What is an Application Developer?

An application developer is a professional who designs, builds, and maintains software applications for mobile devices, desktops, and web platforms. This role requires developers to transform client requirements into functional, user-friendly applications. They collaborate with clients and internal teams to ensure the final product meets expectations and works seamlessly across devices and platforms.

Application developers come in various specializations, from web and mobile app developers to game and embedded system developers. They work on web frameworks like React, JavaFX, and Vue.js and utilize diverse tools like HTML, CSS, Xcode, and Android Studio for iOS, Android, Windows, and other platforms. They use their expertise to handle software design, architecture, performance, and the application’s scalability and security. With the global market of application developers expected to reach 28 million, as per Statista, their necessity for businesses to streamline operations cannot be overlooked. Anyone with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or relevant fields trying to build a career in this sector needs to secure AWS, ScrumMaster, and other certifications to achieve gradual growth in this competitive field.

Types of Application Developers

The 5 most common types of application developers are web developers, mobile developers, desktop developers, game developers, and embedded system developers. Each application developer specializes in various areas of application development, catering to specific platforms and technologies’ needs.

Web Application Developers

Web application developers are at the forefront of creating interactive websites and web-based applications. They combine client-side and server-side development to build comprehensive web applications.

In client-side web development, developers code the parts of a web application that users interact with directly. Here, developers use tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular, Vue.js and other known web development frameworks to structure content, build designs and layouts, and to add interactivity.

On the backend front, developers use languages such as Node.js, Python, Ruby, or PHP to handle server-side logic, database interactions, and application functionality. The main task here is to make sure that the server communicates effectively with the frontend and manages data efficiently while maintaining security.

Mobile Application Developers

Mobile application developers build applications for smartphones and tablets and have become important in the business world as mobile development accelerates digital transformation. They build platform specific or cross-platform applications, as the requirement governs.

iOS developers use Swift, Apple’s programming language for developing applications for iPhones and iPads. They use Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE), to build, test, and debug their applications.

Next come Android developers who have to possess proficiency in Android development tools like Kotlin or Java. Android Studio, the official IDE for Android development, provides tools for building and testing apps, and developers must navigate the diverse Android ecosystem to ensure compatibility across various devices and screen sizes.

Optimizing performance for mobile hardware, managing different screen resolutions, and adhering to app store guidelines for distribution are some key responsibilities of mobile app developers.

Desktop Application Developers

These are the developers you can hire to build applications for personal computers. They have to understand the platform-specific technicalities while building desktop applications. For instance, developers working with Windows use C#, a language that integrates well with the .NET framework, or C++ for applications requiring high performance. They must be proficient in IDEs like Visual Studio which is the primary IDE for Windows development.

Much like mobile applications, for desktop macOS applications, developers use Swift or Objective-C. Xcode is also used here as it provides tools tailored for macOS-specific development. In case, developers use frameworks like Electron or JavaFX to build applications that run on multiple operating systems from a single codebase. This approach reduces development time and costs through a unified codebase.

Game Developers

Interactive gaming applications require specialized expertise and experience of working on various platforms, including PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Game developers perform this complex task by combining software engineering with creative design.

Game developers use game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine to streamline the development process. These engines provide tools for designing graphics, physics, and gameplay mechanics, and allow computer programmers to focus on building engaging experiences rather than building everything from scratch.

As graphics is a significant part of gaming development, game developers must use languages like C++ or C# and APIs such as DirectX or OpenGL to manage graphics rendering and game physics. Beyond coding, game developers must be adept at working on storylines, character design, and level design.

Embedded System Developers

Embedded system developers design software programs for specialized hardware devices that are not traditional computers. They bring expertise in Java, C++, C, and other tools that are used particularly for building embedded systems.

Embedded developers write code that operates reliably within the constraints of the embedded hardware – such as limited processing power and memory. Since hardware integration is a key part of embedded system development, developers work closely with hardware engineers so that software and hardware components function together seamlessly, and meet real-time needs.

What Does an Application Developer Do?

Among several tasks app developer performs, here are 12 key tasks application developer does:

1. Designing and developing functional software tailored to user needs and business requirements.
2. Analyzing and documenting system requirements in collaboration with stakeholders to align with business objectives.
3. Architecting scalable and efficient software solutions by selecting appropriate technologies and design patterns.
4. Writing clean and efficient code that adheres to coding standards and best practices.
5. Implementing design specifications into functional applications, ensuring alignment with project requirements.
6. Debugging and testing software to troubleshoot issues and ensure optimal performance.
7. Maintaining and enhancing applications by addressing bugs and adding new features to improve functionality.
8. Releasing software updates to introduce enhancements, resolve issues, and improve performance.
9. Optimizing application performance to enhance speed, scalability, and user experience.
10. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including designers, analysts, and stakeholders, for seamless development.
11. Participating in code reviews to ensure code quality, consistency, and adherence to standards.
12. Creating comprehensive documentation that details application architecture, design, and usage for future reference.

