Android App Development: Specifics and where to hire a developer

Mobile applications have become an integral part of our lives. We use maps to navigate, clocks to wake up, and calendars to count the days. Instead of having all these tools separately, our smartphones have become the one-stop-shop. Mobile apps have transformed our traditional way of life. These apps are now used not only personally but for business development purposes as well. Researchers predict the mobile app market will generate approximately $610 billion in revenue in 2025.

Of the market share, 72% are Android apps. Businesses can make use of such mobile apps to connect with customers, display products, and provide an enhanced experience when interacting with business. In the following article, we are going to discuss the specifics of Android app development, provide tips on how to find an Android app developer, and give you a hint on where to search.

Now let’s start with the specifics of Android app development, along with tips on where to hire the right project specialist.

Android App Developer. How to Hire Top Android Developer

Specifics of developing a mobile app for the Android platform

Android app development comes with a unique set of challenges and considerations, primarily due to the platform’s diversity and open nature.

Let’s have a look at the main challenges of the process:

Fragmentation
One of the main aspects developers deal with is fragmentation, as there are a multitude of devices with different hardware configurations, screen sizes, and Android versions. It requires thorough development, testing and adaptation to ensure a consistent user experience across devices.
Permissions management
Android apps must manage permissions, asking users to access specific device features or data. It involves declaring permissions in the app’s manifest file and handling user responses at runtime.
Android app lifecycle
Another crucial aspect is understanding and managing the Android app lifecycle, which includes various states and transitions between activities and fragments. It helps maintain a smooth user experience while avoiding issues like crashes or memory leaks.
Background processing
Moreover, an Android app developer needs to be mindful of background processing, leveraging services, WorkManager, or JobScheduler to perform tasks efficiently with minimal battery usage and system impact.
Notifications implementation
Implementing notifications correctly is also important, as it allows apps to display alerts and updates to users, even when the app is not in use.
Accessibility
Accessibility should not be overlooked, because it ensures apps can be used by people with disabilities. Android provides tools and guidelines to help developers create more accessible applications.
App development architecture practices
Furthermore, adopting best app development architecture practices, such as the Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) or Model-View-Presenter (MVP) patterns, can lead to more maintainable, scalable, and testable apps. It also involves utilizing dependency management tools like Gradle and Maven to manage third-party libraries and dependencies.
Data storage development methods
Finally, choosing the appropriate data storage development method is vital, as Android provides various options of storing and retrieving data, such as SharedPreferences, SQLite databases, and the Room persistence library.

We are confident that we have what it takes to help you get your platform from the idea throughout design and development phases, all the way to successful deployment in a production environment!

Cross-platform frameworks vs native development

These are two primary development approaches to consider when creating a mobile app project. Your choice between these methods may ultimately determine the success or failure of your app, as well as its cost and compatibility. Both development processes have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is crucial to apply them in situations that align with your specific project requirements. Let’s examine each development approach and explore its suitability in various scenarios.

Efficiency

Native development: These applications, crafted for individual platforms using their unique programming languages (Swift for iOS and Kotlin), empower an Android app developer to exploit the range of each platform’s capabilities. It results in exceptional performance and fluid operation.

Cross-platform frameworks: These applications, engineered using a unified codebase that operates on various platforms (e.g., React Native, Xamarin, or Flutter), might face difficulties in matching the efficiency of exclusive app development, particularly when executing intricate tasks or animations. Nevertheless, these frameworks have progressed significantly over time, closing the performance disparity.

User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI)

Native development: Exclusive applications deliver an unmatched user experience due to developers having access to platform-specific UI components, design patterns, and features. This enables them to design interfaces that seamlessly blend with other apps on the platform, ensuring a smooth and recognizable user experience.

Cross-platform frameworks: Although cross platform frameworks aspire to offer a consistent UI across diverse development platforms, they may not always succeed in emulating the native look and feel. This will lead to a less refined user experience compared to exclusive app development, although some frameworks, such as Flutter, have made considerable progress in providing near-exclusive UI experiences.

Development duration and expenses

Native development: Creating native applications in each platform may be labor-intensive and development costly, as it demands dedicated resources and expertise in each platform development.

Cross-platform frameworks: It saves significant time and money, as developers only need to maintain one codebase for various platforms. This eliminates the need for platform-specific expertise, making it a more cost-effective development choice in cases with numerous businesses.

Maintenance and upgrades

Native development: Sustaining and updating exclusive Android applications can be more demanding, as modifications need to be executed separately for each platform. This will result in discrepancies and increased maintenance expenses.

