Problem-solving skills are essential for any career, but especially for mobile applications development. Mobile apps are constantly evolving, facing new challenges, and requiring creative solutions. In this article, you will learn some ways you can develop problem-solving skills for a mobile applications career.
Before you can tackle complex problems, you need to master the fundamentals of mobile app development. This includes learning the programming languages, frameworks, tools, and best practices for your chosen platform, such as iOS, Android, or cross-platform. You also need to understand the basics of user interface design, data management, security, testing, and deployment. By learning the basics, you will build a solid foundation for solving problems and avoid common pitfalls.
There are tons of benefits of knowing the under the hood of anything that you use in mobile app development. From the capability of reasoning your code, being able to do the performance optimization to actually contribute on making the system better, make that black box transparent!
I have been crafting mobile apps for more than a decade, I have created mobile apps in j2me, brew, android java, kotlin, and now in Flutter. After working on many technologies I have learned one thing if your basics are strong, you know how things work (which you can learn by creating sample apps, and demos) and you are eager to implement new things you will be able to do that.
Working in the mobile domain for 10 years with iOS, Android, React Native and other tech stacks, the prominent thing I learn is your fundamentals should be strong. You should think like an end user. The way a mobile application works on a device says a lot about its developers. A simplistic mobile app with clean design adapted by users more than a fancy one. You should always ask a few things - 1. Does this page need this much content. 2. How can we achieve or fulfill a certain action with less taps. 3. What will be my app size? 4. What architecture or design pattern fits my app development process. 5. How can I improve the performance of the app. 6. How can I create reusable components more and can leverage them in other apps also.
I have a simple rule for it: Every day, write one line of your code a little bit better (in aspects of design pattern, architecture, etc.)
A proper understanding of the basics like data structures is vital for us to make apps that perform well and can do the intended results in better ways. For example, in such cases, it is better to use Dictionaries instead of Arrays for maximum performance on things that we need to get the value instantly. For example, getting the name of a person by their ID instantly using a dictionary is a lot faster than using Arrays for this case. In other cases, we can use Sets instead of arrays to compare the similarities between two lists of things. This can be done in arrays as well by comparing the two lists, but more inefficient and slower. Ultimately, try to learn the basics well as it serves as a proper foundation for your career and growth.
One of the best ways to develop problem-solving skills is to practice with real-world projects. You can either create your own app ideas, or join online platforms that offer challenges, courses, or mentorship for mobile app development. For example, you can try Codecademy, Udemy, Coursera, or Hackathons. By working on projects, you will learn how to apply your knowledge, research solutions, debug errors, and improve your code quality.
In my experience, if a developer is learning but not writing code then they are not learning at all. Whatever you are learning, you should be incorporating as well and the best place to do it is some test project published on your Github so that people can review it and give feedback. The best case scenario is to create some plugin or package so that people can use it, create pull requests, and report issues. I always find it the best way to learn and while doing so, people report so many unique problems that I didn't even consider while planning. So the learning is multiplied when you open yourself to the public.
Yes, You can face to the real world errors when you try to solve real world problems.For me I always try to do something with new technology. Like Book Management System with Firebase, Geo tracking app for my portfolio, If you are try to learn, don't stick to a one technology or tool. explore then you can find the problems.
In my experience, These are three great tips for learning from projects. 1. Start small and gradually work your way up to more complex projects. 2. Having a mentor can help you learn faster by providing guidance and support. 3. Share your project publicly, so you can get a public review on your code.
Working on projects outside of work, ether by yourself or with other people allows you to work on areas outside your workplaces area of focus. This gives you the ability to develop new skills which can help you in your current and future roles. Don't forget to show your projects off as well, ether by sharing them online or with other engineers. It helps showcase your expertise and you also help other people learn something new.
Engaging in practical projects is a potent strategy for honing problem-solving abilities. Initiating your mobile app concepts or participating in platforms like Codecademy, Udemy, Coursera, or Hackathons cultivates crucial skills. It equips you with the experience to implement knowledge, resolve issues, and elevate code proficiency, fostering your journey in mobile app development.
