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In the year 2023, 90,000 new Android apps were launched each month!
In the last couple of years, about 90,000 new Android apps were launched each month. A staggering number, right? It reveals how in-demand Android development is and will continue to be in the future. Today, Android development is literally dominating the software development sector, and every other business requires Android developers who know their way well around Android coding. In this blog post, we assist aspiring business owners in hiring the best nearshore Android developers.
What is Android Development?
Android development involves making apps for gadgets that have an Android operating system. Android is popular because it lets developers from all over the world create fantastic and unique apps. However, in order to do this, developers need to understand how Android works, use special tools like the Android SDK and Android Studio, and follow certain steps like planning, designing, Android coding, testing, and releasing their apps. They also need to learn skills like coding in languages like Java, Kotlin, and C++, designing app layouts, and working with other services. It's important for developers to keep learning and improving because Android is always changing.
What Makes Android Development Unique
Android development stands out in the tech space because of its open-source nature, flexible customization, and wide device compatibility. Unlike other platforms, Android allows developers more freedom to experiment, personalize, and integrate features without strict limitations. Whether it’s modifying the UI, accessing hardware-level functionalities, or building for wearables, Android offers endless possibilities. The Play Store’s faster app approval process also makes it easier for businesses to launch updates and reach users quickly. Plus, with a massive global user base across different devices and manufacturers, Android apps are more accessible, giving brands a wider reach without having to rebuild their apps for multiple ecosystems.
The Key Skills of Android Developers
1. Java/Kotlin Proficiency
As mentioned earlier, Android development mainly revolves around the use of Java and Kotlin programming languages. Developers should possess a strong knowledge of these languages, including information about their features and best practices. Proficiency in these languages allows developers to write clean, efficient, and maintainable Android code, which is crucial for building high-quality Android applications. Understanding object-oriented programming (OOP) principles and design patterns in these languages also enables developers to structure their code in a way that promotes reusability and scalability.
2. Understanding of Android SDK
A fundamental aspect of Android development is familiarity with the Android Software Development Kit (SDK). The SDK provides developers with a set of tools, APIs, and libraries for building Android applications. Android developers should have an awesome understanding of SDK components such as activities, services, and content providers. Also, knowledge of SDK documentation and how to navigate through it is very much needed for using the full capabilities of the platform and integrating advanced features into applications.
3. Familiarity with IDEs
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) play an important role in the Android development workflow, with Android Studio being the most widely used IDE for Android development. Developers should be well-versed in using Android Studio and its features for coding, debugging, and testing applications. This includes understanding how to set up projects, navigate the codebase, utilize code completion and refactoring tools, as well as effectively debug and troubleshoot issues. Familiarity with other IDEs or text editors can also be beneficial for certain development tasks.
4. UI/UX Design Skills
In addition to technical skills, Android developers should possess strong UI/UX design skills to create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. This involves having an understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition. Developers should be able to translate design mockups or wireframes into interactive and responsive UI components that provide a fun and easy user experience across different screen sizes and resolutions. Staying updated with the latest design trends and guidelines ensures that applications have a modern and consistent look and feel.
5. Knowledge of XML and Layout Design
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is used in Android development for designing UI layouts. Android developers should be able to write and understand XML markup to create layouts that meet design specifications and user requirements. This includes knowledge of various layout types (e.g., LinearLayout, RelativeLayout, ConstraintLayout) and how to use them to configure the appearance and behavior of UI elements. Understanding the concept of resource files and how to organize layouts, strings, and other resources within the project is also vital for maintaining a clean and manageable codebase.
6. Version Control Systems (VCS)
Version Control Systems (VCS) such as Git are essential tools for managing code changes, collaborating with team members, and ensuring the integrity of the codebase. Android developers should be proficient in using Git for version control, including tasks such as creating repositories, branching and merging code, resolving conflicts, and performing code reviews. By utilizing VCS effectively, developers can track changes, revert to previous versions if needed, and maintain a well-documented history of project development.
7. Continuous Learning and Adaptability
Android development is continuously changing, with new technologies, new Android tools, and practices emerging regularly. Android developers should have a growth mindset and a passion for continuous learning to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the industry. This involves actively seeking opportunities for skill development, such as attending conferences, participating in online courses or workshops, and exploring new frameworks or libraries.
Key Strategies Of Android Developers
Utilize Online Platforms:
Explore websites like LinkedIn, GitHub, and Stack Overflow to search for experienced Android developers and review their portfolios and contributions.
