In today’s digital world, almost everything is reliant on technology and it’s no secret that web applications all benefit from being mobile-friendly. In fact, websites that don’t support mobile functionality receive fewer views as most people search the web through their smartphones. Efficient mobile functionality ensures frequent and recurring visits. That’s why so many businesses are hiring mobile app developers to take their organization to the next level. After all, utilizing these innovative methods is the new norm and is the best way to gain traction. Therefore, if you’re a mobile app developer, it probably isn’t news to you that the field you specialize in is highly sought after. However, there are different needs pertaining to different jobs. So, you will have to have a clear understanding of your role to not only get the job but excel at it. To make things easier, we have created this guide to understanding the responsibilities of a mobile app developer.
The Role of a Mobile App Developer
The best way to understand the role of a mobile app developer is to familiarize yourself with the skills required by customers. There are different app developers which is why if you’re hired to design an app that supports mobile functionality, you should have a robust knowledge of mobile operating systems and programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. You must also understand the different requirements when working with Android or iOS as implementation will look different. Another vital component of being an app developer is communication skills. You must be able to communicate well with the team surrounding you and have excellent analytical skills.
The Team a Mobile App Developer Needs
A common misconception is that an app developer works alone. The reality is it takes a team of specialists to cover every aspect of getting an app off the ground. You will likely work with other software engineers, graphic designers, web designers, data analysts and scientists, and project managers. You will need to consult your team members from conception and planning of the app through to deployment.
The Responsibilities of a Mobile App Developer
A mobile app developer has a lot of responsibilities as you are required to take on everything from managing the application development and lifecycle as well as collaborating with others to ensure the team understands the principles of coding and support. Your responsibilities will involve taking the following steps:
- Planning how you will take the initial idea from theory to practice.
- Designing and coding and understanding the programming language needed for the operating system you are designing for.
- Developing the app, including managing the application’s lifecycle.
- Testing the app which includes offering modifications to ensure smooth operations.
- Deploying the app once you have completed the aforementioned steps with your team, and thus shifting your focus to customer support to ensure everything is smooth sailing for the IT department.
- And offering continued support hereafter.
The continued support your customers will expect includes troubleshooting. Troubleshooting and debugging applications will be a consistent requirement by your customers. In other words, you will still be expected to be available for monitoring, updating, and securing the application after deployment. You must also be able to identify issues, categorize them, know the best steps to take when solving a problem, and be able to articulate them well to your team. This stage is critical and can be difficult without a strong collaboration, but it is essential to be able to remove any hindrances that occurred during the test out as well as any that occur hereafter.
Overall Tasks Required of an App Developer
First, your task will be focused on making sure the app supports mobile functionality. You will also be tasked with technical updates to suit customer needs which means you will be consulted to continue development on apps you have created as well as new ones. You must also work well with others as your cooperation with other designers and programmers will be solicited, along with colleagues that work alongside you to create innovative tools, functions, and designs. Finally, you should keep up to date with the latest concepts for coding a mobile app to offer the best results and be available for future consultations if there are any technical difficulties.
Ultimately, there are specific skills reserved for a mobile app developer, but as you can see from this guide, there are basic communication and collaboration skills required as well. You must also understand the different programming languages for both Android and iOS as your customer will want to reach a wide audience. Invariably, whichever type of smartphone you are designing for, you must have an in-depth knowledge of design and coding, and see the app development through, even long after deployment.