Another way to develop problem-solving skills is to seek feedback and collaboration from other developers. You can join online communities, such as Stack Overflow, Reddit, or Slack, where you can ask questions, share your work, and learn from others. You can also participate in code reviews, pair programming, or hackathons, where you can get constructive criticism, suggestions, and insights from your peers. By seeking feedback and collaboration, you will learn how to communicate effectively, handle different perspectives, and enhance your skills.
As an engineer you will often find yourself working in a team. Teams of engineers can accomplish alot more than a single engineer, so it's important to develop your collaboration skills on how to do this. If you aspire to be a lead or seek promotion, your collaboration and communication skills will become equally as important as your technical skills. The more senior you are, the more people will look to you for leadership.
Seeking feedback and collaboration is pivotal in the journey of becoming a proficient problem solver. Engaging with the developer community on platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit, or Slack exposes you to diverse viewpoints and a wealth of knowledge. Code reviews, pair programming, and hackathons offer opportunities to refine your work through constructive critique and shared insights. This process fosters effective communication, cultivates adaptability in handling varying perspectives, and ultimately fortifies your problem-solving prowess.
You should not hesitate to seek support. Whether it's talking to a mentor, or a peer, having a support network can provide valuable insights and coping strategies.
From a technical problem solving skills angle, participation in all the above is brilliant so totally agree. The other group to collaborate with and solve problems is your end users, or potential end users. By talking to and brainstorming with the people who are going to use your app, you get the greatest of insight. What may be a technical issue can often be fixed by hearing users say "we don't need that though, we need this instead", which can turn out to be much simpler from the technical perspective. End users are our true bread and butter and often the solution is right in front of our ears!
During one of our client engagements, we witnessed the significance of seeking feedback and collaboration in mobile app development. In our 11 years of experience, we've found this practice invaluable. At our agency, we encourage active participation in developer communities like Stack Overflow and Reddit. It fosters knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and skill enhancement. Emphasize code reviews, pair programming, and hackathons to gain diverse insights and improve communication, ultimately strengthening problem-solving abilities in your team.
Mobile app development is a dynamic and fast-paced field, where new technologies and trends emerge frequently. To keep up with the changes and solve problems effectively, you need to explore new technologies and trends regularly. You can read blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or magazines that cover the latest developments in mobile app development. You can also experiment with new tools, libraries, or frameworks that can help you create better apps. By exploring new technologies and trends, you will learn how to adapt to changing requirements, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve.
Staying updated with new mobile app technologies and trends is crucial, but it's also essential to dive deep into what you already know. Balancing both is the key. Constantly chasing the latest trends can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on thoroughly understanding the tools and frameworks you're already comfortable with. This deep knowledge often leads to creative solutions and innovative adaptations that keep your apps cutting-edge. In the ever-changing world of mobile app development, a mix of staying current and mastering the basics ensures you can adapt to changes and stand out.
Be a user. Experience mobile applications on the frontend by downloading and using a wide range of apps and widgets on smartphones, watches and various platforms. Go through install, onboarding, using and removing the apps. Connect through your car or headphones to evaluate the experience through connected devices. Having an understanding of how apps are used through all these lens will expand the context through which you assess problems in development.
In mobile app development, embrace 5G for speed, AR/VR for immersion, cross-platform tools for efficiency, AI/ML for engagement, IoT for connectivity, blockchain for security, PWAs for accessibility, biometrics for authentication, voice interfaces for convenience, and robust cybersecurity for user trust. Stay ahead in this dynamic field by exploring these trends and technologies.
Mobile apps are a distinct domain due to their unique delivery system - the app store. In it, each app has a traceable history of bug fixes, code updates, and user feedback that spans its entire lifecycle. Use this data to gain insights into how and why developers add features, address bugs, and adapt to device changes. You can download apps from competing companies to explore how they approach similar issues and respond to trends. Through this analysis, you will discover best practices, innovative ideas, and potential areas for improvement. By analyzing how other app developers and companies build and adapt to changes and trends, you will be able to understand the problem-solving methodologies that are needed to be an app developer.
