what is an app developer?
An app developer creates mobile applications for various platforms and is involved in several different stages from design to development and implementation or launch. The applications are intended to help users with different services, such as sending and receiving emails, accessing their online bank, or ordering products and services directly on their mobile phone.
As an app developer, you will build apps that are used on the market's largest platforms, such as iOS, Windows, and Android. In most cases, you should optimize an application to work on all devices. It is important to keep in mind that an application should be used by both users with a smartphone and users who have a tablet. Therefore, the software that is developed needs to be good enough to provide great user experience regardless of the platform or device it is used on.
app developer jobswhat does an app developer do?
Together with various designers, an app developer works to integrate appealing features and themes to improve the user experience. This takes place during the development phase of a project. You need to ensure that the design and features align with the needs of the users.
As an app developer, you usually work for IT companies focused on software development or app development, but you can also work for game developers who specialize in mobile games. The market's two major platforms, iOS and Android, also have their own app developers employed. They work on building their own applications, maintaining the applications already available on the market, and adapting these to new requirements.
Would a job as an app developer suit your IT interest and your creative ability? Then read on to find out what skills and qualifications are required to succeed in the role of app developer.
average salary as an app developer.
An app developer can have a varied salary depending on a range of different factors. There are app developers who work full-time at a larger company and have a fixed monthly salary, but there are also app developers who work on a project basis or part-time. This is one of the factors that can affect your salary.
In addition, as an app developer you work as a consultant and then choose among several different clients and projects. For an app developer who works as self-employed and consultant the salary can vary over time, depending on the number of assignments and how well-paid the assignments are. in other words, the job and salary as an app developer can vary, which means it is difficult to provide an average salary. for more information about the salary level of an app developer, see Unionen's market salaries or SCB.
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how can I influence the salary as an app developer?
At the same time, there are several different factors that affect the salary for someone working as an app developer.
The most important aspect that affects salary is competence. Since it is a job that requires extensive technical knowledge, there are significant advantages to expanding your skills or taking more courses. One example is learning several different coding languages used for programming. The more coding languages you know and the higher your technical competence, the more attractive you become to employers. An app developer with long experience and high competence can handle complex roles, projects, and tasks, which in turn means you can earn a higher salary.
App developer is a job and a role that is needed at many different companies. Usually, you work as an app developer at an IT company that builds applications for other businesses, but there is also app developers employed at large companies that have their own internal development teams. Who your employer is, the size of the company, and the industry you work in will also affect your salary. At the same time, it can also depend on where in the country you are employed, since smaller towns may have slightly lower salary levels compared to larger cities.
different roles of app developer.
There are several different areas an app developer can focus on, but there are two specializations that are more common than others:
- iOS app developer: Some app developers specialize in building applications intended for use on iOS devices, such as iPhone and iPad. If this is your role, you will use the programming language compatible with iOS, as well as Swift and Xcode to build the apps. Xcode is a development tool used to design mobile applications for iOS.
- Android app developer: There are also app developers who focus on working with apps for Android. In that case, you primarily use Java and Kotlin as programming languages for developing mobile applications. The operating system has a development environment (Android Studio) that includes all the internal tools needed to build a functional application that Android users can then use.
working as an app developer.
Working as an app developer places high demands on your creativity and problem-solving skills. These are qualities you need when building or maintaining mobile applications. Below are the most common tasks in the role. In addition, we review the future prospects and work environment for app developers.
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job description for app developer
- Planning and design: As an app developer, you often start with a concept or an idea, and from this you build a functional application that is meant to make things easier for users and meet a specific need. This means you need to create a clear plan and set up a schedule early in the project. You do this together with the creative team. With the help of market research and needs analysis, you can plan the app’s features. How the application is intended to look and work should fit with how the market looks and where there is a gap to fill.
- Development and testing: After the planning phase is completed, you can start building the application. Programming the app and making the features as good as possible is a process that takes time before you have finished application. Before the app can be released to the market, you also need to test it to ensure that everything works according to plan. With the help of focus and test groups, you as an app developer can get the feedback needed to guarantee a high-quality product. The testing phase is usually time-consuming, as several rounds of modifications and improvements may be needed before you are done.
- Troubleshooting and maintenance: It is important to keep track of any issues in applications when working as an app developer. You need to identify, note, and categorize the problems. Troubleshooting is important already during the testing phase, in order to find potential problems and areas for improvement together with the end customer. Once the problems have been identified, you need to resolve them before the app can be released to the market. Ongoing maintenance is a continuation of this process.
- Control and updating of application features and security: An app developer is not finished with their work when an application has been released to the market. you constantly need to check that the app works as intended. ongoing maintenance and development are important, to make the app’s features even better in the updates that come regularly. You also need to ensure that there are no security risks in the app and set up security protocols for the end customer.
