Essential Skills for Becoming a Mobile App Developer

Native vs. Cross-Platform Development

• Native Development
  • Build apps for a specific platform (iOS or Android)
  • Full control over platform capabilities -> great performance and user experience
  • Requires separate projects for different platforms (e.g., iOS: Objective C/Swift, Android: Java/Kotlin)
  • Two sets of bugs to fix
• Cross-Platform Development
  • Build apps that run on multiple platforms
  • Reuse the same code -> reduce development time, fewer bugs
  • Popular toolkits: React Native, Flutter, Kotlin Multiplatform, MAUI

Cross-Platform Toolkits

• React Native (Facebook, 2015)
  • Use JavaScript and React
  • Companies using it: Microsoft Office, Skype, Facebook
• Flutter (Google, 2017)
  • Use Dart language
  • Companies using it: eBay, Alibaba, Google Pay
• Kotlin Multiplatform (JetBrains)
  • Use Kotlin language
  • Companies using it: McDonald's, Netflix, Cash App
• MAUI (Microsoft)
  • Use C# and .NET
  • Build native mobile and desktop apps

Choosing the Right Framework

• Depends on familiarity with languages and technologies:
  • C# developer -> MAUI
  • Web technologies (JavaScript, React) -> React Native
  • Others -> Flutter (Dart)
• Job opportunities:
  • More job positions for React Native and Flutter
  • Research job market in your area
• Recommendation: Choose between React Native and Flutter
  • If web development background -> React Native
  • Otherwise -> Flutter (Dart is modern and user-friendly)

Study Plan

• Learn the Language
  • Dedicate 3-5 hours daily
  • Master essentials in 2 months
• Version Control System (Git & GitHub)
  • Track code changes, collaborate with others
  • Learn basic features -> 1-2 weeks
• Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Fundamental for problem-solving and interviews
  • Spend 1-2 months studying classic data structures and algorithms
• Design Patterns
  • Proven solutions for common software design problems
  • 23 classic design patterns (Gang of Four's book)
  • Practical courses available to learn in 2 months
• Mobile Framework (Flutter or React Native)
  • Learn in 2 months with a solid programming background

Timeline

• Total Time: 8-12 months
  • Languages: 2 months
  • Version control: 1-2 weeks
  • Data structures/algorithms: 1-2 months
  • Design patterns: 2 months
  • Mobile framework: 2 months

Resources

• Free PDF with learning resources and project ideas
• Tutorials and courses available online

Final Tips

• Research and choose framework based on job market and personal preference
• Consistent practice and study
• Engage with resources and communities for support

If any questions, leave comments for further assistance.