Undoubtedly, you have used some mobile applications on your smartphone or other devices. These mobile applications are designed by Mobile App Developers.
These applications may function as messaging, video, payment processing, etc. Users prefer surfing around a mobile app with a friendly user interface than going through the app’s websites because it saves time, energy, and the cost of data usage.
If you are a beginner seeking a lucrative tech career, try out Mobile App Development. In this article, I have provided a detailed guide on how you can start a career in Mobile App Development in Nigeria.
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What is Mobile App Development, and Who is a Mobile App Developer?
Applications used on your devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.) are designed by special software developers known as Mobile app developers. Mobile app developers are professionals who build, test and run programs in the form of an app for mobile devices.
The process by which they do this is referred to as Mobile App Development. Mobile App Development is a very profitable tech niche; the income of a Mobile App Developer can average a whopping $100,000 per year.
Becoming a Mobile App Developer in Nigeria
In Mobile App Development, it is necessary to know some basic programming languages such as CSS, JavaScript, etc. This depends on your platform, whether iOS or Android.
If you are a beginner, you need knowledge of markup language like HTML, which will serve as the building block of your app; this is in addition to the platform-specific programming language.
People prefer mobile apps to websites
If you are already a web developer, your stress is minimal. You will only need hands-on practice after reading through the guide provided here.
Below are steps you should take if you want to become a Mobile App Developer in Nigeria;
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Select your operating system (OS) platform
Currently, there are two main operating systems; Android and iOS. For starters, you should choose one of these two; either Android or iOS. If you already have good coding knowledge, you might select the two. However, the African market, particularly Nigeria, is dominated by Android devices. Therefore, consider choosing Android if your app’s target audience are Africans.
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Be conversant with the coding system of the OS
As a beginner, you need basic knowledge of HTML. However, Android and iOS have their programming language and mobile app developer tools.
- Java and Kotlin for Androids
For Android, you must be able to write Java or Kotlin codes. If you are a newbie, you should start with Java because it is the basic language in most Android apps. One of Android’s leading Mobile App Developer tools is Google’s Android Developer Library, which helps improve your programming skills.
Alternatively, you can search YouTube for free courses on Java programming language.
- Objective-C and Swift for iOS
Objective-C is the main language you should learn if you want to use the iOS platform. Major software companies mainly use Objective-C because of its huge documentation and ability to fix coding errors.
If you want to work as an independent developer, the Swift programming language is good because of its ease of use. Like Google’s Android developer Library, the iOS Developer Library is one of the most used Mobile App Developer tools for the iOS platform. A library is a place newbie developers can learn more about Objective-C coding.
- Mobile App Development Software for beginners
Other than knowing the rudiments of platform-specific programming languages, you can depend on Mobile App Development software. This software comes with several templates to get you started in developing your first-ever app. Hence, you don’t need coding experience. You can get started with this using Firebase, Flutter, etc.
However, you might need to know other programming languages as you become more proficient. Besides this, you should be able to think creatively and understand current trends in technology, such as the internet of things (IoT), cross-platform app development, and cyber security. Knowing these things is essential so that your app is not vulnerable to cyber attack.
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Practice
Once you’ve chosen an OS platform, the next thing is to practice. Even if you have decided to use Mobile App Development software, you will need to get your hands on different templates and see how they work.
If you can code with your chosen OS platform, you should practice developing a few apps. The more you practice, the better you become. Practicing will refine your app development skills and help you know where you are lagging so that you can improve.
Read Also: How to Survive in the Nigerian Tech Space as a Newbie
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Try things out
Whether you have the basic knowledge of programming languages or not, the second point will give you an idea of where you can begin. Consider using several templates on any Mobile App Development software as a beginner. If you know the basics of coding or are very proficient, you can opt for the programming language of any OS platform you prefer.
To try things out, you should have a basic idea of the function of the mobile app you want to develop. These are some of the questions you might want to ask yourself.
- What will be the purpose of this mobile app? (is it a gaming app, a payment app, etc.)
- How do I want the user interface to look?
- What will be the criteria for accessing the app after downloading?
Read Also: 4 Simple and Crucial Steps to Become a Software Developer in Nigeria
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Hire people
To create your first app, you might need to hire people at one point. This is because, as a starter, it might be challenging to do everything. For instance;
- It may be challenging to design a good user interface if you don’t have adequate coding knowledge.
- If you need more basic coding knowledge, you should hire someone who has. Even if you have decided to use templates from Mobile App Development software, there may be a need to fix some coding errors from such templates.
It is understandable if you need more money to hire people first. In this case, you should look for collaborations with people to make it a reality.
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Testing
It might be difficult for you, as the developer, to see mistakes or errors in your work, but the end users can easily see such. If you eventually complete your app, you should tell a few friends and colleagues about it.
Let them download the app and use it, and get the right feedback from them. Once they complain about any aspect of the app, it will be easier to fix or debug before you eventually launch it. This is how you become a good mobile app developer, be open to testing.
Conclusion
Becoming a Mobile App Developer in Nigeria takes work because of the coding barrier. However, you can use the Mobile App Development software without coding experience.
While you do this, ensure you know more about platform-specific programming language and other Mobile App Developer tools. This will help you improve your skills and easily transition into the tech world.
Hey! Join the Insight Whatsapp Community right away. As a freelancer and an aspiring programmer, we have a lot to offer you.
About Author
- Olawale Moses Oyewole is a digital strategist who stays on top of current events and curate informative and engaging articles for his readers. He helps brand locate their target audience and enhance their online visibility.
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