In today’s time, most can’t live without their phones. More than for calling, it can now be used for instant messaging, online shopping, photography, videography, planner, alarm clock, stopwatch, note-taking, and even as a portable microscope. No one imagined how this mobile device became integral in almost every aspect of our lives.
And it will just evolve even further when new innovations are launched. And most companies need to create an app for Android and iOS for their services. But is there a way to create an app that’s both compatible with iOS and Android?
Why Do Cross-Platform Development?
If you are thinking, why not create separate applications? When you create dedicated apps for both, you can customize and update the app seamlessly.
The problem is, this is a costly option. Most developers are adept in either iOS or Android. And those that are good for both will come with a price.
And even if they can afford it, it will take time to program both. What if the business has a strict timeline for the app launch?
That’s why cross-platform developers are one of the in-demand online jobs today with the following average salary range. With that, here are 7 essential skills you need to have to become a sought-after cross-platform developer.
Cross-Platform Programming Language
For cross-platform development, you can’t use most native apps. There are special languages for coding cross-platform applications. Do you know how to use them? Programming languages are quite complicated. You should be adept in at least one of the following languages.
- Flutter
- React Native
- Xamarin
- Ionic
- PhoneGap
These programming codes will allow you to create applications that can be used for iOS, Android, and even your web browsers. Sweet!
Basic Graphic Design
Apps should not be only functional. It also has to be visually appealing. That’s why you should know how to do basic graphic design. It might not be you who will design the whole program. But knowing graphic design will allow alignment with what’s possible with the coding limitations.
For example, the mechanism of the back button for android is different from iOS. This simple problem will surely make headaches for your team. If you have knowledge of graphic design, you can suggest other execution that will be more consistent with the programming languages.
UI/UX Design
People have a short attention span. If your app is hard to use, people will delete it before you know it. You don’t want hours of work gone just because of the poor interface. That’s why UI/UX design is crucial in your programming.
Where should you place the buttons? How many steps before they can finish a transaction? Are the steps easily understandable with a pleasing design? Lastly, what UI/UX design would work best if used when in Android or iOS.
By having your end-users in mind, you can create an app that’s enjoyable for your customers.
Spatial Reasoning
On top of UI/UX design, you should have spatial reasoning in your skills arsenal. Your app will compose of both 2D and 3D objects. How do you visualize and execute the program based on your intention?
Spatial reasoning will help you manipulate shapes and their movement to create the elements you want.
API Integration Expertise
Applications today should not be standalone. The best applications are integrated with some of the widely used ones in the market. That’s why Application Program Interface Integration or API Integration is crucial.
There are services from other apps that can be integrated to make your own app smoother. For example, the simple “create an account” with your Facebook or Email details creates ease of use for your customers.
And your app can be updated further when a new technology comes out. So have this skill to keep your clients progressive in this market.
QA & Testing Skills
It’s seldom that you find a perfectly working app on the first iteration. There will be glitches and bugs that you need to resolve. With this, you should have QA & Testing skills to support development.
You should be able to run tests with the latest tools to make sure that your app is in tiptop shape. And in case something happens when launched, you can troubleshoot to make it work again.
Collaboration Skills
You will not be working alone on a given project. There will be graphic designers, writers, fellow developers, and more in your team. Do you know how to collaborate with them?
You should have the collaboration skills to gather all thoughts and ideas. And then translate it to a working application.
Updated in Your Field
Mobile application development is a fast-growing field. What you know today might be obsolete in the coming years. That’s why you should continuously be updated in your craft.
Follow thought leaders or join groups in your field. With this, you can be informed of the latest happenings. And then, you can upgrade your skills further if you find the updates relevant to your career today.
Conclusion
Are you ready to become a sought-after cross-platform developer? With the following skills, you can be equipped to become one of the best. If you’re looking for opportunities in this field, you can check this link for more information. Good luck!
