How To Become an App Developer
What Is an App Developer?
An application developer (also called a software developer) is a technology professional who creates software applications — ranging from desktop and mobile apps to web-based tools that run in a browser. These apps can be simple, performing a single task like a calculator, or complex, supporting multiple functions like web browsers and games.
You likely use many of them every day, from banking apps to media players to complex payroll tools. As an app developer, you could one day build the software that makes everyday life easier or more enjoyable. Continue reading for a clear look at what does an app developer do and the steps you can take to enter the field.
Average number of new apps released on Google Play per day(See disclaimer 1)
What Does an App Developer Do?
An app developer designs, builds and maintains software applications by either creating new apps or improving existing ones to enhance performance, appearance, security and overall user experience. They often work collaboratively, focusing either on specific components of a project or contributing across the entire app development lifecycle.
To accomplish this, an app developer may take on duties such as:
Collaborating
Joining team meetings to discuss project goals, client needs and how tasks will be divided
Planning
Establishing the specifications (specs) for the application and creating initial prototypes based on those specs
Coding
Writing clean, efficient code that brings an app’s features to life and ensures it functions smoothly across different devices
Testing
Conducting manual and automated tests to identify bugs and verify that the app’s features perform as intended
Publishing
Preparing and publishing new apps to digital app stores, following required submission guidelines and ensuring the app meets all platform standards
What Experience and Education Does an App Developer Need?
Aspiring app developers often begin by building a technical foundation through formal education or self-guided learning, then sharpen their abilities through hands-on experience.
High School Diploma
College Degree
Internships
Entry-Level Roles
Professional Certifications
Best Degrees for App Developers
At GCU, students interested in becoming app developers can pursue technology-focused programs that build a strong foundation in programming, software development practices and application design. Most software developers, which include mobile and application developers, generally study programming, software development principles and the technical skills needed to design and build applications.(See disclaimer 2)
A typical app developer or software developer program covers topics such as:
Mobile application development
JavaScript basis
CSS styling fundamentals
HTML structure and markup
Java programming concepts
C# programming concepts
Debugging methods
Structured vs. object-oriented programming
Database design principles
Common UNIX editors and commands
Cloud computing foundations
GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for App Developers
6 Matching Degrees
What Skills Does an App Developer Need?
There are many important skills and characteristics that are helpful for aspiring and current app developers. These include not only technical abilities like programming and debugging, but also soft skills that help developers work effectively in team-driven, fast-paced environments.
The skills that can benefit an app developer include:
Analytical reasoning
Creative problem-solving
Attention to detail
Concentration and focus
Effective communication
Interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset
Where Do App Developers Work?
App developers work in a wide range of environments depending on their specialization and the types of applications they create. Some become generalists working across many types of software, while others focus on niche areas like video games, educational technology or healthcare apps.
App developers are employed in industries such as:(See disclaimer 6)
Computer systems design and related services
A large share of software developers work in this industry, creating systems and applications for clients across sectors.
Manufacturing
Developers support embedded systems, automation tools and software powering modern manufacturing processes.
Self-employment
Many developers work independently, creating mobile apps, freelancing or contracting with organizations for short‑ and long-term projects.
Publishing, management consulting and advertising
Web developers and digital designers — roles closely related to app development — also work in these industries, creating and maintaining web-based applications and interfaces.
Software publishing
Companies that build and sell software employ developers to design, test and maintain their applications.
Median annual wage for software developers as of May 2024(See disclaimer 5)
Estimated job growth for software developers from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 7)
Advancement Opportunities Within App Development
Within the app development field, developers may assume more complex responsibilities as they gain experience, such as contributing to larger projects or exploring specialized areas of software design. According to the BLS, software developers often work in collaborative environments across industries like computer systems design, manufacturing and software publishing, which can expose them to a variety of technical challenges and roles over time.(See disclaimer 3) The BLS also notes that related occupations exist across the broader computer and information technology sector, suggesting multiple directions developers might choose to pursue as their interests and skills evolve.(See disclaimer 8)
Explore More on App Development
Stay informed with the latest insights and updates on the technology field.
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This blog explores whether software development is a good career by highlighting its job growth and wide-ranging opportunities that foster creativity, problem-solving and continual learning.
Build technical expertise and career-ready skills by earning a degree in app development at GCU.
- 42 Matters. (2026, Jan. 24). Google Play Statistics and Trends 2026. Retrieved January 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved January 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers: Summary. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved January 2026.
- Bouchrika, I. PhD. (2026, Jan. 22). 2026 Mobile App Development Degrees Explained: Are They Classified as Professional Degrees? Research.com. Retrieved January 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers as of May 2024, retrieved January 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved January 2026.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester: Job Outlook, retrieved January 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Computer and Information Technology Occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved January 2026.