A mobile developer creates software for mobile devices and technology. Whether for an Android, Apple or Windows platform, a mobile developer must learn the software development environment and programming languages for their chosen platform.
Although based on traditional software development for web applications, a mobile developer creates specific applications which utilize the individual characteristics of the particular platform.
Languages most often used to create web and mobile apps include Corona, Python, PHP, Swift, QML, Java, Java for mobile, Objective-C, BuildFire.js, HTML5 and C# for Windows Phone and others.
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Mobile Developer Job Description
How Do You Become a Mobile Developer?
Average Salary
Mobile Developer Job Description
Mobile developers are hired by a variety of employers including Android and iOS app and platform development companies, the entertainment industry, software companies, financial services and retailers. Basically, any business that operates an online website or web service can use a mobile app and may want to develop specific mobile applications in-house.
A typical work day includes working within a team environment to develop and maintain mobile applications. Mobile developers work in a fast-paced environment where required tasks include translating code, designing new applications and continuous education on the most recent concepts, best practices and terminology for coding mobile apps.
Due to frequently changing technologies and consumer demand, mobile developers also build websites that are designed for mobile browsers. Browser-based applications load quickly over a cellular network and have intuitive navigation. The nature of this profession and the need for meeting deadlines and launch dates and times means a mobile developer may often work evenings or weekends. There is also opportunity for skilled professionals to complete some work in a remote position, freelance or contract capacity.
How Do You Become a Mobile Developer?
Today, mobile developers need a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, mobile application development, mobile computing or similar studies. This, combined with skills and the experience to have a quality portfolio will help developers enter the field of mobile development.
Being skilled in game and simulation programming, media marketing and deployment, UI design, Java programming, HTML and other development tools makes for a better candidate when companies hire.
A mobile developer’s portfolio should highlight projects and mobile application developments that illustrate the quality of work an employer can expect. This may include retailer mobile platforms, gaming apps, fitness programs or even language translator applications.
Looking to become a Mobile Developer? Check out these courses on TechRepublic Academy!
Average Salary
The national average salary for a mobile developer in United States is $97,986. In addition, bonuses or compensations can range from $898 – $13,302. Salaries in related jobs have similar pay scales. For example, software developers earn on average $80,000, software engineers earn $104,000 and android developers earn approximately $98,000 on a yearly basis.
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