What is a Mobile Developer?

We often talk about back-end developers and front-end developers when building a web solution, and far too rarely about mobile developers. Yet digital content has never been consumed as much through mobile (we use "mobile" to mean any application support other than a desktop computer) as it is today, and that trend is not about to reverse.

What is the role of a mobile developer?

If a solution's primary platform isn't mobile, the company will typically start by offering smartphone access through the browser. That's why particular attention is paid to building a responsive site from the very first version.

This challenge is sometimes mistakenly attributed to mobile developers, but it's actually solved by front-end developers.

Why do companies need this role?

Now essential, mobile applications play a strategic role in a company's digital presence. Deciding to launch a mobile app supporting your product/service is generally a sign of a new momentum for the company, a new milestone reached.

In some cases, mobile apps even become the primary and central platform of a solution, relegating the website to a presentation layer with limited functionality, or even an Instagram-style feed (Revolut, mobility apps, etc.).

By making access to a service or product easier through portability and convenience, building a well-designed mobile app is often the start of a new wave of acquisition, monetization, and/or retention.

What are the missions of a mobile developer?

The mobile developer's main role is to build a mobile application. Of course, the mobile developer's job also includes adapting a website to the various mobile platforms (smartphones and tablets), where performance will be far superior to that of a responsive site running through the browser, which limits available features.

They may build an application from scratch by developing the first version of a mobile app, or contribute to redesigning an existing one.

As with all web professions, this role requires following specifications drawn up beforehand with the product team. The developer then writes precise software and determines the calculations needed for data processing.

The role demands rigor, as do other tech jobs — particularly a system to manage tasks, fix bugs, and run tests before moving to the next stage. This is a critical step to validate ergonomics and rendering.

To make team collaboration as productive and efficient as possible, the mobile developer should involve their team by regularly delivering viable portions of the mobile app to gather feedback and quickly bring adjustments and improvements throughout development. They need to know how to adapt and respond effectively to varied requests.

Where do they fit in the team?

The mobile developer collaborates with:

• UX/UI Designer: provides the application mockup to develop.
• Back-end Developer: as with the front-end developer, their work is complementary. The mobile developer builds an interface that connects to the back office, hooking into the work of the back-end developer.
• Product Owner: as with other developers, the PO assigns and prioritizes the mobile developer's tasks.

What are the skills of a mobile developer?

The mobile developer has solid skills in computer science in general and web development in particular. For iOS/Android mobile development, mastering Apple's and Google's development ecosystems is essential.

Knowledge of development tools (Xcode, Visual Studio Mobile, etc.) is of course indispensable.

In development overall, it's important to keep a constant watch on emerging technologies to avoid falling behind.

Soft skills

The mobile developer must have strong organizational skills, rigor, speed, flexibility, creativity, and good interpersonal qualities.

Technologies & platforms used

The mobile developer can specialize in several different languages, allowing them to build iOS apps, Android apps, or both via cross-platform languages.

Cross-platform obviously seems more practical, but the generalist nature of these languages reduces performance and visual consistency compared to a language specialized for one platform.

For Android applications:

• Java Android
• Kotlin Android

For iOS applications:

• Objective-C
• Swift

Cross-platform: to build an iOS and Android application from the same codebase

• React Native, a framework for using React with native features. Created by Facebook.
• Flutter, a framework using the Dart language. Created by Google.
• Xamarin, a platform using C#.
• Ionic, a framework based on Angular

What training is needed to become a mobile developer?

There are no specific programs to become a mobile app developer. The path is therefore fairly traditional: training in computer science or web development at the bachelor's, four-year, or Master's level, either through university or through a computer science or engineering school.

Specialization in a mobile technology happens self-taught during training or through professional career choices.

What is the salary of a mobile developer?

Here are the salaries by years of experience:

• Junior mobile developer: 35 to 50K€
• Mid-level mobile developer: 45 to 65K€
• Senior mobile developer: 65 to 90K€+

How can a mobile developer's career evolve?

A mobile developer can grow into roles such as: Lead Tech, Mobile Expert, or Engineering Manager.