How to Become an Application Developer?

These are some qualifications that are expected from an application developer which serve as a formal requirement to be an application developer. Based on the type of application chosen by developers as an area of interest, they will have to bring certain skills to the table, as we see:

Degrees For Application Developer

The primary educational requirement for an application developer is a bachelor’s degree. Anyone aspiring to make a career and excel in this sector needs a strong foundation in programming languages, algorithms, and software development principles.

The list of educational degrees needed to become an application developer is listed below:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
2. Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering
3. Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology
4. Bachelor’s Degree in Mobile Application Development
5. Associate Degree in Web Development
6. Bachelor’s Degree in Game Development

Best Certifications For Application Developer

While a degree provides a solid foundation, additional certifications enhance a developer’s skills and marketability. Possessing certifications from known organizations like Microsoft, AWS, Google, and Oracle in cloud computing, data management, and software development demonstrate a developer’s expertise. Some high-value certifications include:

1. Microsoft Certified Azure Developer
2. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
3. AWS Certified Developer – Associate
4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
5. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
6. Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
7. Google Associate Android Developer
8. Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)

Acquiring these certifications is a tough task which is why they serve as a distinguishing mark for developers who possess them.

Necessary Skills For Application Developers

There are some categories of skills which application developers are expected to be strong in. Based on the type of application, developers will be expected to bring expertise in different tools and technologies across these skill categories.

• Programming Languages: Mastery in relevant languages (e.g., Java, C++, .NET, Python, Ruby, JavaScript) is crucial for selecting the right language and staying updated with language features and best practices.
• Development Frameworks and Tools: Familiarity with frameworks like React, Angular, Xcode, or Android Studio ensures efficient coding and deployment, based on the platform.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Developers must demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities to debug issues, optimize performance, and devise creative solutions for complex challenges.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is needed to collaborate with cross-border stakeholders, explain technical concepts to non-technical people, and work well within a team.
• Version Control Systems: Proficiency in version control tools like Git is essential for managing code changes, enabling team collaboration, and maintaining project history.
• Database Management: Developers should have a strong understanding of database technologies (SQL, NoSQL) for efficient data storage, retrieval, and manipulation.
• User Interface (UI) Design: Basic UI design skills help create intuitive, user-friendly interfaces, especially important for web and mobile applications.
• APIs and Web Services: Familiarity with APIs and web services enables seamless integration of third-party tools and communication between software systems.
• Security Practices: Incorporating security best practices, such as preventing SQL injections and cross-site scripting (XSS), helps protect applications from vulnerabilities.
• Agile Methodologies: Knowledge of agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban enhances teamwork, adaptability, and efficiency in iterative development cycles.
• Cloud Computing: Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure is critical for developing scalable, cloud-based applications and leveraging cloud services.
• Testing and Debugging: Skills in automated testing and manual debugging are necessary for identifying and fixing bugs to ensure a robust, error-free application.
• Time Management: Effective time management is vital for meeting deadlines, organizing tasks, and delivering high-quality code within project timelines.

Average Salary of Application Developers

The salary of application developers varies based on factors such as location, experience, and specialization. On average, application developers in the United States earn between $60,000 and $120,000 per year. However, salaries can range from $20,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on the specific role and region. Across roles, we expect the following:

1. Web Developers: They typically earn between $40,000 and $140,000 annually. Those with expertise in modern frameworks or full-stack development command higher salaries.
2. Mobile Developers: Mobile application developers often earn higher salaries, ranging from $70,000 to $130,000 per year.
3. Game Developers: The salaries of game developers typically range from $70,000 to $120,000. Major game studios pay handsome salaries to developers
4. Embedded System Developers: Embedded system developers often earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually. Specialized skills in hardware and software integration is one strong reason for their competitive salaries.

To Wrap Up

Application developers are not just building apps—they’re shaping the future of business technology. Their contributions span a wide spectrum, from creating efficient business processes to driving digital transformation.

As businesses continue to invest in digital solutions, the demand for skilled developers is expected to grow. Driven by the increasing reliance on technology across various industries, the demand for application developers remains strong, as various developer jobs continue to arise.

Investing in skilled application developers is a strategic move. Whether you want to hire full-time software developers or freelancers, evaluate the developers across every single skill so that you have the best talent to work on your project.