Choosing Your Tech Career: Mobile App vs. Web Development

You love tinkering with computers and understanding how they’re designed. The idea of creating cool things by coding clicks for you — it pays well, challenges your brain, and the world needs you. You’re eager to jump into this profession, but you have been wondering:

Do I want to be a web developer or a mobile app developer?

The demand for skilled developers who can create seamless experiences across both mobile and web platforms is at an all-time high. With websites forming the backbone of the internet, and new mobile apps appearing daily, it’s no surprise that those with skills and experience in both fields are highly sought-after in the tech industry.

Fortunately, aspiring developers can gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to pursue both at the same time with the right mobile and web development college program.

Here’s more good news; we not only have a handy guide to becoming a web developer or mobile app developer, in this article, we’ll also be looking into everything you need to know about the two careers, as well as how, and why, to pursue both at the same time.

Firstly, let’s discuss the demand for each of these careers individually…

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Are Web Developers in Demand?

Let’s tackle one big question: Are web developers still in demand? In short, yes! Websites continue to be a huge part of the ever-changing digital landscape and so the demand for web developers who can keep up to date and bring in new and innovative ideas increases.

10,400 job openings for web developers and designers are expected to appear in Canada over the next 10 years – and it’s no surprise! Every entity, from local businesses to multinational corporations to governments, needs a website to establish an online presence and stay competitive.

Websites are no longer just static pages with basic information like a restaurant’s hours and menu. Web development goes beyond that. It encompasses web software, or web applications, which are sophisticated solutions accessed via a browser.

Think of YouTube, Netflix, or even Microsoft 365 — these are all web apps. And there’s a wide range of them, from productivity tools to e-commerce platforms. Web developers working on these projects earn impressive salaries, often reaching six figures. But here’s the catch — they’re not working alone. These projects require skilled teams of programmers.

This means that web development is thriving, with endless opportunities for those looking to dive into the IT sector.

Are Mobile App Developers in Demand?

To answer this question, let’s start with two important facts:

1. The number of mobile users is steadily going up each year. By 2025, it’s estimated that 91.4% of people worldwide will have a mobile phone.
2. In Canada alone, people downloaded mobile apps 1.23 billion times in 2023. That’s more than 1.15 billion the year before, showing that mobile apps are becoming even more popular.

Given these facts, it’s clear that mobile apps have become essential for both consumers and businesses. And as technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled mobile app developers is only going to keep growing.

Canada has its own share of success stories in the mobile app industry. For example, Canada has been a breeding ground for innovative startups like Shopify, 500px, Neo Financial, and many more.

To keep its strong position in mobile app development, Canada has a huge demand for talented mobile app developers, including in provinces like Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. So, if you’re thinking about the job prospects for developers of mobile apps, they’re nothing short of promising!

Mobile App or Website Development: Which Career Is the Best?

As you’ve just discovered, both web and mobile developer careers are in demand. Let’s explore and compare both careers more thoroughly.

Web Developer Career Overview

As a web developer, your job is to create, code, and improve websites, making sure they look great, work well, and are easy for people to use. You’ll need to know things like how to design websites for different browsers (e.g. Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari), follow web development rules, and understand user interface basics.

The web development itself is divided into two main areas: frontend and backend. Frontend developers focus on what users see and interact with on the website, while backend developers work on the behind-the-scenes functionality that powers the site.

In addition to writing code, you’ll also work with things like graphics, audio, and video to make websites more engaging. Testing websites and keeping an eye on how they’re doing are also part of your job.

To excel as a web developer, you’ll need a variety of skills:

1. You should be well-versed in programming languages like HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and C#.
2. Knowing how to use different tools and frameworks, like jQuery Mobile, ASP.NET, MVC pattern, and Bootstrap, will help you create websites that work well on mobile devices.
3. Understanding databases, like JSON, localStorage, sessionStorage, MongoDB, and MySQL, is important for managing data.
4. Being able to build powerful server-side applications, like those with Node.js, will be an asset.
5. It’s also important to have a broad understanding of ACM/IEEE computing principles, security, data analysis, ethics, and optimization techniques.

And don’t forget about other skills, like creativity, good communication, and teamwork. These things can make a big difference in your success as a web developer.

Mobile App Developer Career Overview

“Mobile app developer” is a broad term that involves developers who write code exclusively for Android or iOS platforms as well as JavaScript and C# developers who work with frameworks like Node.js to create cross-platform mobile apps.

Mobile app developers need to make sure the apps they build run smoothly and don’t use up too much phone battery or memory. They work with other team members, like designers and quality assurance technicians, to make sure the apps look appealing and are easy for people to use.

