In brief
Mobile app developers need technical foundations, practical experience and an understanding of users’ needs. This 2019 article describes apps’ role in business marketing, training in simple app development, growing demand for related roles and entry pay of around $18,000 to $25,000.
In recent years, smartphones have become increasingly widespread. Together with developments in 5G networks, cloud engineering and big data, this has been a major driver of the development of different app features. How do apps compare with websites in terms of their functions and advantages? Why are businesses competing to develop them? What essentials do you need to become a mobile app developer?
Apps and websites are two different types of applications. Website content tends to be more general and aimed at a broad audience, while app content is more specialised and personalised, with the ability to load content tailored to users. Users of both can follow different links to browse web pages.
Developing Apps Helps Businesses with Marketing and Promotion
For example, the Observatory’s website provides general information about the Observatory and meteorology, while its app can offer users detailed, personalised weather information. Similarly, users can learn about a bus company through its website, while its app lets them view information such as individual bus services and arrival times.
“Generally speaking, app content cannot be searched through search engines. This means that even when an app has been downloaded and installed, the information within it is not something the general public can find. Developers can use the linking features on websites to help people find app descriptions and download locations, and offer different ways to download them.” Liu Wing-cheung noted that market competition had intensified in recent years, with many companies competing to develop apps for marketing and promotion to attract more customers. As a result, the number of app development companies was also growing.
Code Once, Export in Different Formats Across Platforms
One training institute had been offering a “Certificate Course in Programming Android, iPad and Windows Mobile Apps” for about 2 years. Its students were mainly people interested in app development who wanted to expand their businesses through apps and strengthen their competitiveness. For example, one student working at a clubhouse had responsibilities that included updating a residential estate’s app.
The course covered SAC2 software, presentation layout techniques and other topics. Liu Wing-cheung said some students had used the software they learned to create simple apps. Examples included fashion apps that let users dress models in different outfits and immediately see the results; language apps such as idiom dictionaries that teach pronunciation and stroke order; and wedding apps for recording everything about a wedding. He cautioned that the software was unsuitable for some games with more complex designs.
Discussing the challenges students faced, he said these mainly involved gaps in the basics of different technical skills, such as not knowing how to use Photoshop to create images, or encountering problems with video, audio and editing. Those with a technical foundation mainly lacked development experience and could not accurately identify users’ needs. Students could study other apps, begin by imitating others’ work, and then add relevant content to suit their needs. He said there were plenty of well-designed apps on the market, such as a logistics platform that intelligently matches users with truck drivers through a mobile app.
Growing Demand for Developers and Application Designers
Developments in 5G networks, cloud engineering and big data were driving the development of different app features, including apps that compare travel products. He acknowledged that demand for app programming talent was growing at the time. The industry had many related job titles, largely depending on the requirements of individual companies or employers. These included developer, programmer, application designer and analyst developer. Responsibilities could include system architecture design, application software development, UI / UX design, analysis and improvement of existing programs, system testing, user testing support and performance testing.
New entrants generally earned around $18,000 to $25,000 and needed to be familiar with operating Windows systems. Although programming at the time made extensive use of graphical interfaces, making entry easier than before, those with a programming foundation would find it easier to adapt to the work.
Original article URL: https://bit.ly/2xxZVe8