Starting an App Development Career? Here are the 10 Skills You Need to Know

In the past 20 years, app development has changed significantly. Today, it’s important for apps to be unique and well-designed to stand out among competitors.

According to data from Appinventiv, over 3,500 new mobile apps are created every day—and that number is rising.

The competition among these apps is growing more intense by the minute; whether you’re just starting in the field or you’re a seasoned pro looking to brush up on your skills, you’ll need to stay on top of the latest trends to succeed. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch careers, this post will provide you with valuable information to help you succeed. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive in!

Data Visualization

As the world becomes more and more connected, data is being generated at an unprecedented rate. And with this exponential growth in data comes a new challenge for app developers: how to effectively use that data to make better decisions about their apps, their businesses, and the people who use them. 

To do this, app developers will need to learn how to visualize their data in a way that makes it easy for others to understand. This means learning how to use charts and graphs, as well as other tools like infographics and flowcharts.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI has been around in some form or another since the 1950s, but its capabilities have grown exponentially over the past few years thanks in large part to advancements in machine learning algorithms.

This has led to several exciting new possibilities, including the creation of chatbots and other forms of AI-powered software that can help businesses do everything from answering customer questions to automating simple tasks. To take full advantage of this technology, app developers will need to learn how to incorporate it into their apps so that they can provide customers with more personalized experiences.

Cyber Security

Cyber security is one of the most important skills to have in the world of app development. Hacking and malware are on the rise, so app developers must know how to protect their users’ data.  

You’ll need to learn how to detect and prevent attacks through secure coding practices, as well as by using encryption techniques for personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers.

DevOps

For app developers to master DevOps, or the practice of developing and deploying software in a highly automated way, is an important skill.

It’s no longer just a DevOps thing. In this digital age, nearly every aspect of our lives is touched by this technology. And as we move towards smart cities and connected homes, these technologies will only become more prevalent.

As a result, more companies are looking for candidates who have experience with DevOps tools like Puppet and Ansible as part of their application development skill set and use a DevOps mindset that focuses on automation and continuous improvement rather than just getting things done fast.

Full Stack Development

Full Stack Development is another emerging trend that will continue to grow in the coming year. Many companies are now looking for developers who can work on both the front and backend of their applications, as well as manage all aspects of their development process from start to finish.

You’ll have an advantage over others because they’re able to take an idea from concept through implementation without needing assistance from anyone else and they can make sure their applications are fully functional and stable.

Cloud Infrastructure and Computing

Cloud infrastructure and computing are another emerging trend that will continue to grow in the coming years. Companies are looking for developers who have experience with infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software-defined networking (SDN) to help them manage their data centers and applications.

These technologies allow companies to scale up or down quickly depending on their needs, which means they can save money by only paying for what they use. 

So, to work as a developer in this field, you need to be familiar with the latest trends and developments in cloud computing. You should also have experience with AWS and Azure, as these are two of the most popular cloud providers.

Ethereum Development

If you’re a developer, you’ve probably heard of Ethereum. If not, it’s time to pay attention.

Ethereum is a public blockchain network that allows users to deploy smart contracts. It was created by Vitalik Buterin in late 2013 and has since become one of the most popular blockchain platforms in use today. 

It’s also one of the most widely used blockchain platforms for developers. The Ethereum network allows users to deploy smart contracts, which are applications that run on the blockchain and make it possible for people to exchange money, property, information, or anything else of value transparently without having to go through a middleman like a bank or government agency. 

This skill is highly sought after in the market, and it has been predicted that there will be a shortage of blockchain developers in the coming years. If you want to get ahead of the curve and start learning how to code Ethereum smart contracts.

Machine Learning

Machine learning is a form of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn from data. It’s used in multiple applications, including web search, image recognition, and natural language processing. 

It is one of the most sought-after skills in the app development industry. It has the power to offer personalized experiences to users and help businesses grow their customer base.

With a machine learning model, you can deliver highly accurate results based on historical data that can be used to predict future scenarios. You can also create chatbots that respond to user queries, which increases engagement and helps you retain customers and stand out from your competitors.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is a trend that focuses on connecting devices such as smartphones, cars, and wearable devices over the internet. It is expected to be one of the largest emerging technologies in the coming years. 

In fact, according to the latest available data from Statista, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide is forecast to almost triple from 9.7 billion in 2020 to more than 29 billion IoT devices in 2030 and In 2030, the highest number of IoT devices will be found in China with around 5 billion consumer devices.

Because of the increasing popularity of IoT devices, app developers are likely to see a demand for applications that can connect seamlessly with them—meaning they need a thorough understanding of how these systems work to create apps that function well on them.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a key skill to learn for any aspiring app developer in the year 2023. It’s the most important skill to master if you want to be successful in creating apps and games.

If you want to make money from your app, you need to know how to market it. And this marketing doesn’t just mean pushing ads and hoping people will like it — it means learning how to connect with your audience, how to make them see why they should download your app, and how to make them love it so much that they can’t stand not having it on their phone or tablet.

Digital marketing is all about building relationships with people and making them feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves—whether that something is a movement or a brand—and then giving them a reason to support you over all other options available in their life.

It’s a Wrap

In the fast-paced world of app development, the right skills have become essential to securing professional employment and gaining valuable insight into a rapidly growing industry. 

As time goes on, new skills will inevitably arise which will require app developers to stay on their toes and adapt. The question remains: how long will these skills remain relevant in the long term? No one can say for sure, but what is certain is that each skill listed in this article is meant to get you on your way to being an expert app developer, so you can be prepared for whatever comes your way.