App Developer

Working Schedule
 
App Developers may work on their own or for an organization as freelancers, contractors, or full-time employees. Hours and schedules are based on the capacity in which they are employed. Some App Developers are hired to work on a single project. Once completed, they may have to find additional work.  

Typical Duties

• Manage app lifecycles from initial planning and design to development, testing, deployment, and support
• Meet relevant team members to discuss and plan what functionality will go into apps to be developed
• Consider end users and their wants and needs for the app
• Discuss which systems the app will interface with
• Plan ahead for foreseeable technical problems
• Review project timeframes and costs. Ensure development can finish by deadline and within budget
• Determine how to measure the app’s performance to ensure it meets standards
• Design and modify software based on requirements, including security issues
• Collaborate with team members such as designers, programmers, software engineers, and systems analysts
• Maintain communications with project managers or other departments as development progresses
• Have software quality assurance tested. Create detailed documentation as work proceeds
• Address bugs and errors. Monitor functioning and make improvements and fixes as needed
• Offer immediate support as apps are deployed
• Additional Responsibilities
• Capture data and generate reports and other documentation
• Demonstrate the app’s functionality to stakeholders
• Train other developers to ensure backup and continuity
• Collaborate on live troubleshooting and pushing updates

Soft Skills

• Analytical mindset
• Detail-oriented
• Methodical
• Objective
• Organized
• Patient
• Practical
• Problem-solving skills
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Strong communication skills, including active listening
• Teamwork

Technical Skills

• Expertise in computer science and information technology
• Knowledge of programming languages to develop native apps, hybrid apps, and progressive web apps
  • Popular languages and frameworks include Objective-C, Swift, Java, Kotlin, C#, Xamarin, React Native, Appcelerator, Cordova, Ruby, Python, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP
• Knowledge of mobile app development software such as Quixy, Zoho Creator, AppyPie, AppSheet, Bizness Apps, Appery.io, iBuildApp, Shoutem, Rollbar, JIRA, AppInstitute, etc.
• Familiarity with server engineering functions and cloud platforms like AWS

• Governmental agencies
• Healthcare sector
• Private organizations and companies
• Retail businesses
• Self-employed
• Tourism industry

App Developers must keep up with constant changes in technology in order to produce cutting-edge programs that will attract users. They must be creative and original while following proven processes that will secure buy-in from stakeholders. When budgets and due dates are tight, they must work efficiently yet with as few mistakes as possible. Nothing can destroy an app’s reputation faster than a major bug that incites users to leave bad reviews. Security flaws can expose personal information, leading to potential lawsuits…meaning App Developers have a lot of responsibility resting on their shoulders!   

Mobile apps are everywhere these days, integrated into virtually all facets of our daily lives. As time goes on, that integration will continue. The Internet of Things app integration, for example, provides endless opportunities for users to connect all their devices and control them with a few taps of their phone. Meanwhile, with the advent of 5G technology, users around the world are now enjoying faster-than-ever connections, boosting the use of apps and creating a demand for even more.
 
Wearable technology is also evolving and catching on, creating the need for integrated apps. But perhaps mobile commerce is perhaps the hottest topic as eCommerce sales explode. Even non-eCommerce businesses are scrambling to create apps that make ordering more convenient (for example, food delivery app use has skyrocketed in the past few years!). 

 App Developers probably enjoyed learning about programming languages through hours of practice. They may have taken math and IT-related classes in high school or participated in online forums where they could share information and ask questions. A lot of developer gurus read industry magazines and articles or watch video tutorials to pick up new skills and stay ahead of the curve.
 
While the wide world of app and software development attracts people from all walks of life, sometimes introverted personality types are drawn to these fields more than extroverts or people who feel a need to be outdoors all day. Learning how to code takes a lot of time, focus, and persistence, so App Developers should be committed and able to follow through on projects.