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Android development is a part of software development and Android developers basically specialize in developing software for the Android platform.

Android development is done using the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) and languages including Java, Kotlin and C++ can be used to write programs for Android.

Android Development is quite the rage these days and the scope for Android Development skills is highly likely to grow in the upcoming years as Android continues to grow as the most popular operating system throughout the world.

As per StatCounter, Android has captured around 75% of the Mobile OS market share worldwide

This overwhelming figure shows that the field of Android development has a lot of potential for new entrants as well as the veterans.

Let’s have a look at how to become an Android developer and what are the required skills, as well as how to learn those skills and apply them later on to get a job or start your own Android app development business.

Skills and Tools Required to Become an Android Developer

Here’s everything you need to learn and gather information about before you can step into Android development.

•         Java:

Java is the key element that underpins all Android development. Java is one of the most widely utilized programming languages throughout the globe due to its distinctive stability, reliability, cross-platform compatibility (JVM) and the ability to handle multiple tasks related to memory management. Before producing software for Android, a strong grip over java concepts such as control structures, booleans & conditional logic, arrays, variables, loops, and lists is extremely important.

•         Kotlin

While Java is the conventionally used language amongst Android developers, Kotlin was also announced as a new supported language back in 2017 at the Google I/O conference and it is becoming popular at an impressive pace. It’s also relatively simpler and easier to learn so you might as well start learning Kotlin alongside Java to broaden your skill set.

•         XML

XML is a structured markup language used to describe data or encode it for web-based applications. Understanding of XML for Android developers would help them in tasks such as designing UI layouts.

•         SQL

SQL stands for structured query language and it’s used to communicate with a database. Usually, apps are associated with large amounts of data and you’ll need an understanding of SQL to organize databases within android apps. Through effective utilization of SQL, retrieving data for development purposes and communicating with your database would become much faster and easier.

•         Android Software Development Kit

The Android software Development kit basically assists developers in creating applications for the Android platform. This SDK packages development tools, emulator, samples projects with source code, and libraries required to write Android applications.

•         Android Studio

Android Studio is the official integrated development environment for Android OS. It is specifically designed for Android Development using JetBrains’ IntelliJ IDEA software. The features offered by Android Studio include lint tools to catch performance, usability and version compatibility problems, Proguard integration, app-singing capabilities, Gradle-based build support, Android virtual device for debugging and built-in support for the Google cloud platform.

Android Development Courses and Tutorials

Android development is extensive and requires a strong grip over several things, most of which have been discussed above.

If you’re interested in learning Android development from the comfort of your couch, you can opt for online courses and tutorials offered by hundreds of websites and tutors.

Udemy is one of the most popular websites to head over to for online courses on Android development. You can also check out other websites for online courses but you’re advised to carefully go through the course details and reviews before spending money on one.

Onlineustaad.com is also offering free and paid online Android development courses in Pakistan.

You can go through the list of courses and tutorials offered and select the one that meets your requirements and convenience.

Once you’ve properly learned the basics of Android development, you can move on towards the more complicated things.

What must also be noted however, is that learning about Android Development, or software development in general is a never-ending process as new techniques, technologies and upgrades are introduced in the field frequently and as an Android developer, one must keep an eye out for new things that they could learn, in order to stay relevant.

Android Software Developer Jobs and Salary

The employment scope for Android developers is really good and it is expected to grow even further. You are quite likely to find a job as an Android Developer if you’ve got a strong grip over the tools and skills discussed above.

Android Developer Salary in Pakistan

Android developers in Pakistan can find both office-based and home-based jobs. With companies and industries integrating more of IT, Android developer jobs in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are easy to find if you’re capable enough.

Fresh graduates or students may also work as Android developer interns in order to gain valuable experience and polish their skills.

Looking for an internship in Pakistan? Check out our detailed guide 

Android development is more rewarding if you’re capable and experienced. While new entrants can earn around Rs.20000 to Rs.30000 per month, experienced Android developers can expect salaries around Rs.75000-Rs.90000 per month or higher.

Android Developer Salary in USA, UAE, and China

While Pakistan is still short of a proper IT infrastructure, Android developers can earn a lot more in foreign countries where proper IT infrastructure is in place. Full-time Android developers, on average, earn around $28,000 per year in UAE and China and around $90,000+ per year in the USA according to Payscale.

Android Developer Salary for Remote Jobs

People can also work remotely for companies based in other countries and earn a handsome amount of salary while developing Android software. Due to the nature of this job, it isn’t necessary for Android developers to be physically present in an office, enabling them to work from the convenience of their home.

Software houses in USA and Europe usually pay decent salaries so Android Developers can also work remotely for US and Europe based companies, earning over $80000 per annum.

Freelancing is another great option for home-based earning for Android Developers. There are thousands of projects listed on websites such as Upwork and Android Developers can bid for those tasks in accordance with the skill set that they possess.

Final word

In order to become an Android Developer, you would certainly need to invest time and resources in learning the key tools and skills required in the field. Once you’ve got a strong grip over everything, you can start exploring the employment opportunities and as discussed above, becoming an Android Developer is rewarding if you know you to sell your skills effectively.

Do you have any questions regarding Android development? Let us know in the comments below. Happy learning!