How do I become an app developer with no experience?

To become an app developer with no experience, you will need to learn how to code, build your network, create a work portfolio, get involved in some projects, and apply for internships or basic entry-level positions.

What education do you need to become a software application developer?

There is no required education needed to become a software application developer. However, many software appointment developers have a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or a similar field. In contrast, some senior-level roles may require a master's degree.

What is the difference between a software developer and an application developer?

The difference between a software developer and an application developer has to do with the scope of their responsibilities during the project life cycle. Application developers, for instance, create mobile and computer apps, and software developers create and test programs or systems and fix bugs if and when they encounter them.

What skills do you need to be an app developer?

The skills needed to be an app developer include many things such as coding skills, project management, cross platforms capabilities, UX design, an understanding of Agile methodology, communication, and QA testing and debugging.

What is an applications developer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Experts

Frank McCown Ph.D.,

John Russo

An applications developer designs, tests, and maintains software applications for specific platforms, such as desktop computers, mobile devices, or the web. They work with programming languages and tools to build user-friendly interfaces and functional features. Applications developers also collaborate with project managers, designers, and quality assurance testers, to ensure that applications meet user needs. They may work in healthcare, finance, education, and entertainment. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

What general advice would you give to an Applications Developer?

Frank McCown Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Harding University

The market is stable for software developers, despite the economic challenges created by the pandemic. Before accepting a job offer, talk to the company's employees through online meetings or email, and see what they think of the company. Do they enjoy their work? Are there opportunities to learn new technologies? How does the company treat their employees? There's a good chance you will be working remotely in your first job, so you will need to exercise a lot of self-discipline, be punctual for online meetings, do the work you've been assigned, and know when to ask questions when you get stuck. Expect a steeper-than-normal learning curve if you are working remotely instead of in an office.

ScoreApplications DeveloperUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $89,205

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

4.0

Growth Rate 21%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.95%

Black or African American 4.42%

Hispanic or Latino 8.16%

Unknown 4.80%

White 52.50%

Gender

female 23.02%

male 76.98%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress Level

4.0

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.1

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.6

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an Applications Developer?

Pros

High demand for skilled developers
Competitive salary and benefits
Opportunities for remote work or freelance projects
Possibility of career growth and advancement
Exposure to a variety of industries and sectors

Cons

Long hours and tight deadlines may cause stress and burnout
Sitting for extended periods can lead to health problems
May require working outside regular business hours
High level of competition in the industry may make finding work difficult at times
Projects may be repetitive or lack creativity

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Key steps to become an applications developer

Explore applications developer education requirements

Most common applications developer degrees

Bachelor's

71.1 %

Master's

18.4 %

Associate

7.4 %

Start to develop specific applications developer skills

Skills	Percentages
Java	10.69%
JavaScript	6.80%
C++	5.99%
QA	4.26%
Database	4.19%

Complete relevant applications developer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New applications developers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an applications developer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real applications developer resumes.

Research applications developer duties and responsibilities

Used to update issue tracker and manage code using version control system git.
Create UNIX shell scripts to automate the FTP process, handling of data discards, data errors, compliance errors etc.
Manage complete SDLC for development projects including gathering and determining business requirements.
Used AngularJS HTTP request to read data from web services and process JSON data to render in the UI.

Prepare your applications developer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your applications developer resume.

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