Software applications are used in various fields such as computers, smartphones, web technologies and games. An application developer creates the code required to make an application perform as per the set requirements and needs of the client. Unlike most other types of software developers, application developers have to consider the hardware requirements and limitations while programming the application as it plays an important part in the framing of the coding. Application developer responsibilities range from understanding the requirements of the customer or client to translating them into a final product in the form of an application. In the ever changing field of information technology, newer concepts and definitions of computer applications are introduced on a regular basis. Thus, it is necessary that an application developer stays abreast of the latest developments in the world of technology and programming.
Job Responsibilities of an Application Developer
Although the basic task of creating applications by writing software codes on the basis of client requirements remains the same across all fields of application development, the additional steps and functions performed are dependent upon the specific platform on which they are working.
Web Application Developers
Web application developers create web pages and web applications for a wide variety of business purposes. These web applications are used on client websites and help in interaction with the visitors of the website in several ways. These developers have in-depth knowledge about various web programming languages and technologies such as HTML, XML, ASP.NET, PHP and Java.
Mobile Phone Developers
Smartphone mobile applications or apps as they are popularly known have risen in extreme numbers in over the last few years due to the popularity of touch screen smart phones that are as powerful as some entry level laptops and personal computers. Application developers in this field possess knowledge about the various mobile operating systems and their native language code. They are also well versed with the hardware specifications of these mobile devices and the latest OS upgrades received.
Game Developers
Game application developers create games for a number of different platforms such as PC, consoles, hand held consoles and even mobile phones. They have to work in coordination with graphic artists, designers and writers during all stages of game development and perform intensive testing at every stage of it. They also have to roll out constant updates to the games which improve its usability and user experience.
Other Application Developers
There are some types of application developers who work on specific platforms such as Java, Oracle, DBMS. These types of applications are created in various languages and could be web-based applications, games, basic software or utility tools. Oracle applications are used by large corporations for the purpose of storing large employee and business databases in a secure software system.
Skills Required
Good analytical skills and proper understanding of the requirements set by the clients is necessary in any application developer. They must possess good knowledge of programming languages such as C, C++, Java and Python as well as web markup languages such as XML, HTML and CSS. They should be good at software debugging and testing for errors in the code. Upon receiving feedback from the users, they must be able to improve the usability of the application and add new features to it. Good interpersonal and communication skills are also necessary due to the nature of their job which involves a lot of interaction with professionals from other departments and testers. All application developers must have good problem solving skills and must be able to work in a team-based environment as well as on their own.
Educational Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering is the minimum educational qualification required for this job. Additional certification courses in application or game development is generally required by many hiring organizations. Prior experience in the field is also a per-requisite for many jobs in this field.
Career Advancement
On the basis of good performance and technical proficiency, application developers are promoted to senior developer positions where they perform a supervisor role and mentor the other developers in the team. They may also advance to managerial positions if their qualifications and experience meet the criteria of the advancement opportunity.
Thus, application developer responsibilities consist of the various tasks and functions carried out for the creation and development of software applications.