You’re considering a career in application development. What are the most important technologies to learn?

1 Programming languages

Programming languages are the building blocks of any application, defining the syntax, structure, and logic of your code. Depending on the project type and scope, you may need to learn one or more programming languages that suit your needs and preferences. Python is a high-level language that is interpreted and general-purpose. It is easy to learn and widely used for web, data science, and machine learning applications. Java is compiled, object-oriented, and platform-independent, making it a popular choice for enterprise, web, and mobile applications. C# is a compiled language with multi-paradigm capabilities that is mainly used for web, desktop, and mobile applications. JavaScript is an interpreted language that is mainly used for web development. Swift is a compiled language that is mainly used for iOS and macOS development.

2 Frameworks and libraries

Frameworks and libraries are collections of pre-written code that offer functionality, features, and tools for specific purposes. By simplifying and standardizing the development process, they help you save time and effort. Depending on the programming language and the type of application you are developing, you may need to learn one or more frameworks and libraries to enhance your productivity and performance. Popular frameworks and libraries for application development include Django (a web framework for Python that follows the MVT pattern), Spring (a web framework for Java that follows the MVC pattern), .NET (a software framework for C# that provides a unified way to build web, desktop, mobile, and cloud applications), React (a library for JavaScript that provides a declarative and component-based way to build user interfaces), and Flutter (a framework for Dart that provides a fast and expressive way to build native-like cross-platform applications).

3 Databases and data structures

Databases and data structures are essential components for storing, organizing, and manipulating the data of your application. They can have a major impact on the performance, security, and scalability of your application. Depending on the type and amount of data you are working with, you may need to learn one or more databases and data structures that optimize your data management and analysis. Popular databases and data structures for application development include SQL (a standard language for relational database management systems that uses tables, columns, and rows), MongoDB (a document-based database management system that uses collections, documents, and fields), Firebase (a cloud-based platform offering authentication, hosting, storage, and a real-time database), arrays (a data structure with a fixed number of elements of the same type in a contiguous memory location), and lists (a data structure with a variable number of elements of the same or different types in a linear sequence).

4 Tools and methodologies

Tools and methodologies are the resources and practices that help you plan, execute, and monitor your application development process. As they can affect the quality, efficiency, and collaboration of your project, it is important to learn one or more tools and methodologies that improve your workflow and outcomes. Git is a version control system that allows you to track, manage, and collaborate on the changes of your code. An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) provides a comprehensive and convenient way to write, debug, and run your code. Testing is a process that involves checking, verifying, and validating the functionality, usability, and reliability of your application using various techniques and tools. Agile is a methodology that involves developing and delivering software incrementally and iteratively using short cycles, frequent feedback, and adaptive planning. DevOps is a methodology that integrates and automates the development and operation processes using various tools and practices.