Whether you're a recent college grad or an experienced professional, maybe you have the brains and the vision to be a good mobile app developer.
You might need certain specific qualities for achieving success, though.
The need for strong Java, HTML and technical programming skills is high for becoming a mobile app developer.
These developers need to be entrenched in object-oriented programming.
They should even have a sound understanding of a good user interface and attractive design patterns.
One needs to understand specific APIs of major mobile platforms including iOS and Android is a definite plus.
A skilled programmer would not mind changing platforms during development since he or she would be quite good with the changes in syntax.
Coming to terms with a new mobile platform paradigm is difficult.
One needs to be aware of how users interact with their devices and are adroit in creating new functionality or leveraging existing ones.
The way people interact with laptops is different than the way they interact with a smartphone or a mobile device.
There are some universities who have already launched a course curriculum with focus on mobile application design.
The conventions of developing desktop software needs have to be dropped while creating apps for the mobile platform.
Drop-down menus and help screens are of no use in a mobile device.
Mobile platforms are like ATM machine while desktops are like banks.
Those who are committed to learn new technologies and master new and effective conventions can be successful here.
One can go back to school or enroll for full-time programs for hot subjects such as HTML 5, OOP, Java and platform-specific programming for iOS, Android, Blackberry and the like.
Mobile app development can be learnt by doing too and many existing IT professionals like this method of creating mobile apps.
One should pick up one particular platform and then work on it.
The developers need to be dedicated to a great extent in the mobile environment for experience of the constraints and new ideas.
One needs to be very conscious of what and how one is programming and most of the aspects can be learnt through hands-on experience.
There are many Java developers and engineers who have forsaken custom application development for PCs and have ventured into mobile app development.
Most newbies learn it by reading relevant books and getting hands-on approach to mobile app development.
Training and exposure to making apps can help you set up your own firm of mobile app development.
There are various companies who work around mobile platforms and their apps and have managed to earn a lot of money after their app got famous and were liked by all.
There is no limit to the overall opportunities in mobile development but that sends a clear message to all tech professionals that since the competition is bound to get tough, one needs to replenish their own skills and create something worthwhile.
The last thing that you would want in a volatile economy is to get stuck up with outdated talent and skills.
Working on small, self-contained projects for mobile app development can do a whole lot of good for new and budding developers.