Apps Today
It seems that for anything people need to record or read about, there is an application on the smart device: for step counting, business scheduling, and even food intake “windows” for those trying to lose weight. Billions of app downloads are recorded by statisticians each year. Such popularity of the product led to choosing mobile app development career as a topic of this speech. One of the sources is the article by Ardi et al. about Android Software development programs and how students can choose their individual paths in this field. Others include the Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2020-2021 with the essential descriptions for decision-making and a piece by The Guardian about the history of modern apps. This speech covers a mobile app developer’s career and how it can be attractive or not. Applications are common in people’s lives, but they are relatively new instruments.
The Origins of Software Development
First of all, software development could not exist without computers, and those came into human society just several decades ago. In the 1980s, Steve Jobs has predicted the fast development of convenient instruments that would be downloaded directly into computers and mobile devices (Strain para. 2). Back then, software engineers worked more in the fields of science and experiments. Job’s vision of the future came true around the 2010s when laptops and smartphones became more of a work and play accessory, as opposed to a luxury. Matthew Panzarino, from TechCrunch, follows the history of the applications from telephony to a convenient instrument people find necessary in their lives, like social networks or business planners (Strain para. 3). The high demand for apps has made software development one of the most popular professions today.
The Responsibilities of an App Developer
Computer software engineers develop software for different devices, including mobile phones. Application is basically a program with a specific purpose and function. The developers use computer science, mathematical models, and design solutions to create a product (Bureau of Labor Statistics 134). They program the code, test it, and use creativity to make it presentable and desirable on the market. Working with errors and malfunctions is also part of developers’ responsibilities as they understand the backend structure. Their projects are often tied to a deadline, not to particular hours at the office or daily reports. However, the high demand for quality products and competition leads to crunches and working overtime for some successful app developers.
A typical day for a web developer would include several hours of working with the computer or a smart device, inputting and testing the code. Unfortunately, such lifestyle may affect one’s health, as many hours spent in front of the monitor may lead to vision problems and backaches. However, this issue may be resolved through self-discipline and careful planning. Since most web developers can conveniently plan their daily routines, including sport, rest, and proper meal plan would compensate for the sitting down job. Like many other careers, app development has positive and negative sides.
Pros and Cons
App development is a challenging field to pursue a career in. Individuals and companies are consistently innovating new methods and products to meet evolving needs, which is also the case with the programming industry (Bureau of Labor Statistics 17). Salary is among the key motivating factors in the contemporary working space. Ardi et al. assert that an average mobile developer earns approximately $78000 yearly (4). Application development can be done distantly and at any time. That is an important factor when one prefers to move around much or to work during the night hours. Constant challenges keep one’s mind toned and agile; just following the digital trends and incorporating the newest technology would provide ongoing education.
On the other hand, mobile app development might be a tedious task, which requires superior analytical skills and mastery of programming languages. Due to its complexity, individuals interested in web and mobile app development ought to have particular personality traits. A developer should exhibit a commendable level of adaptability and flexibility, be a critical thinker, and have an artistic vision (Ardi et al. 5). Nonetheless, passion and a positive attitude towards work could enable one to commence a successful mobile app development career.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mobile app development is a fascinating and rewarding career. People tend to derive great satisfaction from interesting and well-paying jobs, even if they call for increased commitment, time, and effort. Based on the highlighted benefits of being a mobile app developer, anyone might consider the idea of pursuing this career. However, they must be passionate about creating unique apps based on the individual areas of specialization or interest.
Works Cited
Ardi, Zadrian, et al. “Android “KarirKu” Software Development for Exploration of Career Trends Based on Personality Types.” Journal of Physics: Conference Series, vol. 1339, no. 1, 2019, pp. 1-6.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2020-2021. Bernan Associates, 2019.
Strain, Matt. “1983 to Today: A History of Mobile Apps.”The Guardian. 2015, Web.