While most developers focus on creating native mobile applications, the market is experiencing a great demand for web applications. Getting trained in web application development is relatively easy, especially if you already have some programming skills. Here are some tips to help you become a web application developer.
How do you get trained in web application development?
You can do it in several ways. There are application development training centers, but if you already have advanced programming skills, self-study with the documentation available online might be sufficient. If you are taking your first steps in mobile development, you will still need to learn these skills:
- Develop, implement and maintain web applications,
- Ensure data access according to established security and accessibility standards,
- Configure and operate computer systems,
- Configure servers for web application deployment,
- Manage databases,
- Develop web applications with access to databases,
- Integrate content into web applications,
- Develop web application interfaces,
- Develop multimedia components and integrate them into the application interface,
- Develop and integrate software components,
- Develop services and know how to integrate them into existing web applications.
Then, you will just have to put your knowledge into practice and create web applications. Without experience, it will probably be difficult for you to find your first clients, but you can do some personal projects to show your skills to your potential clients.
What career opportunities are there in web application development?
Web application development can be a steppingstone to developing other types of applications, native or not. So, starting your career as a web application developer, you can easily become a cross-platform application developer. With Android development skills on top of that, you could also qualify for the position of full-stack developer. Finally, if you master app design, it will be possible for you to work as a mobile application designer.
Become a freelance or salaried web application developer?
This will depend on your overall skills in mobile development. If you only specialize in web application development, being part of a multidisciplinary team will probably be the best option. However, if you also have other skills, such as Android and iOS development, you can certainly do app projects as a freelance developer.
Is being a web app developer enough to make a living?
The truth is that multidisciplinary is highly valued in the mobile app market, especially now when most apps are developed in Android or iOS. If web app development is your only specialization, we highly recommend broadening your skill set.
But don’t isolate yourself from the working world by devoting yourself full-time to studying new operating systems. Look for web application development projects to consolidate your skills and enrich your portfolio.
A professional portfolio that makes you stand out
A portfolio presenting the applications you have developed will enhance your profile in the eyes of a future employer much more than a cover letter or a CV. So look for interesting projects or develop a few on your own.
If you have already developed several applications, you may not be able to include them all in your portfolio. Be concrete and respond directly to the requirements of the project you are applying for and remember that your technical skills will always count the most in an application for an application developer position. So specify them clearly and give examples of apps you’ve developed. In addition to talking about the operating systems you master – Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows Phone – you can highlight your skills in app design or user experience.
It is important to prove that you have skills in mobile development, but there is no need to give too much detail about your training and schools. A short description of your specialization is enough. During the interview, where you have to prove that you are the right person for the job, always focus on what you can bring to the project and not on what you have done “in general”.
Would you like to get more information about web application development? Contact us today.
