App developer
Create apps for computers, smartphones, tablets, or games. Design and develop innovative software for people all over the world to interact with.
Also known as: mobile applications developer, software engineer, software developer
About the job
What it's like
People around the world use apps to log into social media, shop, bank, stream music and watch TV shows. As an app developer, it'd be your job to create them.
You'd discuss with clients how the app should function and come up with ideas to design and develop it. Then, you'd work with others to write the code needed to make it work the way you expect it to.Â
You might focus on apps for phones, tablets, computers or gaming devices. It's likely you'd work in a specific field, for example, creating fun and satisfying mobile games. Or, working with finance apps, helping people get fast and easy access to their money.
You might also work with specific systems to create different types of apps. For example, Windows, iOS or Android.
Working within a team, you’d collaborate to develop the app, test it and make sure it works as it should. Â
Apps need regular updates to keep them secure and in line with the latest trends and styles.
What you might do:
design and develop applications based on client needsÂ
work as part of a team on development projectsÂ
check the program's success and make changes if necessaryÂ
use programming language and code to create the app elementsÂ
write and update documents or briefs to record how the program operatesÂ
keep up to date with best practice and app trendsÂ
change and update apps when necessary
Hours
Working hours can vary, but usually full-time hours will be Monday to Friday and around 37 to 40 hours per week.
Environment
You?ll usually be office-based and work as part of a development team.
Travel
You might have to travel to meet clients or stakeholders. You also might need to travel to events and training to keep up-to-date with technology trends.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Financial and professional services Construction and built environment Digital technologies Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- mobile application development
- restful api
- apple ios
- kotlin
- android (operating system)
- unit testing
- c# (programming language)
- ios development
- react native
- android applications
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- creative
- working with technology
- persevering
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Graphic Communication
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are many ways to get qualified for this job. It might be through college, university or through work-based qualifications, such as apprenticeships.
App developers are familiar with basic programming language like Java script and PHP. You'll need strong technical knowledge, this could from experience in a computing environment. This role could also involve the development of augmented and virtual reality software. Experience or a qualification in the use of 3D modelling would be useful.
Some employers ask for a degree but many focus more on technical skills and experience. You can build skills and experience through an apprenticeships or by studying subjects such as:
information technology/systems
computing science
mobile development
software engineering
computer science/software development
graphic communication
applied computing
Skills for Work: creative digital media
Foundation Apprenticeship: software development
Employers will consider graduates from other subjects if you can show the knowledge needed. There are postgraduate IT conversion courses to help strengthen technical skills.
Not all employers list specific qualifications they need. They will ask for relevant experience, usually work based, that show a range of transferable skills.
You'd need to show an up-to-date knowledge on a range of software and programming development. This could include a portfolio showing previous mobile app development work.
Once in a job, you'd need to continue to expand and strengthen this knowledge.
Free online courses for improving app development skills are at Digital Skills Scotland.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'App developer'
