Android app development has become a major technical specialization in the IT industry. In fact, after a decade of existence, Android has become a dominant mobile operating system in the world. Moreover, the operating system is not just limited to smartphones. It can be found in smartwatches, infotainment systems, medical devices, entertainment systems, and gaming consoles. Android can provide professionals android developer with some of the best career options and growth opportunities.
In fact, top businesses often hire Android app developers to build their mobile app development projects.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the skills you need to become an Android developer.
Before we talk about the required skills, it is important to learn about the job role.
Who is an Android Developer?
An Android developer is a technical professional responsible for creating software applications for the Android operating system. These apps usually run on phones, tablets, and smartwatches. Furthermore, they have the responsibility to work on software code, implementation of backend services, and test the app on various mobile devices.
Responsibilities of an Android App Developer
- An Android professional is responsible for designing and developing mobile applications for the Android platform.
- They have to be involved in unit-testing the code to ensure robustness, usability, and reliability.
- They have to be proficient enough to detect and fix bugs to improve the application performance.
- These professionals have to collaborate with different teams for defining, designing, and implementing new features to the mobile app.
- They have to find, analyze, and implement new tools and technologies to improve the efficiency of the app.
- Android developers have to actively monitor the performance of live apps and optimize them accordingly.
Also Read: Common e-Commerce Website Designing Errors You Should Avoid
Essential Skills You Need to be an Android Developer
Proficiency in Kotlin
Kotlin has become a prominent programming language for developing Android applications. In fact, Google has made it the official language for Android app development.
For years, developers have been using the Java programming language for developing Android. However, After the launch of Kotlin in 2016, it became the most preferred language for android app development. Developers use Kotlin because it provides an extensive range of tools and features to build robust mobile apps.
Thus, it becomes important for aspiring Android developers to properly learn the syntax and structure of the programming language. Moreover, you also need to gain proficiency in writing stand-alone functions and classes. Using variables and data types in the right way should also be your priority.
Expertise with Android Studio
The Android Studio has become the most important tool for developers to develop effective android applications. By being a graphical integrated development environment (IDE), it is a very suitable tool for Android app development. Even a top Android app development company prefers this SDK to complete their android projects.
The developer using the Android Studio must be able to use the code editor for syntax highlighting, autocomplete, debugging, and troubleshooting an app’s code. Moreover, s/he must be able to use the proper components of Android Studio’s IDE. Expertise with the Android Studio’s documentation will be considered an added benefit.
Proficiency with the Fundamentals of XML
Android applications are heavily reliant on Extensive Markup Language (XML) to determine the design layouts. In fact, it is very important to learn this language to design the layout with elements such as titles, text views, buttons, and more. Having the knowledge of the core philosophies of XML will always help you in Android app development.
Experience with SQL
Android applications also greatly depend on database technologies like SQL. Therefore, you must learn to use SQL to store and organize users’ data effectively. The majority of the employers are looking for Android developers with experience and skills in SQL.
Fundamentals Testing in Android
Although developers don’t have to test the applications, it is always better to have an additional skillset to expect better growth opportunities. Thus, it would be better to have some experience with testing libraries such as Junit, Espresso, Mockito, and more. Testing skills could be very helpful in testing each class and module during the development process.
Understanding of Material Design
Google follows its own unique design philosophy called the material design language in Android applications. Thus, it is important for the developers to know about the essential elements in Android apps such as shades, colours, element placement, transitions, etc.
It could be hard to publish a mobile app into the Google Play Store if the publisher doesn’t follow these design guidelines. Therefore, an Android app development company would also look for professionals who have a good understanding of material design.
Proficiency with Backend Technologies
Top organizations often demand their Android professionals to have proficiency with the backend components of the software as well. Therefore, it could be hard to learn backend programming languages since they are quite different from each other.
By having proficiency with backend technologies, you can also fast-track your career to become a full-stack app developer. Python, Node.js, and .Net are some of the prominent backend programming languages.
Experience with Git
Mobile app development is a complex task that might include constant changes in the source code. Thus, you will need to have expertise with a version control system like Git to progress in your career. You just need to have sufficient knowledge about creating and utilizing repositories to commit changes to the code.
Expertise with Java
Although Kotlin has replaced Java for being the official language to develop Android apps. However, the Android OS is still reliant on Java programming language. In fact, a lot of apps still follow the traditional Java architecture to function properly. Therefore, it becomes important for the developers to have expertise with this programming language.
Cross-Platform App Development
Native app development is not enough for Android app developers. They should also have experience in developing applications that can run on multiple platforms. Therefore, they can have some experience with cross-platform app development frameworks like Flutter and React Native to develop apps for multiple platforms.
This skill would enable them to develop mobile apps that can smoothly run on all smart devices without any glitches or stuttering. Moreover, businesses are also focusing on cross-platform app development to reach wider markets and gain a competitive edge. For this reason, they are also looking for skilled professionals with skills in Android app development.
Summing Up
If you are running a business and want to develop an Android app, then those are skills that you should look for in your Android app development team. Above all, having these skills in your team would help you ensure quality mobile app development. MobileCoderz is a top Android app development company that can provide you with skilled and certified developers for your android apps.
They have an extensive portfolio of clients coming from diverse industry verticals. This gives you an assurance of expertise in multiple technologies and methodologies.
Author Bio
Erma Winter is a professional Android app developer at MobileCoderz, a leading Android app development company. Over the years, she and her team have developed hundreds of Android apps for clients from diverse industry verticals. Lastly, apart from her professional life, she takes a keen interest in horse riding and playing with her pets.
Also Read : Why Hire a Dedicated Development Team For An App?
