How to Switch from Web Developer to Mobile App Developer in 2024

Mobile technology is one of the most rapidly growing segments in the tech industry, this rapid change attracts other developers such as web and desktop developers to switch to mobile development. Transforming from web to mobile development opens more doors of opportunities to developers in terms of Jobs and walking with the latest technology learnings.

Today in this article we will discuss several points such as understanding both platforms, their similarities, and differences, required tools and technologies, etc.

Web Developers

Web developers are software engineers who specialize in developing web applications and websites. Usually, Web developers can be Front-end developers – Those who develop what users can see, Or Back-End developers – Who write business logic, database operations, and server-side coding to create dynamic and user-friendly web applications. Programming languages mostly used by front-end developers are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while back-end developers use PHP, Python, Ruby, or Java.

Mobile Developers

Mobile developers are software engineers who specialize in developing applications that run on devices such as mobile, and tablets. Applications developed by mobile developers can be Native – Developed for specific platforms like Android and iOS, Or it can be Cross-platform applications – Applications can run on multiple platforms such as Android and iOS with a single code base. Programming languages used by native Developers are Kotlin and Java for Android while Swift and Objective C for iOS developers.

For switching to Mobile development, Web developers need to understand its landscape first by comparing the similarities and key differences between both developments.

Key Difference

• Platforms: Mobile development is platform dependent which means it targets specific platforms such as Android and iOS, while Web development is platform independent it can run irrespective of platform.
• User Interface: Mobile applications require design for small, fixed, and touch-based user interfaces, whereas Web applications can have large and different sizes and interaction models.

Similarities

• Programming principles and concepts: Core programming concepts such as OOP (Object Oriented Programming) standards, data structures, and algorithms are very relevant.
• APIs and Services: Having a good grip over RESTFul web API and services is beneficial in both platforms.

A. Native Development

1. Android Development
   • Language: Initially Java was popular for developing Android native applications, later Kotlin was declared as the official language for Android and is preferable for Android applications because of its features and benefits.
   • Tools and Frameworks: Android Studio is the official IDE(Integrated Development Environment) for developing Android applications it comes up with other features such as layout editors, emulators, profilers, and many more tools.
2. iOS Development
   • Language: Initially Objective C was used for developing iOS apps but now Swift is a preferable language for for iOS development due to its performance and safety.
   • Tools and Frameworks: XCode is an official IDE for iOS development with its rich feature set including Interface builder, and performance measuring tools.

B. Cross-Platform Development

1. Flutter
   • Language: Dart is the official language for developing Flutter applications, it’s known for its performance and expressive syntax.
   • Tools and Framework: Android Studio for building Android, XCode for building iOS apps, and VS Code for writing and editing code.
2. React Native
   • Language: Using JavaScript can benefit web developers if have good knowledge of web developing.
   • Tools and Framework: Visual Studio code, also known as VS Code developed by Microsoft is used for developing mobile applications in react native.

A. Programming language

• Kotlin: Learn Kotlin fundamentals including its features such as null safety, extension function, higher-order functions, and coroutines.
• Swift: Start with basic syntax, and object-oriented concepts, also explore threading and background processes for managing multi-tasking.
• Dart: Understand Dart’s syntax and features, and explore its official documents for advanced programming using Dart language. Explore dart libraries available to use in Flutter.
• JavaScript: Make core JavaScrit skill strong if your target is React Native, mainly the latest JS frameworks and libraries with their core functionalities.

B. Development Environment

• Android Studio: Learn how to operate Android Studio, how to debug app, how to use emulatore and explores its project structure as it provides multiple way for viewing projects.
• XCode: Make yourself familiar with the XCode interface, how to use simulators, and way to debug iOS applications.
• Flutter SDK: Set up and install Flutter SDK, learn how to use its commands, and make your self familiar with the basic commands needed for debugging and running the applications.
• React Native CLI: Understand and configure the React Native development environment using either React native CLI or Expo.

A. UI/UX Designs

• Learn Design Principles: Study device and platform-specific design principles such as layout design, navigation concepts, gesture-based actions, and responsive designs. Learn Material Design Principles for Android and Human Interface Guidelines for iOS.
• Learn Prototyping Tools: Use online tools such as Figma, Zeplin, or Adobe XD for designing and prototyping mobile screen interfaces.

B. APIs and Services

• Networking: Learn and implement the best networking library available in specific platforms such as Retrofit for Android, Alamofire for iOS, and HTTP packages for React Native and Flutter.
• Data Storage Concepts: Explore database management system libraries available for selected platforms like Room for Android, Core Data for iOS, and other cloud-based storage.
• Hardware Capabilities: Learn ways to use mobile-specific APIs such as Bluetooth, sensors, GPS, and notifications.

C. Performance Optimization

• Memory management: Understand memory management including how to prevent memory leaks, clear memory when not needed, and avoid unnecessary memory initialization.
• Battery Optimization: Follow best practices guidelines provided by the platform, use the process that consumes less memory, and minimize network calls.
• Background processing: Use efficient background processing mechanisms available in selected platforms such as Coroutine and Work Manager in Android, and Providers in Flutter.

A. Start with Basic and Simple Projects

• Beginner Projects: Create simple projects such as a calculator, tic-tac-toe game, weather app, and todo list to understand the development process,
• Rich tutorials: Each platform provides detailed documents about the latest release, deprecated APIs, and newly introduced tools, go through that.

B. Contribute to the Open-Source projects

• Fork projects: Review projects available in Git, and review their likes, downloads, and forks. Fork projects with large audience and review code structures and implemented similar in your projects.
• Give Contribution: Start giving contributions to open-source projects by raising PRs, this can help you in writing quality code as the approver will approve your PR only when it suits their requirements.

C. Do Freelancing or Internship

• Bid on Freelancing platform: Start bidding on online bidding platforms such as Freelancer, Up Work or Fiverr, etc. Working on real-time projects will help you become a quality mobile developer
• Internship in companies: Various companies provide internships for Mobile application development apply for internships to gain real-world project experience.

A. Showcase Your Mobile Work

• Job Portals: Apply for jobs on various job portals such as LinkedIn, Naukri.com, and GlassDoor for the post of Mobile developer, highlight your skills and portfolio.
• Company Websites: You can also apply directly on the company’s website when vacancies are available. Applying directly to the company’s websites has more chances to get feedback from companies.

B. Leverage Networks

• Use your Professional Networks: Join groups and communities across the various portals, you can join groups or communities specific to your needs.
• Career Fairs and Events: Attend tech fairs and events to meet more employers and try to get their requirement and learn about open opportunities.

By following these steps, you can easily switch from Web development to Mobile development. Equipped yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge is key to success as a Mobile developer. From learning basic programming skills to acquiring advanced knowledge and working as an intern, all these steps can make your transformation more easy because switching to any other technology or development is a big decision for any developer. You may face difficulties at the beginning due to unfamiliar tools and environment but preceding step by step will make your switching easy.

What are the main or key differences between Mobile and Web Development?

Web development involves creating applications that run on Web browsers and are platform-independent using languages such as HTML, CSS, JAVA, etc. While in Mobile development applications are build that can run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Do I need to learn new programming languages while switching to Mobile Development?

Yes, you will have to learn new languages if you want to switch to Mobile Development. Programming languages can vary such as Kotlin for Android, Swift for iOs, Dart for Flutter, and JavaScrit for React Native.

Can I use my existing Web Development skills if I want to switch to Mobile Development?

Yes, many development concepts such as object-oriented funda, front end skills, network calls, and threading are very similar in Mobile development as well. Specially if web developer are strong in JavaScript then learning to react native can be easy.