Android Developer Skills: Definition, Examples And Tips

Updated 12 September 2023

Android development involves creating software applications that work on the Android operating system. Besides technical abilities related to Android development and testing, Android developers require certain vital soft skills. Learning about the abilities that these individuals rely on and how to highlight them on your resume can help you with your job search process. In this article, we discuss the meaning of Android developer skills, provide examples, explain how to improve them, list their usefulness in the workplace and share how to highlight them during your job search.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

What Are Android Developer Skills?

Android developer skills are a mix of abilities necessary for developing functional, high-quality and secure Android apps. Essential proficiencies for these professionals include programming languages, Android development software, design principles, database design, integration and version control systems. Additionally, soft skills such as teamwork and communication are essential for working in cross-functional teams or interacting with clients. Effective time management, attention to detail along with a commitment to continuous learning are also qualities that aid your success as an Android developer.

Examples Of Android Developer Skills

Here are some examples of Android development abilities:

Java and Kotlin

Java and Kotlin are programming languages that developers use to build Android applications. Java is an object-oriented programming language whereas Kotlin is more modern yet concise. Developers use these languages to write code, create features or test them. These languages ultimately develop initial ideas into applications.

UI and UX

User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are crucial aspects of creating Android applications. UI refers to the visual design elements of an app, including its layout, colour scheme and overall look. UX refers to a user's overall experience with an app, including how easy it is to use. Understanding UI and UX allows you to create visually appealing applications that are user-friendly.

JSON

JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) is a lightweight data-interchange format for exchanging data between the server and the client in an Android application. Developers use JSON for data transfers in modern web applications. It also provides a flexible, efficient and secure way of exchanging server-client data. An in-depth understanding of JSON helps you create applications that communicate effectively with the server with minimal errors.

C++

C++ is a general-purpose, multi-paradigm and object-oriented programming language. Developers use it in many domains, including game development, desktop applications and system software. C++ provides a low-level programming interface for writing performance-critical code. It also helps in interacting directly with system hardware. While Java is the primary language for developing Android applications, some developers use C++ to write performance-critical aspects of their applications.

Android Studio

Android Studio is a popular integrated development environment (IDE) for creating and debugging mobile applications. It provides a visual layout editor, a code editor and a debugging tool. This allows you to develop, test and deploy high-quality mobile applications optimised for performance. Android Studio is essential for developers, as it helps streamline the development process, making it easier to build, test and deploy applications.

Android testing

Testing is a crucial aspect of Android development, as it ensures the quality, security and reliability of an application. Key skills for Android testing include knowledge of testing frameworks, experience with automated testing along with an understanding of resolving bugs. These proficiencies are important for identifying errors, fixing bugs, improving performance and delivering high-quality products to users.

Communication

Communication helps you work as part of a team and interact with different stakeholders of the development lifecycle to build applications. Effective communication skills include the ability to articulate complex concepts to technical or non-technical audiences, listen actively and write professionally. Collaboration is also crucial, as it enables you to work effectively with team members and adapt to dynamic development environments.

Problem-solving

Android developers often encounter technical challenges and design problems while building applications. Strong problem-solving involves the ability to think critically, be creative and innovate solutions to complex problems. Attention to detail helps you identify minor bugs that can significantly impact the overall quality of an application. Developers use these skills to identify issues, resolve problems, improve UX and deliver high-quality applications.

Client service

Client service involves effectively communicating with clients to understand their needs and deliver results that meet expectations. This includes strong interpersonal, communication, client-management and persuasion skills. These abilities are important for building positive connections with clients, determining accurate expectations and delivering successful project outcomes.

How To Improve Android Developer Skills?

Here are a few ways to improve your Android development abilities:

Diversify your experience. Build applications using different languages, tools or frameworks. Participate in projects outside of your workplace, join online discussion forums, attend networking conferences and interact with other developers to get new perspectives.
Stay current with new technologies. The Android ecosystem regularly releases new technologies to simplify application development. Educate yourself about advancements by reading industry blogs, attending webinars and following industry leaders.
Improve your debugging and problem-solving abilities. Debugging and problem-solving can help you identify performance issues. Complete short-term certifications related to these subjects to increase your knowledge and experience.
Improve your soft skills. Identify which soft skills you are lacking and set realistic goals to develop them. For instance, focus on refining your client presentation, leadership or communication abilities to increase your effectiveness when collaborating in the workplace.

Android Development Skills In The Workplace

Here are some ways to apply your Android developer abilities at work:

Develop innovative applications. Conceptualise, design and develop unique mobile applications for Android. This includes making diverse applications based on code structure, usage or industry.
Ensure quality assurance and security. Test apps for usability and performance to ensure quality standards. Verify that the application is safe and poses no security risk to the user.
Resolve bugs for performance enhancement. Collaborate with QA testers to resolve code errors. This also improves the app's performance, design and features to meet the company or client's expectations.
Conduct performance and response analysis. Analyse data from user feedback and app performance to identify UI issues. This helps you launch future updates to improve the application and add user-requested features.

Highlighting Android Development Skills

Here are some ways to highlight your skills when submitting job applications and attending interviews:

Android development skills for a resume or cover letter

Most hiring managers only review resumes briefly while shortlisting candidates. Highlighting your development knowledge and expertise can help you gain their interest. Mention your abilities prominently in different sections of the resume, such as work experience, skills, educational background and certifications. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements using measurable results, such as statistics. Similarly, use strong action verbs, such as developed, released, researched, delivered and operated to explain your professional duties from previous jobs.

You can use your cover letter to expand on these details by discussing specific examples of times you demonstrated these skills. For example, you can mention how many applications you have developed or projects you have successfully delivered.

Android development skills during a job interview

Prepare responses to frequently-asked Android development interview questions before the interview. To highlight your skills confidently, when answering technical questions, mention how you used a particular tool or programming language in your previous job. Similarly, apply the situation, task, action and result (STAR) framework when responding to queries about overcoming challenges. This can demonstrate your contribution and professional growth in past jobs.