Whether you’re a techie or not, you’ve probably heard of apps. But, what is app development? In this blog, we answer that question and look at the best languages for it.
Even those who do not use smartphones often use various apps on a daily basis, such as the alarm app. As a result, applications have become increasingly popular over the years. Previously, apps were made for complex ideas such as gaming, eCommerce, social networking, and so on, but now you can find apps for tracking water intake, exercise, meditation, etc.
Which explains why the need for app development is increasing at a rapid rate. App development is not challenging, and developers can swiftly advance through the levels. The most common challenge, however, is determining the best learning strategy.
So, here’s a comprehensive guide on learning app development, including how to get started, what to study, and where to learn it.
What is App Development?
App or application development is the intricate process of designing, implementing and developing mobile applications. The applications are either developed by independent professional freelancers or by a team of skilled developers belonging to a giant firm.
Initially, app development intended to replace desktop computers with smartphones. Developers created such applications like word processors and other applications. However, when smartphones became more widespread, every organisation and individual began to build applications in various genres, including games, social networking, retail, and other miscellaneous categories.
There are countless aspects to consider when it comes to application development, such as the size of the app, the design, the concept, and many more. To obtain optimum results, a proficient developer should be knowledgeable in all of these areas.
Is it, however, simple to create an application?
The answer is up to you. It is really simple to develop an app if you understand and practise adequately.
What are the Best Languages for App Development?
If you plan to become a talented professional app developer, your first step would be to learn the basics of app development, that is, proficiency in programming languages.
Before we jump into what programming languages to ace in app development, there are two concepts you should be aware of: Front end and back end.
Front end:
The front end, or the app’s user interactive display, relates to the design, theme, fonts, presentation, graphics, and other elements. If you want to master frontend development, you should master relevant languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Back end:
The back end, or the component of the programme that is not visible to the user, refers to the app’s speed, size, efficiency, and security.
In the same way that there are particular languages for programming frontends for apps, unique languages for programming servers and databases for applications. Some of these languages include Python, Ruby, and others.
To become an app developer, you can either learn front end or back end or even both. Whatever your choice is, you must understand and master a handful of languages to create at least a mini-project.
So here are some of the programming languages that are well known for app development.
Python
Whether it is software, website or app development, there is no way Python is not used in it.
The increasingly popular programming language, which is recognised for its simple syntax and robust features, has garnered a reputation among novices and professionals alike.
Python is used to programme the back ends of several prominent applications that we use on a daily basis, such as YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest. We can see Python’s power by looking at the above apps, which are noted for their popularity, efficiency, and security.
JavaScript
When it comes to creating applications for the web, there are some programming languages you must know to be considered a professional, and the language that top the list of must-know programming languages is JavaScript.
JavaScript is required for the distinctive features you put in your programme to perform their tasks seamlessly on any device or platform.
Also, it is a full-stack language, which means with JavaScript, you can build interactive and visually appealing front end and efficient, and powerful back end too.
Other Convincing Reasons on Why You Should Learn JavaScript:
- Since it is an interpreted language, the speed of execution is immaculate.
- The structure of the syntax is simple and easy to grasp.
- JavaScript works smoothly along with other languages.
- With JS, developers can add rich features to their applications.
- Has multiple valuable frameworks such as jQuery, Angular, Vue and Svelte.
Along with JavaScript frameworks, developers can develop platform-independent applications.
Java
Java is an approved language for developing Android apps. Therefore, to commence your app developer journey, studying Java will most likely not only help you master app development rapidly but will also assist you in quickly understanding other relevant languages.
Java has its own set of open source libraries, including a wealth of functionalities and APIs that developers may easily integrate into their coding.
Other Convincing Reasons on Why You Should Learn Java:
- Because Java is an object-oriented language.
- Java can execute in various settings, including virtual machines and browsers.
- Code reusability and portability.
- Strong memory management.
Another upside of mastering Java is its omnipresence. Since Java is a versatile programming language, it is also employed in website and software development. So by learning it, you can learn more than just app development and may be handy in the long run if you need to change careers.
Kotlin
Kotlin is yet another official language of Android development; this is thanks to its roots in Java. So yes, Kotlin is very similar to Java and may be thought of as a more advanced version of Java programming.
Kotlin allows developers to create more robust and complex mobile applications.
Other Convincing Reasons on Why You Should Learn Kotlin:
- Writing programs in Kotlin means less robust code.
- Fully compatible with Java
- Developers can use Kotlin to construct platform-independent applications.
- It features a simple and straightforward syntax.
- Includes android and SDK toolkit.
Kotlin might be a wonderful and accessible alternative for novices who find Java difficult.
Dart
Dart is a relatively new programming language when compared to other programming languages that have been around for a long time.
It is a programming language that may be used on both the front end and the back end. The syntax is comparable to C, making it simple to pick up.
