What is the Android Programming Platform?
Google acquired Android from Open Handset Alliance in 2005 and has continued to develop the platform in conjunction with Google Play to offer a multitude of apps for customers to download. In fact, over 1 million apps have been developed for Android as of 2013, with numbers steadily rising as new technologies enter the industry.
The open-source Android platform benefits from a large supportive community. Features of this platform include location tracking, augmented and virtual reality support, audio and video media support, as well as numerous connectivity applications. While there are not as many apps available on the Android platform as there are on the iOS platform, most people use Android apps for communication and business to download tools for daily and professional life.
One of the setbacks of Android devices is that there are so many of them, which causes issues during mobile application development. After all, a solution for one device doesn’t necessarily translate fully to another device. That’s where mobile app developers come in.
These individuals program Android apps using common programming languages such as Java, Kotlin, and C++. They leverage the components of an Android app in order to provide benefits for individuals who download the app from Google Play.
What Types of Jobs Can I Get with Android Programming?
As time goes on, the demand for Android mobile app programmers will only increase. Here are some of the careers you can develop with a degree/education in Android programming.
- Full Stack Developer
- Software Developer
- Mobile App Developer
- Android Developer
- Web App Developer
- JavaScript App Developer
Android programmers typically work with the following components of an Android app in order to meet both the client’s needs as well as the needs of their potential customers:
- Activities: This single-screen interface hosts the key interactions between the system and the app, which allows the app to restore previous sessions after being closed.
- Services: Use this function to keep apps running in the background when not in use. Started services keep the app going until the process is complete, while bound services keep it running because another app uses it to function.
- Content provider: This component manages shared sets of data and allows the app to query or modify that data.
- Broadcast receivers: As the name suggests, this feature allows the app to deliver messages outside of the regular flow.
In order to succeed in these roles, most Android programmers are proficient in front-end and back-end development, as well as a mobile application development platform (MADP) that allows a business to build, test, and deploy mobile apps.
If a business is looking for a way to develop an app specifically for their customers, a Mobile App Developer will meet with them in order to discuss their needs, budget, and goals for the app itself. This allows you to work in a variety of industries with clients from all backgrounds of life.
The median salary for an Android programmer is anywhere from $77,000 to $107,000, depending on the job. Most often, the salary you have access to depends on not only your education and certification, but any additional skills and hands-on experience you can claim.
How Do I Learn Android Programming?
There are many ways to learn how to program on the Android platform, from trying it out yourself to taking a few free and paid online courses to boost your education.
You can also take a training course on the Android Developer website. If you visit the official Android Developer website, Kotlin website, and Material Design site, you can learn more about Android programming there.
If you’d like to experiment with building your own Android app, you can download Android Studio or visit Codelabs to complete their tutorials for rewarding results.
While it’s true that you can learn a lot about Android programming from these free resources, they’re lacking in some aspects. For example, many employers will not recognize education from these sites to be useful in the hiring process. In this case, a degree from an accredited university has more clout and can easily put you ahead of your competitors for these coveted positions.
How to Land a Position in Android Programming
The California Institute of Arts & Technology (CIAT) provides students with a number of resources and educational programs dedicated to Android programming. Most students earn an Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development with a focus in Mobile App Development. This degree path allows them to gain the knowledge necessary to succeed in a career as an Android app developer.
Some of the technical courses in this program include programming with Kotlin using syntax and best practices. Students will also learn mobile app testing techniques, which are critical due to the variety of devices that can download these apps. Instruction culminates with a senior project used both to demonstrate proficiency as well as boost the student’s portfolio.
Courses such as Android App Development and Mobile App Testing and Quality Assurance focus on concepts like GUI design and layout, actions, views, and how to establish optimal mobile app testing and launch strategy. Subjects of study include toasts, array adapters, fragments, and asset managers, to name a few. Students will face the challenges of mobile testing head-on in order to develop both an understanding of Android technologies as well as how to create and modify production-quality Android apps. Becoming an Android app programmer can be incredibly rewarding. Now that you know a bit more about what a future in Android programming holds for you, contact us to learn more about how we can help you gain the knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in this field. Our advisors are standing by to help you navigate the process of becoming an Android program developer so you can create Android apps of your very own.
