for you. The following are some possible revenue-generating options for your project:
Developing your app with the goal of selling it commercially once it’s finished: This can be a very lucrative strategy if you design great software, but it does mean you don’t get paid until the project is finished.
Crowdfunding services: These can change the payment and delivery order, with a successfully funded project resulting in an immediate cash injection into your accounts. This takes away some of the risks of self-development by giving you your money upfront when your funding campaign ends.
Patron financing options: These are similar to crowdsourcing, but instead of a one-time payment, your patrons commit a monthly or per-update donation. This can be a terrific approach to raise funds for your project, especially if you’re comfortable showing donors in-progress projects.
Creating a free or freemium app: This can generate revenue without forcing users to contribute any money. Modern software platforms make it simple to integrate adverts that pay users a little amount of money for each ad view, whereas freemium games are free to play but give in-game benefits to players willing to pay small transactions.
- Learn to code
Learning to code is the most critical step in becoming an app developer. Although there are development platforms that allow you to build drag-and-drop rudimentary apps, any professional software will require you to know how to code. Even when using a platform, coding allows you to customize your app and add features that aren’t available through the visual builder. When it comes to learning to code, you have two options: enrolling in college programs or self-teaching through online coding courses. There are both free and paid online courses that can teach you all you need to know to be a successful app developer. This could be the most cost-effective alternative, especially if you’re looking to grow independently. Simply pick your chosen programming language and get started on your own time.
- Pursue certifications
Earning code certifications is one of the most efficient ways for an app developer to highlight their qualifications. The majority of coding certifications require the applicant to pass an exam. Although one or more coding certifications assist all resumes, acquiring certifications is especially vital if you choose independent study. These certifications will authenticate your coding expertise in the same way that a degree would.
- Diversify your coding skills
When learning to code, there are numerous languages to choose from. Mastering numerous languages is the ideal method to position yourself for programming success, as it broadens your job search alternatives. The following are the most widely used coding languages for app development: Java, C#, Objective-C, C++, Swift, and Kotlin
- Create your app developer resume
Because app development is such a competitive field, coders who want to work for a development studio must do everything they can to stand out as great candidates. Because your CV is the first thing a potential employer sees about you, it’s one of the finest methods to establish a good first impression. To begin, make a list of your finest coding talents, as well as any previous employment responsibilities and activities that could be relevant as a developer.
- Apply for app developer positions
Once you’ve created your main resume, save it as a separate file and duplicate it for each job application. Reread the job advertising before sending your resume and cover letter to potential employers, noting any abilities and duties that are clearly mentioned in the listing. Employers will be seeking similar abilities on your CV, so make sure you list as many as possible.
Education Option
Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree in computer science could be an excellent alternative if you’re new to web development and willing to spend four years to your studies. This path is suitable for an entry-level position, but it necessitates a significant time and money investment.
Associate degree: You can choose an associate degree if you don’t want to spend four years in school or a lot of money. In just two years, you’ll have earned your basic educational credentials.
Bootcamps: One of the most popular alternatives among budding App Developers is boot camps. They’re ideal for folks who wish to jump right into a new job. You’ll be able to learn at your own pace as well.
While a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree both provide academic information, boot camps provide greater practical expertise that employers desire. They also have a specialized curriculum where you can concentrate on the type of app development that you want to do.
Certificate programs: There are several online credential programs available to assist you to demonstrate your app development skills. The Google Developers Certification for budding Android developers and Apple’s Developer Certification are two examples. Keep in mind that while these are excellent endorsements, they may not be enough to help you develop all of the talents you’ll need for a long-term profession.
Self-guided learning: There are many websites that offer free online resources to help you learn to code, but for a beginner, the amount of material accessible might be intimidating. Although many App Developers are self-taught, a structured curriculum and debugging support can help you get started faster.
Where to Work as an Application Developer
App developers operate in a variety of industries, including banking and government. They frequently collaborate with other IT professionals, such as software developers and systems analysts, to write programs that meet their requirements. Apps have become so common and prevalent at this point in technological history that it’s difficult to find a corporation that doesn’t employ application developers. Of course, large corporations with their own cellphones, such as Apple and Google, engage on-site developers to create and maintain custom apps. However, in our increasingly mobile-device-oriented society, a near-infinite number of enterprises from all industries, whether directly tech-related or not, claim downloadable apps in order to generate user traffic.
Application Developer Salary Scale
In Nigeria, a Mobile Developer earns roughly 333,000 NGN per month on average. Salaries range from 177,000 NGN to 507,000 NGN (lowest to highest). This is the monthly average pay, which includes housing, transportation, and other benefits. Salaries for mobile developers vary greatly depending on experience, abilities, gender, and region. In the United States, an application developer’s average annual income is $81,131, including a $4,000 cash incentive.