Another distinctive aspect of Dart is that it is a programming language created especially for android development by Google.
Other Convincing Reasons on Why You Should Learn Dart:
- It has a clean syntax.
- It has a set of versatile tools to help in programming.
- Dart is portable
- Itis used by Flutter
- Can write and run the code anywhere.
Dart allows developers to create web-based applications in addition to mobile apps.
Swift
Swift is a programming language built specifically for designing and developing mobile applications, but only for iOS.
Created by the tech giant Apple Inc. Swift is a multi-paradigm, general-purpose compiled programming language.
Prior to the introduction of Swift, the preferred and customary programming language for iOS app development was Objective C. Swift’s versatility, and durability has supplanted the necessity for Objective C.
Other Convincing Reasons on Why You Should Learn Swift:
- It has a concise code structure.
- Has efficient memory management
- Swift is fast to execute.
- It supports dynamic libraries
- It is compatible with objective C.
As one of the most popular programming languages for iOS app developers, Swift allows users to learn and develop applications quickly and easily.
Other Convincing Reasons on Why You Should Learn Python:
- Easy to read, learn and write codes.
- It is an interpreted language.
- Free and open source.
- Has extensive library support.
- Python is flexible.
Python is also widely used in various technology fields, including machine learning, data analytics, and many more.
C++
Although not exactly a preferred programming language for app development, with C++, developers can expect to create robust applications.
C++ is used to create android apps and native app development. Mainly, using this programming language, games, cloud and banking applications are created.
Other Convincing Reasons on Why You Should Learn C++:
- C++ is a multi-paradigm programming language.
- C++ is an object-oriented programming language and includes classes, inheritance, polymorphism, data abstraction, and encapsulation.
- Supports dynamic memory allocation.
- C++ codes run faster.
- It is a platform-independent language.
Because C++ applications can run on any platform, developers can use it to create cross-platform apps for Android, iOS, and Windows.
How to Get Started in App Development?
We now know “What?” to learn in order to become a professional app developer. Now let’s look at “How?” to get started on your journey to being a successful one:
Choose a Platform
The first thing, even before choosing a programming language, one should decide on which platform they are writing the program for. As we all know, there are two major platforms for mobile applications: iOS and Android. So, to begin, choose one of the two options.
You can choose one or both, but you must be familiar with two concepts: native development and cross-platform programming.
Native Development: Developers choose one platform and produce programmes exclusively for that platform, which is known as native development. If you’re a native Android developer, you create native Android apps that only run on Android; similarly, if you’re an iOs developer, you build native iOS apps that only work on iOS.
Cross-platform Development: Cross-platform development is the term used to describe applications that are created once and can operate on any platform, including Android and iOS.
After choosing the above options, one should learn the related programming languages.
Learn Core Concepts
Having a solid grasp of fundamentals is necessary to become a versatile app developer.
Programming, may it be, any field has some common core concepts. Without mastering them, building complex applications will become tedious.
The following are some fundamental notions in every programming language:
- Variables
- Data structures
- Syntax
- Control structures
- Tools
Choose a Good Programming Course
One needs a mentor to grasp and understand the intricacies of a programming language or a related profession.
Before choosing the right course, make sure that course is for you. For example, if you are a beginner, choose courses that are created for beginners that can give you a generous tech stack. On the other hand, if you already have adequate programming knowledge, you can either choose the beginner ones or go for intermediate ones.
Join the Community
Each and every programming language has a dedicated community that is active with a vast number of skilled developers. Joining such communities will help you keep up to date about the latest features and tactics of the particular language.
Some of the popular platforms for programming communities are:
- Stackoverflow
- Reddit subreddits
- GitHub
For instance, if you are learning Python, join the Python community on any of the above platforms. The same goes for other programming languages.
Also, if you have any queries regarding any errors of concepts, you can find answers in these communities since most doubts you face are not new.
Build Mini Applications
While learning app developments, try putting your knowledge into work during the learning period instead of waiting for the course to end.
Try building mini-applications at first. It can be as simple as a Hello World app that displays ‘hello world’. Then try upgrading to the calculator, memo, weather forecast and many more.
Since programming is a skill that grows only through practice, it is essential to practice while learning.
While developing mini-projects, it is also customary to face errors. Instead of relying on communities, try resolving the mistakes on your own. Doing so will enhance your problem-solving ability, which is a great skill that every recruiter looks for in a developer.
Free Coding Challenge
Although the road to becoming an app developer may appear complicated, no one can dispute it is fun and exciting. While achieving your weekly goals, practise hard and enjoy a well-deserved rest. If you want to learn some of the basics of software development for free, try this free 5 Day Coding Challenge. On it, you will learn the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. It takes just one hour a day over five days. Register now through the form below. Alternatively, if you want to learn full stack software development, you can read more about our programme here.
Try our Free 5 Day Coding Challenge 
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