Attend Developer Events:
Participate in Android developer conferences, meetups, and hackathons to network with professionals and identify potential candidates.
Collaborate with Coding Bootcamps:
Partner with coding bootcamps specializing in Android development to recruit fresh talent and provide training opportunities.
Tap into Social Media:
Leverage social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit to connect with the Android developer community and advertise job openings.
Offer Remote Work Opportunities:
Embrace remote work options to attract skilled Android developers from around the world and expand your talent pool.
Provide Competitive Compensation:
Offer competitive salaries, benefits, and perks to entice experienced Android developers and retain top talent within your organization.
Engage with Developer Communities:
Engage with online forums, mailing lists, and forums dedicated to Android development to seek recommendations and referrals.
Leverage Recruitment Agencies:
Partner with specialized recruitment agencies or headhunters with expertise in the tech industry to identify and recruit qualified Android developers.
Showcase Company Culture:
Highlight your company's culture, values, and projects to appeal to Android developers seeking a supportive and innovative work environment.
10. Invest in Upskilling Programs:
Invest in training and upskilling programs to empower existing employees and foster the growth of junior developers into skilled Android professionals.
The 10 Best Android Development Tools
The Android development ecosystem is full of powerful tools that help developers build, test, and launch high-performing apps faster and more efficiently. Whether you're building a simple MVP or a complex, multi-layered app, these tools make the process smoother and more manageable. Here's a list of the top tools Android developers swear by this year:
→ Android Studio – Still the go-to IDE for Android developers, Android Studio is packed with everything you need, from intelligent code completion to real-time previews and emulator testing. It’s designed by Google specifically for Android projects, making it a one-stop platform for developing, debugging, and deploying apps.
→ Gradle – Think of Gradle as the backbone of the Android build process. It handles everything from compiling code to managing dependencies and creating builds. Its automation capabilities help teams save time and ensure consistency across environments.
→ Firebase – Google’s Firebase is a powerhouse for mobile app development. Developers use it for a wide range of backend services like real-time databases, user authentication, cloud storage, performance monitoring, and crash reporting, all without building these systems from scratch.
→ ADB (Android Debug Bridge) – A must-have for debugging and device communication. ADB allows developers to install apps, log system messages, and even run shell commands directly on connected Android devices or emulators. It’s especially useful during the testing and QA stages.
→ LeakCanary – Memory leaks can quietly kill your app’s performance. LeakCanary is a lifesaver here. This tool automatically detects and reports memory leaks in your app, helping you catch issues early before they affect the end-user experience.
→ Lint – No one wants hidden bugs or code quality issues slipping through the cracks. Lint analyzes your codebase and highlights potential errors, warnings, and performance concerns—ensuring your app is stable, secure, and up to standard.
→ ProGuard – When you're ready to release your app, ProGuard steps in. It shrinks your code, obfuscates classes and methods (making reverse engineering harder), and improves app security without affecting functionality.
→ Retrofit – If your app talks to APIs or performs network requests, Retrofit is your best friend. It simplifies HTTP requests, handles JSON parsing, and makes networking operations cleaner and more manageable with just a few lines of code.
→ Room – Managing local databases has never been easier. Room is Google’s official persistence library that provides a smart abstraction over SQLite, making it simple to store, retrieve, and manage data locally in your app.
→ JIRA or Trello – Building an app is rarely a solo effort. Tools like JIRA and Trello help Android teams stay organized, manage tasks, track bugs, and collaborate more efficiently in agile workflows. Whether you're a team of two or twenty, these tools make the process smoother.
Do Only Huge Businesses Benefit From Android Development?
The simple and straight answer is, absolutely not! While it’s true that big businesses build full-scale Android apps, small and medium-sized companies also gain huge value from Android development. Android gives startups and local businesses the ability to enter the market fast and with less investment. You don’t need a massive IT department to launch a simple, functional, and user-friendly app. With the availability of open-source tools, flexible frameworks, and a large talent pool, Android development is accessible to anyone with a good idea. In fact, many small businesses have grown their brand visibility and customer base by launching a basic Android app that solves one specific need.
Hire Android Developers With Blue Coding
Augmentation of staff and hiring additional tech experts can be extremely exhausting and challenging. You may end up finalizing the wrong candidate and realize that you have to go through all the steps of hiring all over again. Or worse, you may end up with an unorganized recruitment pipeline, and that can lead to a never-ending hiring process. To help you deal with such circumstances, Blue Coding is here for you. Our team of expert recruiters understands your needs and connects you with the best development experts. To understand more about our services, book your free discovery call with us now!
