There’s an unparalleled excitement that accompanies a rewarding career developing apps for one of the most successful companies of all time. Mirroring Apple’s historic, worldwide success, iOS development has become one of the hottest job descriptions in the information technology sector. Experienced as well as entry-level programmers have found entering the iOS development world flush with solid paying job offers and exciting, progressive companies for which to work.
It’s a reality that hot jobs require even hotter skills in order to land a position with a development firm that’ll put you on the cutting edge of app design. Fortunately, the world’s insatiable appetite for more and more apps to run on their iPhones, iPads and iPods won’t be subsiding any time soon, resulting in a steady growth for the specialized skill of iOS creation.
What’s the Difference between an Experienced and an Entry Level iOS Developer?
Like most career paths in the computer programming field, iOS developers are usually expected to have multiple years of experience before most companies will make them a job offer. Typically, five years of targeted programming skill in a language like Java, C# or C++ is desired to land a coveted job in iOS development. According to the Economic Research Institute, the average salary for talented mobile applications developers is in $70,000 to $80,000 range.
For those with little, or even no experience in computer programming, entering the field of iOS development can be difficult. High salaries represent an investment in the potential to produce high quality, stable apps that can be marketed as soon as possible. Development firms want to be sure a candidate has the skill to be productive as part of a team of programmers who are focused on getting apps published. Simply, they want to see a track record of success. If you’re a beginner programmer, with no track record, then your best move is to create one. The following are some tips to do just that:
What’s Are the Basic Skills Required of an iOS Developer?
In order to launch a career in iOS development, there are a few items you’ll have to add to your programming arsenal.
– A good quality Apple computer. This can be an iMac, Mac Mini, or MacBook, but the more advanced the better. It’s best not to skimp on speed and memory when you’re developing and testing your own apps.
– An iDevice, iPad, iPod, iPhone. If you can afford it, then buy one of each. When testing your apps, you’ll want to benchmark on as many Apple platforms as possible.
– Membership in the iOS Developer Program. You’ll need to maintain membership with Apple on their iOS Developer Program to have access to all the developer tools they make available.
– Learn Objective C. This is the language that iOS apps are created with, so getting a strong foundation here is essential. Even if you already have C++ or C# skills, you’ll want to become as proficient in Objective C as possible.
– Download and learn XCode. XCode is the development studio for creating Apple based programs and apps. It’s free to download and a good idea to become proficient in using it.
– Download and learn Interface Builder. Interface Builder is a great tool made available by Apple that will allow you to create smart, attractive user interfaces via drag and drop.
All indications show that mobile applications development is a specialized information technology skill poised to see steady growth for the foreseeable future. Apple is in the forefront of innovation in this field with their devotion to iOS and their iDevice product lines. Experienced and entry-level programmers that get in at the ground floor of this unique opportunity will most likely position themselves to be the innovators of the app development revolution.
Leave a Reply