What are the most sought-after skills for application developers?

Mastery in multiple programming languages facilitates cross-platform development and allows for a more comprehensive understanding of various systems.

C#.NET enables native-code Mobile application development with Mono/Electron, so 8t is as valid as Objective-C, Java or Kotlin for cross-platform mobile application development.

Secure programming is at the top of the list. An application developer has to be able to identify vulnerabilities in the code and fix it before it's released into production. Input validation, output encoding, parameter queries, error handling, generic error messages, etc. are key to combating such attacks like SQL injection, blind injection, cross site scripting, cross site forgery, and more. Attackers have all the time in the world to poke around and look for a weakness.

Learning a programming language is never the problem as it does not take very long. The concepts are often similar and all you have to do is learn the syntax. A good SSE should be language agnostic. If as a SSE, you can only work with the language you know, then you are the problem.

Having hands on skills in design principles and architectural patterns provides the experience to solve existing domain issues. Investing time for developing your own applications based on design principles and architectural patterns, then redesign the existing system architecture helps to improve the system design experience. And the last, application developers consider problem statement before deciding the technology choice. Its like, prefer the technology to solve the business problem and not the other way around.

In today's industry, application developers must master data structures and algorithms, essential for creating efficient and scalable applications. Proper data organization and manipulation optimize performance and the ability to handle large volumes of information. Knowing algorithms for searching, sorting, and processing is crucial for solving complex problems. Practicing on platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode, and CodeChef enhances these skills and prepares developers for technical interviews, aligning with industry demands.

Fundamental knowledge in this area is indispensable for problem-solving and optimizing code efficiency, enabling engineers to create robust and efficient applications.

Those concepts are language agnostic. If you do not understand them, you are not a developer yet. The only real difference here is with performance optimization, the concept of which can differ greatly between languages.

Design is certainly one of the most underrated competence today. Especially when hiring tests are more turned toward tiny applications if not only a few lines of code per question. Everybody can code an application, the difference is the quality. The cost of maintenance and extension is highly dependent on the design. Many questions should be treated like the worflow of data, how to enforce it with a clearly defined interface,which components, which functional and technical responsibilities should we implement, etc. It's not just inheritance vs composition, singleton, etc. It's also the way to design the most comfortable and performant design.

OOP is a must to handle complex systems imo. Besides that, there are a great number of conventions, patterns, best practices, etc ... So many that you probably cannot know them all. What's important is to do some research and pick the best one for the problem at hand. What is likely to generate technical debt, is knowing a few principles/patterns, and make every problem fit into those.

Libraries are easier to learn since they have a specific scope. SDKs usually have a greater scope and can take a while to learn. Frameworks can be massive to the point that you cannot learn all of it. What's important is to understand what does what. Instead of trying to learn a library/SDK/framework, you should understand what they offer and how, so you know where to look when you need something specific.

Very few applications are stand-alone. One of the most important aspects of communication remains understanding the interfaces. In other words, what data/information is coming into the application (and how), and where do the application's products go after they're generated. This requires ability to communicate at several different levels, potentially including means of physical and logical connectivity, information formats and data standards, application interfaces and overall user experience (i.e. beyond just the application you're developing).

PMP or Agile training can help turning a SSE into a good team/project manager. Understanding why frictions occur in teams/between teams and how to handle them is often overlooked. Too many SSE don't understand how to handle the storming phase and even less the norming phase.

Communication and collaboration are crucial for app developers, ensuring mutual understanding and goal alignment. Active listening, clear expression of ideas, and conflict management are essential for creating effective solutions and satisfying all stakeholders. Enhancing these skills boosts team efficiency, product quality, and project success.

Being a Jack of all technologies is more crucial than mastering a single one in the ever-changing tech landscape. Here are some key principles for application developers: 1. Adaptable mindset: View change as an opportunity for personal growth. Be willing to tackle challenges outside your comfort zone. 2. Make learning enjoyable: Maintain a lifelong student mindset and seek ways to make learning fun. Engage with technologies that fascinate your interest and participate in vibrant communities. 3. Foster curiosity: Maintain a genuine interest in exploring new technologies and approaches. 4. Embrace experimentation: Don't be afraid to try out new things! Analyze the outcomes and learn from your experience.

The ability to quickly adapt to and learn new tools and technologies is vital in a field that continually evolves. Embracing new tools ensures staying current and capable of meeting the demands of changing project requirements.