Hey everyone,
I'm an Android developer who's self-taught and has been in the industry for just over two years. I've really loved building apps, but I've been noticing a trend that makes me a bit concerned. The job market for native Android developers seems to be shrinking compared to a few years back, and I've heard from a lot of people that native Android might not have the same prominence in the future.
In light of this, I'm thinking of picking up iOS development alongside my Android skills to broaden my prospects and avoid being limited to just one platform. So I'm curious to get your thoughts on this:
* Is this a smart move?
* What essential skills should I focus on learning to remain competitive?
* Any advice on thriving in the evolving mobile development job market?
4 Answers
I think branching out to cross-platform development is a solid idea! Just keep in mind that working with Apple will cost you $99 yearly, unlike Google's one-time fee of $25. Plus, you'll need a Mac to run Xcode and create iOS builds. Just something to consider! But if you’re already set up, it sounds like you’re on the right track!
Have you thought about using a cross-platform framework like Flutter? It could be a good compromise. You get to learn both iOS and Android with one codebase!
That could be a great option! I'm a native Android dev, so starting with iOS makes sense first. I can always delve into Flutter after that.
Honestly, I’m not sure it’s worth it. A lot of iPhone users are just using social media apps. The market isn’t as huge, and the App Store publishing process is way tougher. Just my two cents!
Haha, totally get that perspective! I’m learning for broader cross-platform opportunities, though.
Yes, definitely a good move. Knowing both iOS and Android is super valuable! iOS is often prioritized in development, so being skilled in both can really enhance your employability!
That’s encouraging! How’s the job market looking for cross-platform developers lately?
True, I have a MacBook for iOS development, so the cost isn’t a big issue for me. I just want to secure a job in cross-platform dev, and I’m not aiming to publish my own apps.