OVERVIEW
What is an Application Developer?
听
One of several potential听careers for individuals with information technology degrees, application developers can design applications for use across mobile devices and tablets. They can also create applications for use across mobile and desktop spaces, particularly design and office programs.
Applications are sometimes known as app developers. Though application developers can sometimes share responsibilities with software developers or programmers, they are unique in their ability to design high-quality applications specifically for use on mobile devices.
To become an application developer, you鈥檒l typically need to obtain an undergraduate degree. In addition, you might be asked to obtain one or more certifications. Some employers prefer to hire applications developers with at least a few years of experience in programming, development, or another IT-related field.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does an Application Developer Do?
Whether they鈥檙e creating new applications or updating existing apps according to new security protocols, application developers work to provide the best possible mobile experience for users.
Application developers are often responsible for the following duties:
- Creating new applications听that help mobile or tablet users perform tasks more efficiently.
- Tailoring application details听to ensure compatibility across both mobile and desktop hardware.
- Integrating mobile applications听with a company鈥檚 existing network.
- Troubleshooting issues with application operations.
- Optimizing applications听according to new security standards and changing business practices.
- Ensuring compliance听within any local, state, and federal application parameters.
- Training new employees听in the best application development practices.
- Communicating with other IT and technology employees.
These and other responsibilities keep application developers busy as they work to build and refine applications for users to enjoy.
Where Do Application Developers Work?
Application developers can work in a variety of locations. Some application developers will contract independently with companies or clients to provide applications according to their preferences. Other application developers are hired to work internally with a company鈥檚 IT or technology department, fulfilling similar responsibilities.
Application developers can work in the following industries and locations:
- Technology research firms
- Private businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
- Healthcare organizations
- IT providers
- Mobile phone research and production companies
- Cellular service providers
Application development is commonly considered a part of marketing, similar to growth hacking and other听surprise marketing careers. As a result, some application developers can find employment at marketing agencies, advertising firms, or brand consulting companies.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does an Application Developer Need?
Education is a valuable component of any successful application development position. Before you can begin a career as an application developer, you鈥檒l need to complete a few academic requirements.
You will need to obtain your undergraduate education to work as an application developer. Many aspiring application developers choose to complete a听bachelor鈥檚 degree in software engineering,听with which they can develop their knowledge of data management, scripting, and programming. Additionally, a听bachelor's in cloud computing听could be a good fit for aspiring app developers, giving yhrm important insight into cloud systems and programming in those areas.
Best Bachelor's Degrees For an Application Developer:
Technology
Software Engineering 鈥� B.S.
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities....
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities.
- Time:听60% of graduates finish similar programs within听35 months.
- Tuition:听$4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 or 38 total courses in this program depending on your track.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:
- CompTIA Project +
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner听
- ITIL庐1 Foundation Certification
Skills for your r茅sum茅 that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Web development
- Mobile application development听
- User experience design
- Software quality assurance
Technology
Cloud Computing 鈥� B.S.
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and...
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and credentials you need for a career like systems administrator, computer systems analyst, cloud support specialist, AWS support administrator, and more.
- Time:听63% of graduates finish within 37 months.
- Transfer:听Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
- Tuition:听$4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
- 3 Tracks:听Choose between a multi-cloud, AWS, or Azure focused track to learn specific software specialties.
Certifications at no extra cost, including:
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Amazon AWS SysOps Administration鈥揂ssociate
- Azure Fundamentals
- Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
- LPI Linux Essentials
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
Skills for your r茅sum茅 that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and Automation
- Managing Cloud Security
- Development
- Applications
- Ongoing maintenance and security
How Much Does an Application Developer Make?
$73,964
The exact income of an application developer can depend on several factors, including your employer, employer鈥檚 location, employer鈥檚 size, years of experience, education, and active certifications. On average, the听听is $73,964, with a range of roughly $53,000 to $104,000 earned each year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
22%
As companies embrace cloud services and cybersecurity protocols, the outlook for an application developer should remain positive in future years.听听is expected to grow by 22% from 2019 to 2029. This forecasted growth rate is much faster than the average across all occupations.
SKILLS
What Skills Does an Application Developer Need?
Application developers operate with well-developed skill sets. When optimizing an application, communicating with IT staff members, or reporting on an application鈥檚 performance, you鈥檒l depend on skills that help make the job easier and more enjoyable.
The skills an application developer needs can include:
- Programming:听The ability to deploy common coding languages that interact well with the听most popular operating systems.
- Data structures:听The ability to create and navigate program arrays, linked lists, and other structural essentials.
- Database management:听The ability to work with a company鈥檚 database files, setting up proper backup protocols, and identifying easy ways to source any necessary files without compromising database security.
- Troubleshooting:听The ability to identify and overcome any issues that a mobile application or an IT department might face.
- Application testing:听The ability to test applications before they go live, to identify any bugs or inconsistencies, and to eliminate them before the application is finalized.
- Data analysis/reporting:听The ability to collect, protect, analyze, and share data regarding application functionality that helps create an even more successful final product.
- Optimization:听The ability to tailor application design and development specifics in ways that make the user experience even easier.
- Teamwork:听The ability to work well alongside IT staff members, fellow application developers, programmers, web developers, and any other individuals necessary to facilitate project success.
- Interpersonal communication:听The ability to communicate effectively with other employees, company representatives, and executives.
These and other skills help application developers succeed each day in a fast-paced technological environment that requires adaptation and flexibility.
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