An Android developer takes project specifications and turns them into a tangible application that can be submitted and published in the Google Play store. Most mobile app projects have a design phase, a development phase, and a submission process. Many Android app developers are “full stack,” handling both design, UI and app coding, but you may choose to have both a designer and a programmer on your app’s development team. Just note that UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) design are two different skill sets that are important for the success of your project. If you decide to hire separate contractors for each component, you need one for UX and one for UI.

Android developer skills are separated into three levels depending on their experience. Developers start at the junior phase for the first few years, although the number of apps they’ve developed and the apps’ complexity are far more important when you determine the right developer for your project. After working alongside more experienced developers, they move to the intermediate phase where they can work on more projects independently. After several years working with complex Android applications, a developer is considered senior level. A senior developer can not only code a project, but they can also make decisions about how to design products. All Android developers should be familiar with:

• Android Studio

• Android Material Design Guidelines

• Java and the Android SDK

• The Emulator

• Publishing to the Google Play Store

The developer you need will be determined by your project requirements. If you’re creating a new app from scratch, you’ll need a senior-level developer with the experience to take the project from the beginning and see it through to completion. Junior and intermediate level developers are beneficial for small changes, but a senior developer should review the code before it’s put into production.