How to become an Android App Developer?

The way we communicate, conduct business, and consume entertainment has been changed a lot by the mobile apps we use daily. Moreover, the way we learn things about the world.

Do you have a killer app idea and you’re ready to turn it into a reality and take it to market? 

There’s no doubt that you wish to get your first download, review, and ultimately profits.

But the issue is that you don’t know where to start or how to build an app.

We are here to help you the same way we’ve helped thousands of students across the country build their first app!

What is mobile application development?

It is the process of writing and developing software for small, wireless computing devices (we call them mobile phones - ok, iPhone *sigh*).

Like Web application development, mobile application development resonates closely with more traditional software development. 

A unique aspect of mobile apps, however, is that they are built to take advantage of the incredible features each mobile device offers. 

For instance, iPhone’s accelerometer is being used in many of the gaming apps and the temperature sensor in smartwatches is used for mobile health apps.

Why choose Android Development?

Android development gives you many reasons to choose it over others. Some notable ones among them are listed below:

License 

Since it is an open-source platform, android reduces the cost of package licensing. This also contributes to having low initial investment and high ROI.

They have a vast community that allows you to directly interact with the developers themselves in case of problems or future versions.

Android is an evolving platform

Google keeps changing certain functionalities and releasing the new versions every now and then. So, you get updates on a regular basis which include improvised features that are added to your application. 

This is something that can catch the eye of any user but also gives the developers an exciting challenge.

Easy to learn 

If you ask any professional developer, they will agree that the time spent behind learning android app development is significantly less than any other technologies.

Simply having the knowledge of Java and languages like Perl, PHP can get the job done.

Who is an Android Developer? 

An android developer makes people’s lives easier by developing mobile or desktop applications that help make day-to-day activities easier.

So, if you ask who exactly is an Android Developer, one would say, he/she is a Software Developer who specializes in designing applications for the Android marketplace.

Android developers working in an organization have to create apps with regard to the domain of the company they work on. They can develop simple applications like a calculator as well as complex ones like gaming applications (PUBG, Call of Duty, etc.)

As an Android developer, you need to be very clear about your job posting and your responsibilities. 

Here are the Job roles you should expect:

• Mobile App Developer
• Android Engineer
• Mobile Architect
• Embedded Software Engineer – Mobile
• Lead Software Engineer- Mobile
• Android Developer
• Mobile Developer

Who can become an Android Developer? 

If you’re a beginner and wish to build a career in Android Development, we suggest you get started with some online courses like MyCaptain. 

MyCaptain offers a 30-day LIVE workshop on android app development and appoints you a mentor who is not only with you in every step of the journey but is also easy to interact with. You can check out the workshop by clicking here...

Let’s take a look at a few notable skills one should master if they wish to become an android developer,

• In-depth knowledge of Android SDK along with various versions of Android.
• Pro efficient in programming languages like Java/Kotlin.
• Complete understanding of Android UI design principles and best practices.
• Decent knowledge with SQL.
• Understanding and practice of using code versioning tools like Git.
• Familiarity with RESTful APIs that connect Android applications to back-end services.
• Experience handling offline storage, performance tuning, and threading.
• Ability to develop and design applications around UI such as touch.
• Have the ability to identify business requirements and convert them into technical requirements.
• Familiarity with cloud message APIs and push notifications.
• Thorough knowledge of Google’s Android design principles and interface guidelines.
• Familiarity with continuous integration.

Mastering these skills is definitely going to be worth your time as android is a domain that never runs out of jobs or opportunities. 

So don’t wait and become an amazing developer today!

Now that you have understood who is an Android Developer and what the job trends, let’s move on and take a look at how exactly you can become a successful Android Developer.

How to become a successful Android Developer?

1. Find out if Android development is for you

If you're starting from scratch, you'll have a lot of work to do to become an effective Android developer, so it makes sense that you are 100 percent sure this is the right path for you. 

One of the best ways to get a taste of a subject is to give it a go, even at its most basic level. 

There are some great introductory online courses that cost very little (some are even free) but can give you an idea of whether Android development is for you.

2. Learn Java (and a bit of C++ and SQL)

Ok, so 'learn Java' isn't exactly a small step. In fact, for a lot of us, it's quite the leap. But without it, you can't really be an Android developer as most applications are written in Java. 

You should make sure that you're sufficient in loops, lists, variables, and control structures. Additionally, once you have mastered the basics, you should be willing to practice on your own, which really does make you perfect.

The great thing about learning Java is that it isn't just exclusively used for Android applications. In fact, it is consistently in the top five most in-demand programming languages in the UK, so you might find that learning Java is a good idea anyway.

You should also look into the basics of C++ as some applications are built in this and also SQL for databases within Android applications.

3. Download everything you'll need

The studio is built to house everything you'll need to begin and complete your Android application. It includes command-line tools, a code editor, an Android emulator, a compiler, and many more features. 

Alternatively, you can get the SDK without the Android Studio directly, although you'll need to spend a little time extracting the information from compressed files.

Within the SDK you'll be able to take advantage of its extensive software libraries, and tools designed for building, testing, and debugging Android apps.

4. Get to grips with the Android API

You should get comfortable with the Android application programming interface or API.

An API is essentially a pre-made source code library and provides groups of classes or packages that enable developers to easily write in code to their applications for certain features.

For example, developers will be able to access packages to build out the functionality of their applications. 

You can implement the android content package which lets your application access and publish data on a device. Or even enable Bluetooth or an in-app camera function, to name a few.

5. Create an Android application

Once you've mastered Java and become comfortable with API packages, you'll be ready to dip your toe into making your own application. 

Your first application isn't going to be perfect and you'll probably become very frustrated with it very quickly! 

But once you can demonstrate that you can create an Android application - even a basic one - employers will begin to see your potential.  

A lot of junior roles offer in-house training. Thus, employers are often not expecting a hotshot Android developer with multiple apps under their belt to turn up. Moreover, for most businesses, a relatively blank canvas is very desirable. 

By using the Android Studio, you'll be able to create your application in one space and take advantage of forums associated with it if you find you need some expert advice.

6. Get experience

Starting out in a new industry requires time, patience, and hard work to get recognized.

Acquiring the relevant skills and contacts can play an important part in getting a role as a developer. But gaining professional experience can help you progress to the next stage of your career even faster.

Training, workshops, and placements can help you gain the relevant skills and experience to get you started.

This will give you a better understanding of the role you want to go into and demonstrate your capability as a developer.

7. Network

Most employers are looking for open communication and collaboration. A starting developer will need to network and collaborate effectively to ensure they present themselves well.

Attending industry events and joining networking groups can be an effective way to make contacts. 

They can bring together hackers, developers, and coders. You will mee those who share the same interests. They might even offer advice and share information on future job opportunities.