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.

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1

what 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.

2

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.

Two smiling colleagues (men) looking at a phone.
Two smiling colleagues (men) looking at a phone.
3

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.
4

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.

5

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.
6

knowledge and skills.

There are a number of skills and qualities that are advantageous for becoming a successful app developer.

7

frequently asked questions about working as an app developer.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as an app developer.

8

monitor jobs for app developer.

By creating a job alert with us, you make sure you don't miss the perfect job for you. You set the criteria, and we'll send you emails when we get jobs that match your preferences.

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