The Android application has always been at the top of the app development market. According to Statista, the Android app market share is estimated to reach 87.4% by 2023. Moreover, the total global mobile app revenue reached $462 billion in 2019 and it’s predicted to rise to $936 billion by 2023.

The mobile app, especially the Android app is a potential and promising market with the largest users. So if you want to get into this market and create your competitive edge, the first important thing is to hire top dedicated Android developers to make your app ideas into reality. Approud would like to provide you with some reference information that might help you in hiring Android app developers to build your app successfully.

1. Essential skills for each Android developer

Any position in most fields and industries always requires certain skills to make sure that the employee has basic knowledge and even little experience. The process of developing Android applications is no exception.

Here are some essential developer skills, if you want to hire Android programmers, you need to pay attention to them.

1.1 Knowledge of programming languages

Java and Kotlin are the two main programming languages used for developing Android applications. Developers need to have basic knowledge of the core concepts of these two programming languages, including syntax and basics, frameworks, multithreading and concurrency, functional programming, and generics.

1.2 Android SDK or software development kit

SDK stands for software development kit is a set of software-building tools for a specific platform. Android SDK is a collection of libraries and software development tools that help develop Android mobile applications much faster. Android SDKs are indispensable things for all Android developers.

1.3 Knowledge of Android Studio

Android Studio is an official and must-have integrated development environment for Google's Android operating system that provides support to many arrays of Android SDKs.

1.4 APIs

API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a software intermediary that is used to connect applications with any third-party services or apps.

1.5 Use of databases

According to Oracle, a database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. A database is usually controlled by a database management system (DBMS).

There are different types of databases. Your app always stores large amounts of data, so you need to consider choosing a suitable database.

1.6 Basics of Material Design

Material Design is an Android-oriented design language created by Google, supporting onscreen touch experiences via cue-rich features and natural motions that mimic real-world objects. It’s used as a foundation for UI/ UX design.

1.7 Understanding of business processes and SDLC

Each developer needs to have a clear understanding of the app idea and your business target when you decide to build this app. It will help them know what they are doing, recognize important features, plan the development process, build and develop a mobile app that fully meets business requirements.

SDLC stands for Software Development Life Cycle, describing all activities in a software development project from planning to maintenance.

2. Tech stack for Android application development

2.1 How to choose suitable tech stacks for the Android app

Advanced technology, has many technologies and tools that support you in the process of building software and applications. Before hiring a dedicated Android app developer, the other thing you need to determine is what tech stacks you will use to build your application. Based on the technology, and framework, you will be sure to find and hire the best Android app developer for your project.

Here is a list of factors that you should pay attention to to choose the proper mobile technology stack before starting your app development.

2.1.1 Requirements and business needs

Depending on your requirements and business needs, you will determine what type of app you will provide. There are three main types of mobile apps, including native, cross-platform, or hybrid apps. Each type has its characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and suits for different demands. After deciding the type of app, you easily choose the best tech stack for your app.

2.1.2 The main objective of the app

When building your app, what is your core objective? If you can answer this question clearly and quickly, you have the opportunity to succeed with this app.

You want to develop an app such as a virtual assistant for your internal activities. Or you want to build and release them on the app store to meet your target customers' needs, to get much more revenue and profit. Each objective will require different features as well as design. You have to keep track of your objectives and ensure you follow them to be successful.

2.1.3 Think about app security

The security of the mobile app is one of the most important things that require every business to prioritize. Especially when your app stores the personal information of users, you must take care of all security aspects and invest in them.

2.1.4 Integrations and Compatibility

Whether your app will integrate with a third party or not. And if needed, what partner do you choose? Moreover, you also can integrate your app with an existing website or backend system. This will affect the choice of the tech stack.

2.2 Two major programming languages for Android app development

2.2.1 Java

Java designed by James Gosling is one of the oldest programming languages that was released in May 1995.

Java is the top popular programming language for enterprise app development. It helps your business to reduce costs via developing faster, drives innovation, and improves app services.

The below picture will show some pros and cons of Java.

Image Source: https://doit.software/blog/how-to-hire-an-android-developer-for-your-project-in-2020#screen8

2.2.2 Kotlin

Kotlin developed by JetBrains is an open-source Android language that’s officially supported by Google. Kotlin first appeared in 2011. The best point of Kotlin is that developers won’t need to rewrite their entire project when switching from Java to Kotlin.

The below picture will show some pros and cons of Kotlin.

Image Source: https://doit.software/blog/how-to-hire-an-android-developer-for-your-project-in-2020#screen8

3. How to hire Android app developers

Step 1: Prepare a technical description of your project or job description for this position Gather all the tasks and business requirements in one file. You also attach some information related to this project to help the vacancy know more. While looking for app programmers, you share this file with them.

Step 2: Choose the most suitable model There are many ways to develop a mobile app. You can hire an in-house app development team who work full-time on your project, part-time developers, remote developers, freelancers, or even work with a third party to outsource a part or entire of your app development.

To find out more about different ways, you can check this blog: What are the Differences Between Outsourcing and In-House?.

If you want to hire an Android remote developer, check this blog: How to Hire Remote Developers.

In information technology, outsourcing is known for being the most cost-effective way. With overwhelming edges, outsourcing allows you to approach the largest talent pool around the world. Doing this allows you to hire an onshore, nearshore, or offshore Android developer. So outsourcing becomes a good solution to build a mobile app.

If you choose to outsource, check these blogs: 5 Qualifications for a Right Software Outsourcing Company, 6 Common Risks when IT Outsourcing & How to Avoid Them, and 8 Tips to Outsource Your Project Effectively.

Step 3: Post job, gather, and scan resume After determining the type of cooperation, you can post jobs in different channels to approach the top Android developer. For example, IT forums, groups of Android developer community, and sites for hiring developers such as LinkedIn, Toptal, Stack Overflow, and GitHub. You can get help from your network to refer potential candidates.

Receive their resume and compare it with your technical description or job description, you choose suitable candidates to arrange for interviews.

Step 4: Carry out interviews By conducting technical interviews, you can shortlist your potential developers and choose the top Android programmers with a skill set that meets your needs. Moreover, you should evaluate their attitude and character to make sure that future team member is suitable for your business culture.

Step 5: Sign the contract You and your Android developer need to sign an NDA or an employment agreement that has stored all the issues related to your app development project, especially security issues. Discuss to set a detailed plan of the project, workflow, time, rules, etc.

Conclusion

If you are interested in hiring Android app developers or want to do it for your project, this blog may help you to have some knowledge and tips. The process of hiring Android developers will take a lot of time, money, and effort. However, if you have the opportunity to work with the top mobile app development team to build successful apps, the benefits of these apps for you are endless.