Android - The Most Popular Smartphone Operating System
Android is an operating system (OS) for mobile devices, based on a Linux-based OS. It was first developed as an OS for digital cameras. Today, the open-source OS is among the most widely used operating systems for smartphones. The OS has seen several versions over the past years, including the Android 13 Beta version.
What is Android Development?
Android development refers to the building of apps for devices that use the Android OS. The Android stack includes the Linus kernel, native libraries, Android runtime, Android framework and applications. The Android framework has application programming interfaces (APIs).
Java is the programming language used to build Android applications. However, new programming languages like Kotlin may also be used to build Android apps. The markup language, XML, is also used along with Java in Android development.
What do You Need to Know Before You Hire Android Developer
Be clear about the advantages of Android development before you hire a developer. One advantage is the ease of access to Android software development kits (SDK). Android developers could use the SDK material to create apps. A registration charge paid as a one-time fee is needed to distribute apps. Another advantage is that the time to market while deploying Android apps is fast.
Before you hire Android developer, be sure that the candidate understands the trends in Android development. For instance, there is a rise in on-demand apps which essentially connect customers and service providers. Another trend is the emergence of Internet of Things (IoT) tech. Android apps that enable IoT technology are here to stay.
How to Hire Android Developers
Consider your requirements and business needs
Firstly, assess your requirements. What are the needs of your business? You need to take stock of the clients and the industries they operate in. For instance, you may need a specialist to develop a gaming app. You would also need to evaluate if you need to hire Android developer for the short term or long-term.
Specify the Main Objective of Your App
When you hire Android developer, you would need to be specific about the app you wish to develop and the target audience or end user. When the developer is clear about the objective of the app, both them and you will find it easy to assess if they are a good match.
Prepare a Description of Your Project
Once you know the requirements of the project and the purpose of the apps to be built, you can write a description. A clear project description includes all details, from timelines to tasks and objectives of the app.
Prepare a Job Description
Write a clear job description outlining the roles and responsibilities of the Android developer. Some of these may include:
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Designing applications for Android devices
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Working with designers for superior UI and UX
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Testing apps in collaboration with testers
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Tracking review of apps to boost performance
Carry out Technical Interviews
Interview the candidates to understand their level of expertise in Android development. These may include questions related to Android application components or tools in the Android SDK.
Plan out Technical Assessment
A technical assessment could include online tests to judge the Android developer. You may choose tests that assess the Java programming and Android development skills. The technical assessment tests may include assessing the candidate’s knowledge of APIs like SOAP/REST.
Finalise the Agreement and Sign the Contract
Once you are done with technical interviews and assessment, you may also assess the non-technical aspects. Hire Android developer on the basis of soft skills like communication and attention to detail, among others.
How to Shortlist Android Developers?
Area of Expertise
Assess on the basis of the area of expertise and match it with your requirement. For example, find out if the Android developer has backend development skills. If you need someone to handle the backend as well, this would be advantageous. Assess if they can work with third-party APIs if that’s what you are looking for.
Technical Stack
The tech stack is the combination of software and programming languages to develop an app. The choice of tech stack depends on the purpose of the app. The developer’s ability to use the stack and the tech stack your business needs should be aligned.
Work Portfolio
Hire Android developer after you consider their work portfolio. Have a look at their published apps and how well they have been developed.
How to Identify a Reliable and Experienced Android Developer?
Seek references from past employers and colleagues. This helps you understand how well the Android developer worked in a team. It may also help you understand how reliable they are when it comes to completion of tasks. Further, you may also check how long they worked and their contributions to the team to assess their level of experience.
Most Important Skills to Consider while Shortlisting Android Developer
Android SDK Knowledge
Hire Android developer after considering their knowledge of Android SDK, which is a collection of software development tools. Knowledge of how to put together different tools to plug into apps helps.
Knowledge of Java and Kotlin
Java is the language that is used for Android development, so skills in Java are essential. Also, knowledge of Kotlin, another programming language, helps.
Knowledge of Android Studio
Android Studio is the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for development of Android apps. Understanding of Android Studio is essential for an Android developer.
APIs
An Android developer needs to know how application programming interfaces (APIs) work and use them. Some of them include SOAP and REST APIs.
Use of databases
Skills in the use of databases like SQLite, which is open source and available on Android help.
Understanding of Business Processes and SDLC
Software Development Life Cycles (SDLC) ensures that teams have clarity over timelines, costs and other aspects of a project.
Strong Knowledge of Product Behaviour and Its Life Cycle
The Android developer should have a fair idea of product design and behaviour. They would need to know the processes involved in designing an app, from start to finish.
Proficient with UI and Material Design
Knowledge of user interfaces helps deliver a superior user experience. Understanding of Material Design, Google’s design language, also helps.
Releasing and Deploying app on Play Store
Apart from designing an Android app, Android developer should also know how to release an app. They should know how to deploy it on the Google Play Store.
Providing Realistic Timelines
An experienced Android developer knows about the time needed for finishing certain tasks. They know how to set timelines accordingly.
Testing and Debugging
Testing and debugging are key aspects of app development. The candidate should know all about tools to test and fix bugs.
Hands-on Experience with XML
Android developer should know and work with markup language, XML. The language helps developers to implement data that relates to user interfaces.
