If you’re looking for a reliable mobile and web application development, look no further as these two are quickly gaining traction as the backbone for any business in this tech-driven world. Combined with the fact that there is an ever growing need for skilled mobile app developers, it is clear that every single business needs mobile app and web app development. But surely you wonder, how does a mobile app developer differ from a web app developer and what role do they play within the development cycle? By reading this blog, you will understand the key highlights of these two topics including mobile app development, the skills required, the responsibilities in contrast to web app development.
Web Developers: Who Are They?
Web development encompasses the creation, maintenance, and optimization of websites. Simplifying this even further, web development comes down to writing the code for the front end as well as managing the back end for seamless user interaction. From there, web developers can be split into 3 categories:
For Users (and Developers): Frontend Phase Technologies (HTML/CSS/JavaScript)
These are used to build a website interface towards which users will have easy access when interacting with the developers.
Website Communication (Databases & Servers)
That’s what backend web developers research, using compliant languages to link these types of web logic.
Full-Stack Developers
A full-stack developer is an engineering specialist dealing with both the client and server sides of the application, which makes them one of the most sought-after professionals. Thus, a web application can technically be completed by only one developer – the one adept at both frontend and backend development.
Key Skills of Web Developers
- Programming Languages:Â Competency in markup languages such as HTML as well as stylesheets such as CSS, JavaScript, and even backend programming languages such as Python and PHP, or Ruby.
- Version Control:Â Managing the source code via tools such as GitHub and GitLab is second nature to clients.
- Responsive Design:Â Web solutions are often built using a responsive web design methodology so that they can be used on desktops and mobile devices.
- API Integration:Â Since developers are seldom given a blank canvas, they regularly append other systems to their product website. To do that, one must comprehend how APIs operate.
- Database Management:Â Familiarity with MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB will aid your effectiveness.
Who Are Mobile App Developers?
Mobile app developers create Android and iOS applications intended to be used on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. These applications can be made specifically for one system such as Apple or Google, and these are known as native applications or they can be designed for more than one system and this is known as hybrid applications. Mobile app developers typically fall into two categories.
iOS Developers
For Apple devices including iPhones and iPads, iOS developers write applications for these devices in either Swift or Objective-C. An iOS developer should also be well-versed with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines that are requirements for all apps and optimized for a superior user experience.
Differences Between Mobile Application Developers and Other Common Developers
Android Programmers
Android developers are the best people to hire if you want someone who can assist you in creating an app for an android operated device, as they work entirely with Android Studio, Java, and Kotlin which are tools essential for working on android specific devices.
Cross Development Programmers
Cross-platform developers are the best option for businesses who want to target a wider audience rather than working on building separate apps for every mobile operating system, as they assist in building an app compatible with all iPhone, Android etc. using React Native, and Xamarin and Flutter as development tools.
Common Skills of all the Mobile App Developers
- Programming Proficiencies:Â Depending on which platform a developer is working on, android mobile app developers work with Java and Kotlin while iOS developers prefer Swift and Objective C, cross-platform tools are also available such as React Native and Flutter.
- Mobile Application Tools:Â Without a doubt mobile app development cannot be done without having knowledge of Xcode, Android Studio, and other mobile app development tools.
- Application Performance Tuning Skills:Â An android app can only succeed if it is able to function efficiently and load at a reasonable speed to avoid any lag hence optimizing performance is key.
- UIs and UXs:Â App Interfaces are always key aspects of any mobile application and smooth user experiences make an app desirable so take any firm professional designers and work with them from the beginning if developing apps is needed.
- App Store Rules Compliance:Â Submission and approval processes can be cumbersome to deal with when developing an app, working with the relevant guidelines of Google Play and the App Store can hasten up the entire process.
Duties And Responsibilities In A Website Development Team
Depending on the role he/she assumes within a web development team, a web developer can have a variety of duties. Here are the primary responsibilities that a web developer would take on:
- Building and designing the website:Â Working either on the client or server side, web developers make sure that the development of a website has a pleasant experience and also looks good visually.
- Testing and debugging the website:Â Developers conduct testing on websites to determine if they are functional and to test them on various devices and different browsers to see how they respond. They debug systems that need to be fixed during the development phase.
- SEO Optimization:Â Web Developers should understand how to make web pages searchable by search engines. This involves the use of meta tags, enviable URLs, and smart ways to ensure quick page loading speed.
- Security measures: Developers must include sufficient measures to enhance the security of a user’s data from various online vulnerabilities, such as the use of HTTPS.
- Management and Upgrading:Â There are many occasions in which websites will require more management in terms of adding features or fixing bugs and adding more content.
Duties And Responsibilities In App Development
Mobile app developers also have a major hand to play in the development of mobile applications and also in their maintenance. Here are the key tasks mobile app developers undertake:
- Design and creating the App:Â The mobile developers are in charge of directing and ensuring the ease mobility of the app coding into all its functions.
The Differences Between Web Developers and Mobile App Developers
While both web and mobile app developers work in the tech space, there are several key differences in their roles:
Platform Focus
Web developers develop web pages that can be used by any browser while mobile app developers develop applications for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Languages And Tools
Web developers deal with – XML, HTML, CSS, Javascript, and a range of backend programming languages, and mobile app developers deal with – Swift, Kotlin and Java coding languages.
Target Audience: While web developers focus on building user-friendly sites, app developers work to create and improve user experience on mobile devices through tailored apps.
Development Complexity: When it comes to mobile application development, various constraints like the mobile platforms, hardware, as well as the submission guideline of the app stores come into play. These guidelines do not apply on web development thus making it possible to create complex applications without any restrictions.
Why Are Both Web and Mobile App Developers Important for Businesses?
To compete in this modern world of business, every company requires to build powerful mobile applications as well as websites. An aesthetically pleasing and functional web design with advanced features is a must in the current market, but a mobile presence has also become critical. Web and mobile development offer your users a comprehensive experience on whichever device they are on.
As such, web developers and mobile app developers are essential in enhancing the customer experience, streamlining business operations, and increasing productivity. That said, your team needs to be updated with the latest tech trends, protocols, and tools to remain competitive in this ever-evolving digital landscape.