With unprecedented growth of mobile market, Android developer is in great demand. There are over 18000 Android devices and more than 400 manufacturers. Every successful company has an android app to entertain their customers. And that makes Android development skill one of the most in-demand skill in today’s world. The job of an android developer can be rewarding and challenging.

So now, the question is, how can one become an Android developer? What skills are required to get a handsome job as an android developer? Before we dive into the list of “skills required to become an android developer”, bear in mind, you can only survive in this field if you are a quick learner.

The technology is evolving regularly, and every new technology introduced obsoletes the old. So, for an android developer, the process of learning never ends. The skills required today might not be enough to land you a job next year. However, if you have strong understanding of the basics, you can learn every new skill at steady pace.

Skills Required For Android Development

Of course, technical skills are mandatory for Android development. Besides that, you need some non-technical skills to become good at it. Without teamwork and communication, the end goal can’t be achieved. Every Android projects involves working on different aspects. You’ll be working as a team with people of different skills.

Strong Grip On Java & XML

Java is one of the basic prerequisites for Android development. An Android developer must have core level knowledge of Java, including its syntax and libraries.  Java and XML serve as the core part of an Android application coding. Mobile devices are a thin client, so processing power and battery draining are common issues to face the Android developer.

The XML is used to create layouts and acts as a foundation for UI definition. Beside functionalities, an android developer should have sound knowledge of designing a layout. In brief, there are two parts of Android development: Java and Android. And every Android developer must have sound knowledge of using Java programming concepts with XML for the design of the app.

SQL Knowledge

Database development is an important part of any app. Android developer should have necessary knowledge about database concepts. That includes organizing database within Android apps and creating queries for retrieving data from database, normalization and setting up a database that would answer user’s every query.

Understanding Design

Understanding of a good design is an essential skill for Android development. The designing tools required in Android development are Photoshop, Illustrator, and Unity 3D/4D. Furthermore, you can use any tool that you are inclined to.

Expertise in Cross-platform Solutions

As the mobile market is growing continuously, mobile users are now fragmented in terms of the operating systems. Google and Apple are also trying to bridge the gap between smartphones and other platforms. They want to expand cross-platform solutions further. With the availability of the various cross-platform development engines, Android developer can make their apps run on different operating systems.

Technically Sound

In the mobile app industry, you can’t survive if you don’t have the skills to develop a versatile app. Usually, Android apps are designed to work on any platform. And that requires core-level knowledge of third-party libraries and APIs from the developer. An Android developer should have strong OOP concepts including objects and inheritance.

Adaptability

An Android developer should be open to change. They have to work in different environments. Android developer’s openness to embrace the change and learn new skills regularly is important.Moreover, the ability to work under pressure can earn promotions and earn financial rewards.

Teamwork and Communication Skills

Any Android application is build up by a group of people. Every group member works on a different task. When working together on different aspects of a single app, every individual must understand the end goal. Otherwise, different sections of a same app will represent different ideas, and convey a different message. An Android developer must have decent writing skills to be able to communicate with the client. Furthermore, he should understand requirements, and regularly communicate with the stakeholders.

Business Knowledge

If any business launches an app, the common goal is to communicate with their customers and boost sales. In Android development, besides technical skills, an Android developer must be able to understand the idea behind business.

Research Skills

With minimum technical skills and excellent research skills, you can become a proficient Android developer. Good research skills will pave way for you to find new ways to solve a particular problem. Moreover, good research skills develop new ideas in your mind and your overall expertise increase when you encounter new hurdles in your way.

The Takeaway

To develop Android skills, you must have passion. Indeed, your passion will push you to work hard. Most beginners start with great enthusiasm and give up at the first hurdle. Android development demands two things: time and focus. Give at least 1-hour a day to practice it. First of all, build your programming concepts. Then understand where you might have to use them. Side by side, learn XML and other skills required. And most importantly, improve your ‘research skills’. Most programmers in the world are self-taught- thanks to online content available. And you too can only become proficient by self-learning.