Distinguishing yourself as a developer is accelerated by staying abreast of industry trends. Future development roles will prominently feature emerging technologies, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role. Actively engage with this shift by exploring open-source APIs associated with AI, and experiment with incorporating them into a sample application. Gain a nuanced understanding of the potentials and constraints of tools like AI and machine learning. By proactively embracing these trends, you position yourself ahead of the curve, setting yourself apart from other developers in the field.
Finally, one of the most important ways to develop problem-solving skills is to reflect and learn from your mistakes. No matter how experienced you are, you will encounter problems and errors in your mobile app development process. Instead of getting frustrated or giving up, you should analyze the root cause, fix the issue, and document the solution. You should also review your code regularly, identify areas for improvement, and apply the lessons learned to your future projects. By reflecting and learning from your mistakes, you will learn how to avoid repeating them, grow as a developer, and solve problems more efficiently.
Taking a moment to look back and learn from your slip-ups is a big part of becoming a better problem solver. Even seasoned developers face hiccups in mobile app creation. Rather than getting discouraged, take the time to figure out what went wrong, fix it, and write down how you solved it. Regularly reviewing your code and spotting areas to enhance will help you avoid making the same mistakes in the future. This process of reflection and learning makes you a more adept developer and equips you to tackle problems with greater ease.
Reflecting on and learning from mistakes is crucial for personal and professional growth. Regardless of your expertise, you'll face challenges. Rather than giving up, analyze the causes, fix issues, and document solutions. Regularly review and improve your work. These lessons empower you to evolve, prevent recurrence, and enhance problem-solving skills.
Read, read, read! Read about what others have to say about mobile development. Read about common mistakes, including security and performance mistakes people make. Read about upcoming trends in the field.
In our experience of having done this for over eleven years, we can't stress enough the importance of reflecting and learning from mistakes in mobile app development. At our agency, we consider it a fundamental practice. When encountering errors, analyzing root causes, documenting solutions, and implementing improvements are key steps. Regular code reviews and continuous learning ensure a growth mindset. It's through these experiences that developers evolve, become more efficient problem solvers, and contribute to the success of future projects.
Learning from your mistakes plays a crucial part. Most of people thinks just write the code and once it works leave that part its a big no you should analyse what you have done and how it should be done in a better way. There is always a better approach try to learn new technology trends to keep yourself updated it will help you to understand the issues way better than just being stick to what you know.
Contribute to Open Source Projects Open source projects provide an ideal environment to develop and apply problem-solving skills. By contributing to these projects, you can work on real-world issues, collaborate with experienced developers, and receive valuable feedback. Platforms like GitHub host numerous open source projects related to mobile app development. Your contributions can involve identifying and solving bugs, adding new features, or optimizing existing code. This hands-on experience will help you tackle complex challenges and improve your problem-solving capabilities while making a positive impact on the open source community.
I agree with all the other opinions, but I feel they mostly address improving one’s programming ability. Problem solving requires one to master logic and logical reasoning. It needs you to be able to break a problem apart into small chunks of possible causes and formulate indicators to validate each possible cause. e.g, a behaviour that’s replicable on both Android and iOS could suggest that the source of the problem is the next common/ shared source, which could mean the backend. In my experience, problem solving is best done away from the keyboard. Once the finger hits the keyboard, you should have at least 3 possible solutions to the problem and all you are doing is validate them. Wash, Rinse, Repeat until you get a working solution
It depends on the problems type (business or technical) but in general I see it very crucial to be always up to date with the latest knowledge, trends and best practices in the industry? Be in control when it come to understanding the business and technical aspects related to the mobile application, you always need to connect with analytical tools to get clear insights Strength your ability by reading business cases related to the topics, build your networks and keep yourself updated with other experts thoughts and talks.
From the beginning find out what you want to be and/or what you're good at and then focus on it and master it. For example, choose between Android, iOS, Flutter, or whatever platform. Do you like working on front-end stuff or back-end? Know your strength and refine it; don't be a jack of all trades, master of none.
After publishing an App in an online store it is not even remotely over. It is important to measure every time users use the App, how long, what features they use the most, which they hardly use. All this information allows us to learn to know our clients and our product much better. Recognizing where you are failing as soon as possible is very important. That is why it is absolutely essential to measure, quantify and make constant improvement, learning from past mistakes.