Cross-platform frameworks: With a shared codebase, updating and sustaining cross-platform applications is simpler, as alterations can be implemented concurrently across all platforms. This may lead to decreased maintenance expenses and swifter update deployments.

External libraries and platform-specific characteristics

Native development: It permits developers to fully harness platform-specific features and external libraries designed exclusively for the platform. This type of development can lead to enhanced functionality and seamless integration with other native apps and services.

Cross-platform frameworks: They typically provide limited access to platform-specific features, potentially compromising functionality. Furthermore, discovering compatible external libraries can be more challenging, as they need to accommodate multiple platforms.

What you need to know before you hire an Android developer

If you’re looking to hire an Android app developer, these are the several factors to ensure a successful app development experience. Here are some considerations to keep in mind.

Relevant experience and project history: Look for developers who have experience in similar projects or within your specific industry. Review their portfolio to assess their skills in bringing your app concept to life.

Technical proficiency: The developer must understand the major programming languages and tools commonly used in Android development, such as Java, Kotlin, Android Studio, SDKs, APIs, and libraries. They should solidly comprehend UI/UX design principles to develop user-friendly and responsive apps.

Android

Communication skills: Hire Android developer who is able to communicate effectively, offer regular updates, and respond promptly to inquiries. Sound communication helps to minimize misunderstandings and project delays.

Problem-solving abilities: The Android developer should be able to analyze complex issues and devise innovative solutions. They must be adaptable, receptive to change, and committed to ongoing learning to keep up with industry trends and technologies.

Cost and timeframe: Discuss the project’s budget and timeline with the developer and establish transparent expectations. Remember that the cheapest option may compromise quality, and a compressed timeline might lead to hasty work and subsequent problems. Strive an effective balance between cost and quality.

Testimonials and evaluations: Ask for references from the developer’s prior clients and examine online reviews on platforms such as Clutch or GoodFirms. Positive feedback from previous clients can indicate a dependable developer.

Ongoing support: An exceptional app requires continuous maintenance and updates. The best variant is to hire Android developer committed to providing post-launch support, including bug fixes, updates, and enhancements based on user feedback. A durable relationship with your developer helps to ensure your app remains up-to-date, competitive in the marketplace.

Where to hire an Android app developer

As you venture to hire Android developer, consider the following popular platforms and strategies to streamline your search for the perfect candidate.

Independent contractor marketplaces
Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal are valuable resources for discovering a talented Android app developer. These marketplaces let you examine profiles, portfolios, and client reviews, simplifying the process of identifying a candidate that matches your needs. Some sites, such as Toptal, even pre-vet developers to guarantee high levels of technical competence and professionalism.
Employment websites
Traditional job boards like Indeed, Monster and Glassdoor facilitate hiring by allowing you to post job listings and collect applications from interested candidates. Specialized job boards like Stack Overflow Jobs, Android Jobs, and GitHub Jobs cater to the tech community, targeting a more focused audience for your search.
Digital communities and discussion boards
Developers frequently exchange ideas, address obstacles, and suggest solutions on online communities and forums like Reddit, XDA Developers, and the Android Development Google Group. Engaging with these spaces enables you to identify potential candidates, gather recommendations, or share your job posting to attract qualified professionals.
Social networking platforms
LinkedIn and Twitter can also be instrumental in locating an Android app developer. LinkedIn’s advanced search features allow you to find candidates based on skills, location, and experience. By joining pertinent LinkedIn groups, such as Android Development or Android Developers, you can connect with prospective candidates.
Industry events and conferences
Participating in events and conferences like Google I/O, Android Developer Summit, or Droidcon offers opportunities to network with professionals face-to-face. These gatherings help you stay informed about current trends and technologies and may help you to hire Android developer for your project.
Personal connections and endorsements
Occasionally, the most exceptional candidates come through referrals from coworkers, friends, or other industry professionals. Tap into your network to ask for recommendations from the people you know, which will help you to hire Android developers. A referral from a reliable source can significantly boost your odds of finding a dependable and proficient developer.
Internal vs. external development
Lastly, decide whether you prefer to hire Android developer, who will work from home/office or delegate the project to an agency or development team. In-house developers typically facilitate better communication and collaboration, while external teams may offer cost savings and a more extensive talent pool. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each choice to align project needs and financial constraints.

We hope our list will resolve your challenge in finding the best Android developer. But at the same time, we understand how tiring it can be to find a specialist, especially when you need him right here, right now. Thus, we have a solution of remote staffing services to finish your goals in the quickest way possible. We offer a team of Android developers, from 6 to 25 specialists, who will turn your ideas into tangible products. Contact us right now if you are looking to hire experienced professionals.