- Support for the end customer: In some projects, as an app developer, you are required to provide ongoing support to the end customer. This may involve support or training on how to use the app. There are different ways to do this, but some app developers create instructional videos and instructional graphics to help the end customer use the app effectively. You also need to be available to resolve any issues or bugs that arise.
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work environment
The job as an app developer is mainly performed in an office environment, where you spend most of the day in front of the computer. You also work in a department or in a team with other developers, where close collaboration during the planning and development stages is common.
Some companies have special offices or spaces for collaboration or meetings. Some employers also offer app developers the opportunity to have their own office, so they can work focused and undisturbed. Many app developers also have the possibility to work from home or remotely. Business travel is uncommon, but there may be trips to conferences, trade fairs, and training sessions a few times a year.
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your colleagues
As an app developer, you have many colleagues who work as developers, but who are specialized in different areas. It is not uncommon for you as an app developer to be part of a larger development team or an entire department focused on development. Therefore, your colleagues can be project manager, frontend developer, backend developer and fullstack developer. But you can also have, for example, those who are product owners as colleagues.
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work schedule
It is common for app developers to be employed full-time and work up to 40 hours per week. Most often, people work regular office hours from 8 to 17, but in some cases, you may need to work overtime or at inconvenient times to meet various deadlines. Some app developers are also employed on a project basis. It is also not uncommon for app developers to have a own company and work as consultants.
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future prospects
As an app developer, you have a clear career path to follow within the IT industry, and the opportunities for increased responsibility or more senior roles are good. It is an industry in constant change, which needs more workforce and expanded expertise. To stay attractive to employers, it is important to update your skills and continue your education all the time. For example, it is important to learn new programming languages to be able to handle more complex assignments. When you have gained a lot of work experience, as an app developer you have the opportunity to take on more senior roles, management positions, or work as a project manager.
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benefits of finding a job as an app developer through randstad
There are many advantages to finding an open job as an app developer through Randstad.
- various development and career opportunities
- an experienced contact person who can assist you when needed
- many job vacancies within your area
- full-time or part-time work depending on the job/assignment
Do you want a permanent position as an app developer? A temporary position or substitute job as an app developer is often a good first step towards a permanent job. Every year, several people get a permanent position with employers thanks to a temporary job that has come through us at Randstad. In addition, many companies recruit their permanent employees directly through Randstad.
education and qualifications.
There are a couple of different ways to train as an app developer.
- University or college degree: There are few specific university or college programs for app development, but there are many IT-related courses that are valuable for anyone considering a career as an app developer. Those who plan to advance in their career will find it beneficial to have a university or college degree on their CV.
- Vocational university: Vocational college offers a number of different courses for app developers, as well as other career-oriented courses in programming. It’s a good way to combine practical and theoretical learning, while also training in a way that prepares you for working life.
- Internal corporate training: Some companies in the IT industry provide internal training for their new employees to ensure they have the technical knowledge required. There are often requirements to have basic technical experience or previous education. Internal training is always a way to develop your skills.
- Experience and internship: App developer is a profession that depends on technical expertise and practical experience. This means internships are a good way to learn the job. Those with extensive work experience also have the ability to handle more complex roles. With more solid experience, one can also become eligible for managerial or responsible positions as an app developer.
knowledge and skills.
There are a number of skills and qualities that are advantageous for becoming a successful app developer.
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computer skills
As an app developer, you spend most of your working hours in front of a computer. Those who are comfortable with computers and familiar with many different software or computer tools have a big advantage.
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programming knowledge
Being a skilled programmer is important for succeeding in the role of app developer. This includes knowing many programming languages that are common for app development for mobile devices. It is important to stay updated on new programming languages and new findings in the programming world to be able to do your job.
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ability to work across multiple platforms
As an app developer, it's important to feel comfortable with many different coding languages, several programming tools, and a number of different platforms. app developer is a complex job that requires solid practical knowledge of many platforms, and being able to move across them effortlessly is a big advantage.
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IT security knowledge
Your job includes developing apps that are safe for all users to use. Therefore, you need to have a good understanding of IT security and be skilled at identifying potential risks when you develop or review existing apps.
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company spirit
A good company spirit is a merit as an app developer, because you need to be skilled at reading the market and customers' needs when developing an app. You also need to have a good understanding of the target audience to be able to perform your work effectively.
frequently asked questions about working as an app developer.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as an app developer.
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what does an app developer do?
As an app developer, you design, build, and test applications used on mobile devices. Your job is to create applications that meet the needs of the client and the user, and that are safe and efficient to use.
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what does an app developer need to know?
An app developer needs to be skilled in programming and should know several coding languages. In addition, you should be knowledgeable about IT security to be able to do your job in a safe and efficient way.
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how do I apply for an open job as an app developer?
It's easy to apply for a job as an app developer. Search among our open jobs in your area. then submit your CV and your personal letter or apply via LinkedIn.
If you need help with your job application, you can read all our job tips here!
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further reading about the role of app developer
Here you can find more information about the role of app developer.
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