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Kelvin Loney
4,280 PointsI'm seeking opinions on Mobile Development. Any feedback would be appreciated!
I read an article online entitled "Mobile development is tougher than people think." What is it that makes it so tricky, and why does the lay person assume it’s so easy? Any opinions?
3 Answers
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsI would say it is the same as a website. I am sure it is "easy" for a layman to utilize a drag, drop, and connect interface to make a simple easy app or website, BUT what we as developers do is a lot more then that. We understand the whys and the hows of these technologies. Additionally when something breaks because we built it we can fix it.
I have had friends tell me "Websites are easy watch I can build on in 10 minutes". They would then use a WYSIWYG(What you see is what you get) designer to build a simple website. What might take me a day or two takes them 5 - 10 minutes, BUT they I ask them to change something simple like color or font....and they can't. Either they don't know how or the tool they are using doesn't offer that feature.
Another reason is because as developers we try to make things simple for users. A search engine like Google LOOKS simple, just type, click, and results. But it is much harder to implement. It requires tons of work that no one ever sees.
Just my 2cents.
Goodluck! --Ricky
Kelvin Loney
4,280 PointsWow! That was exactly what I needed Ricky! A clear cut path as to what to do and how to do it. You helped me out tremendously.
I also found a great resource online that can supplement Treehouse:
http://developer.android.com/about/start.html
Now, I guess there is nothing else left but to do it!
If I have any questions, I will be sure to ask you! Thanks again!
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsHere is another great post which might help you, Reddit.
Goodluck! --Ricky
Kelvin Loney
4,280 PointsThanks Ricky! Again, great advice!
Kelvin Loney
4,280 PointsKelvin Loney
4,280 PointsThanks for your response Ricky! I really think that the mobile platform is the way to go in terms of careers right now simply because not only is it useful (and profitable) for apps but for mobile websites as well. That's why I wanted to get as much information on it as possible, so that I can follow a roadmap, so to speak. I was thinking, in order to be competent in mobile development you would have to first learn Java (well, if you want to design for Android...which is my preference). Secondly, you would have to take that knowledge and create an app and successfully submit it to the app store. Thirdly, it may be in someone's best interest to become certified, if they so choose to. Finally, you'll be well equipped to apply for jobs. In your opinion, does that sound about right? If not, what would you do? (Especially, in terms of what skills you would learn) Thanks in advance Ricky!
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsRicky Catron
13,023 PointsIt sounds like a great path to me! Java is an amazing language. I would go through all the Java courses offered here and then jump into android development. Maybe have a simple blog on the side to discuss your learning, and develop a social presence. Work your way through the android course and build all the apps in it. After each course improve each app with your own vision on what it could become. Finally think of a new, difficult app, something you are willing to pour time into and work on that on the side the whole time. Everything you finish a new course go back to your personal app and update it with the new things you learned in that course. When you finish the last course spend a lot of time on your personal app. When you have a solid working build which has the basics of what you wanted it to be release it.
Lots of people would stop here, I have in the past and it is something I am working to overcome. What you should instead do is work to update your app. You don't need to spend all your time on it anymore just a little but pick a new feature and add it, test it, and add that new feature to the store version.
This will accomplish a couple of things. You will have completed the development cycle from design, to building, to release, to updates. Employers love knowing you have done this before. Second you will have made a great app. Third you will have a user base which will pressure you to work harder, guide you in creating your app, and teach you the details of what they need. I believe this to of far greater value then any cert. you could earn. I can't wait to see what you will create!
Goodluck! --Ricky
Edit: in addition to this I would learn about Git Version control to help manage complex projects, business because being a solo app developer is "similar" to freelancing, and maybe databases and a backend language so you could eventually develop your own APIs to interact with (this one is a huge bonus but no where near a need)