Mobile Applications

Mobile Application Developers create software for mobile devices.

The latest mobile devices are changing the way we communicate, do business, and access news & entertainment. Businesses, consumers and programmers have embraced this innovative content, making mobile application developer one of the fastest growing IT careers through 2012.

Mobile application developers write programs inside of a mobile development environmentA mobile development environment is a software application containing the tools that a mobile developer uses to write, test, and deploy applications onto a mobile device. Mobile development environments typically include code editors, debuggers, and simulators that mimic the hardware and software of mobile devices, allowing mobile applications to be created on a full-size computer. using the Objective C, C++, C# and Java programming languages. A mobile developer chooses the operating system (a.k.a. mobile platform) they will develop on, such as Google's Android or Apple's iOS, then learns the programming languages and development environment for that platform.

There are numerous mobile application development training programs and accredited degrees featuring coursework in mobile software programming, mobile media design, and application deployment for the leading mobile platforms. Compare the top-rated mobile development education programs in the U.S. and online.

Currently, there are 5 major mobile platforms, each with its own core language and development environment:

Mobile Platform	Core Language	Environment	Mobile Devices
Android	Java or C++	Eclipse	Multiple Vendors
iOS (Apple)	Objective-C	Xcode	Apple iPhone, iPad, iPod
RIM (Blackberry)	Java	Eclipse	Blackberry Devices Only
Symbian	C++	Multiple choices	Multiple Vendors
Windows Mobile	C#	Visual Studio 2010	Multiple Vendors

Businesses that develop mobile applications as well as freelance mobile developers typically write apps for multiple mobile platforms simultaneously, e.g., Android & iOS, to maximize market penetration and return on investment - so the more mobile development platforms you learn and master, the more in-demand you become as a professional mobile app developer.

Mobile Application Developer Skills

Mobile Application Developer Salaries

Mobile Developer Education Requirements

Mobile Developer Training and Degrees

Mobile Application Developer Certifications

Mobile Application Developer Jobs

Mobile Application Developer Job Outlook

Mobile Application Developer Related Careers

Mobile Application Developer Skills & Responsibilities

Typical day-to-day duties and in-demand skill sets for mobile application developers include:

• ·         Mobile application developers are proficient in object-oriented programming languages like Java, Objective-C, and C++.
• ·         Mobile application developers understand the tools and environments for one or more mobile development platforms.
• ·         Mobile application developers implement application programming interfacesAn application programming interface, or API, is an interface used by a software program to enable interaction with other software. For example, mobile developers can embed Google Maps into a GPS-based mobile application by implementing the Google Maps API. (APIs) to support mobile functionality.
• ·         Mobile application developers know the terminology, concepts, and best practices for programming mobile applications.
• ·         Mobile application developers migrate and adapt existing web applications to the leading mobile device platforms.         Mobile developers work closely with business and marketing executives to brainstorm ideas & optimize applications.