OVERVIEW
What Is an Application Developer?
One of several potential 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’ll 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’re 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 that help mobile or tablet users perform tasks more efficiently.
- Tailoring application details to ensure compatibility across both mobile and desktop hardware.
- Integrating mobile applications with a company’s existing network.
- Troubleshooting issues with application operations.
- Optimizing applications according to new security standards and changing business practices.
- Ensuring compliance within any local, state, and federal application parameters.
- Training new employees 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’s 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 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’ll 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 bachelor’s degree in software engineering, with which they can develop their knowledge of data management, scripting, and programming. Additionally, a bachelor's in cloud computing 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 – 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: 60% of graduates finish similar programs within 35 months.
- Tuition: $3,985 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
- ITIL®1 Foundation Certification
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Web development
- Mobile application development
- User experience design
- Software quality assurance
Technology
Cloud Computing – 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: 63% of graduates finish within 37 months.
- Transfer: Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
- 3 Tracks: 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–Associate
- Azure Fundamentals
- Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
- LPI Linux Essentials
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and Automation
- Managing Cloud Security
- Development
- Applications
- Ongoing maintenance and security
Technology
Web Application Deployment and Support Certificate – School of Technology
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of the Web Application Deployment and Support Certificate from the School of Technology.
- Time: 5 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,950 for the certificate.
- Courses: 4 courses total in this program.
This certificate also offers two industry certifications, Linux Essentials and AWS Cloud, which will add extra power to your portfolio of experience. You are also guaranteed admission into a WGU School of Technology degree program. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.
This program is ideal for individuals who have 3-5 years of IT experience and a basic understanding of scripting languages and SQL. Prerequisites include: Experience with either Python or Java or another high-order OO (object-oriented) programming language along with Git, experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and experience with a major DBMS (database management system) - MySQL (preferred), SQL Server, Oracle, MariaDB, etc.
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’s location, employer’s size, years of experience, education, and active certifications. On average, the salary of an application developer 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. Employment for software developers and quality assurance analysts 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’s performance, you’ll depend on skills that help make the job easier and more enjoyable.
The skills an application developer needs can include:
- Programming: The ability to deploy common coding languages that interact well with the most popular operating systems.
- Data structures: The ability to create and navigate program arrays, linked lists, and other structural essentials.
- Database management: The ability to work with a company’s database files, setting up proper backup protocols, and identifying easy ways to source any necessary files without compromising database security.
- Troubleshooting: The ability to identify and overcome any issues that a mobile application or an IT department might face.
- Application testing: 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: The ability to collect, protect, analyze, and share data regarding application functionality that helps create an even more successful final product.
- Optimization: The ability to tailor application design and development specifics in ways that make the user experience even easier.
- Teamwork: 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: 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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