In January 2021, Apple reached a tremendous milestone. The tech company announced that there are 1.65 billion active iPhones. This means that more than a million people actively use Apple mobile devices and are accustomed to their specific features.
iPhones are unique to Android phones because their applications use the Apple iOS operating systems. As a result, mobile application developers interested in creating applications for these devices need to have specific skills to develop effective apps.
An iOS developer wields the expertise of iOS and the capabilities of traditional mobile application developers. They can build applications specifically for iOS. If you’re hoping to take the first step in a career that will allow you to develop an app for the Apple App Store, then look no further. Here’s everything you need to know about iOS developers and how you can become one too.
What Does an iOS Developer Do?
Mobile application developers are only limited by their ideas. Apps can track data, provide entertainment, sell products or services, and help perform tasks. They can make anything possible. They only need to have the curiosity and persistence to figure out how to do it.
An iOS developer performs many of the same tasks as traditional mobile application developers. They are responsible for designing, developing, and testing mobile applications for phones and tablets. If there are errors in software once the product is launched, iOS developers work on corrections and release new updates.
The similarities between iOS app development and Android development end there. iOS developers require different technical abilities than Android developers. The iOS operating system requires expertise in different programming languages and hard skills. Hence, while the end goal might be similar, each operating system requires a unique process for optimal performance and user experience.
Top Programming Languages for iOS App Development
Swift and Objective-C are the top programming languages to learn for iOS app development. They have also been integral to Apple since they both have served as primary languages for creating software for iOS.
Objective-C was the primary programming language used for iOS app development before the creation of Swift. Objective-C is a general-purpose programming language. It may require more rules and be more complex than Swift, but Objective-C is more versatile and can be used for more complex projects.
Swift is a relatively new programming language, developed by Apple in 2014. It is a general-purpose programming language created for mobile and desktop application development. Coding in Swift is easy since it has clean syntax. It was specifically created to give developers an easier way to fix programs.
Swift was also created as an alternative to Objective-C, but there are ways to import C functions in Swift. Furthermore, both programming languages can be integrated with Xcode, which is essential for app development.
Other programming languages used in mobile development include Java, C, and Python. These languages are more commonly used for Android application development.
Additional Hard Skills Required to Become a Mobile Application Developer
An iOS developer should also have the following hard skills to efficiently complete projects and work on daily job tasks.
Xcode
Xcode is an integrated development environment (IDE) created by Apple for iOS. Mobile application developers use Xcode to build apps while having access to Cocoa and Cocoa Touch frameworks. Xcode also features many software development tools to use different stages of the software development life cycle.
Agile Development
App developers should understand the software development life cycle and the stages of creating an app. Agile development allows developers to execute the software development life cycle. It is also frequently used by mobile application developers.
Soft Skills to Become an App Developer
An iOS developer works in a team environment. They have to be excellent communicators, fast problem-solvers, have strong time management skills, and must advocate for their ideas. An iOS developer who develops their soft skills can thrive under any condition or situation.
Available Online Resources
Learning programming languages or hard skills for iOS app development doesn’t have to be a lonesome struggle. Many available online resources can help beginners learn these essential skills or see if it’s the right fit for them.
Those who do not have a background education in a technology-related field can get a certificate to learn the foundation of iOS app development. Since iOS is also relatively new and undergoes frequent changes, mobile application development programs can also help update hard skills for current industry professionals.
Apple also has several resources available that can serve as supplementary material or explainers. For instance, there are videos and articles dedicated to breaking down Xcode and how to use some of its features. Since the technology company also developed Swift, Apple also has documentation and sample code that explains what Swift is and how it is used in iOS.
Landing a job as an iOS Developer
Mobile application developers are a highly employable career in technology, and employment is expected to continue growing in the next ten years. Companies that are currently posting jobs for iOS app development positions include Oracle Corporation, Apple, and Amazon.
Once you have the expertise to meet all necessary job requirements for a career in iOS app development, you need to go into a job search with the right headspace. Research different companies to find which company cultures and environment work best for you. Utilize online resources and networking opportunities to narrow down your decision.
iOS developers are a great career option for anyone who wants to pursue a career in mobile application development. As iOS devices continue to grow in popularity, mobile application developers who have training and expertise with iOS systems will have the right skills to create and compete with other apps available through the handy App Store.
Designed with Apple iOS-powered devices in mind, our Mobile Application Developer training program trains students to become an iOS App Developer.
Sophia Acevedo
Sophia Acevedo is a journalist based in Southern California. She is a 2020 graduate from California State University, Fullerton, and a proud Daily Titan alum.
This article was published on: 05/17/21 12:05 AM
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