So, what exactly do you need to know today to become a competitive mobile app developer candidate? Let’s break it down:

1. Mastery of the mobile app development process, from writing the first line of code to deploying the app on the app stores
2. Deep understanding of programming languages:
   • For native app development: Kotlin for Android and Swift for iOS
   • For hybrid or cross-platform app development: JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, and C#
3. Proficiency in integrating APIs like Google Maps and utilizing third-party libraries such as Android Jetpack Compose
4. Experience with database management systems, including JSON, MySQL, and MongoDB
5. Familiarity with testing and debugging mobile applications

In addition to technical skills, being a successful mobile app developer requires strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team.

Who Earns More: A Mobile App Developer Or A Website Developer

Which career path offers better pay: mobile app development or website development? Both fields can be financially rewarding, but several factors come into play, such as your specialization, experience, and location.

In Canada, the average salary for a mobile app developer is around $86,760 per year. If you specialize in iOS development, you could earn even more, with an average salary of $96,000 per year. Android developers also do well, earning around $93,700 per year on average.

On the other hand, the average salary for a web developer in Canada is about $77,700 per year. Frontend developers typically earn slightly more, averaging around $84,600 per year, while backend developers can earn even more, with an average salary of $93,600 per year.

As you see, both mobile app development and website development can be lucrative career paths. Both fields offer competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth in IT.

Now, let’s delve into the most intriguing aspect of our discussion: What advantages await you as a web developer with mobile app development skills or as a mobile app developer proficient in website creation?

Advantages of Learning Web and Mobile Development at the Same Time

What are the reasons to learn web and mobile development skills? Recruiters in Canada have stated that the demand for software developer positions ranks within the top 15% of all technology roles. This insight highlights the growing demand for professionals with diverse skills in both web and mobile development.

But what exactly are the benefits of mastering both disciplines simultaneously? Let’s explore.

Better IT Career Exploration

Learning both mobile and web development allows you to dip your toes into each domain. You can experiment with building responsive websites one day and crafting sleek mobile apps the next. It’s like trying on different hats until you find the perfect fit. Plus, this hands-on experience helps you pinpoint your passions and strengths, guiding you towards the IT sector specialization that ignites your enthusiasm.

Seamless Entry Into The IT Workforce

Mastering both web and mobile coding skills paves a smooth path for entering the IT workforce. Picture this: you’re hired for a web development gig, and your employer wants a mobile-friendly website. Your well-versed knowledge and skillset could save the day!

By understanding both worlds, you become the go-to expert who can effortlessly bridge the gap between web and mobile projects. For your employer, you become an indispensable team member who can tackle diverse projects with finesse.

Setting Yourself Apart In The Software Development Job Market

Becoming proficient in both mobile and web development demonstrates to potential employers your commitment to continuous learning and adaptability — a winning combination in any industry.

Think also about the opportunities your dual skill set can open if you’re freelancing. With expertise in mobile and web development, you can attract a wider range of clients and projects.

Securing Strong Income From The Start

The average web and mobile developer salaries and web developer salaries provided earlier in this article demonstrate that both offer lucrative salaries and having proficiency in both areas increases your earning potential.

As you see, mastering both disciplines not only broadens your skill set but also enhances your value in the mobile and web development job market. It provides you with a competitive edge, allowing you to seamlessly navigate between different projects and positions within the IT industry.

Therefore, if you’re entering the IT workforce for the first time and aren’t yet sure about the specialization that best meets your aspirations, learning both mobile and web development can be a strategic move that sets you up for success.

How Can You Learn Both Mobile App and Web Development?

Learning both mobile app and web development is entirely achievable. The key to success is to take it one course at a time. By focusing on mastering one discipline before moving on to the next, you can ensure a comprehensive understanding of both mobile and web development.

At Sundance College, our Mobile and Web Developer (MWD) Diploma program is designed around this modular-based learning system. Each module builds upon the previous one, allowing students to progress steadily and confidently:

1. The MWD program starts with the fundamentals of software development.
2. Then, students learn basic programming languages for web development, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
3. After that, students learn tech stack and frameworks for creating responsive ASP.NET MVC web applications.
4. Once a solid foundation in web development is established, students explore the specifics of coding for native mobile apps for Android and iOS.
5. Towards the end of the program, students learn the development of cross-platform and server-side applications.

Whether you’re looking to become a mobile app developer web developer, or become a dual threat, you’ll learn what you need to know in this program.

For even better learning outcomes, hands-on learning is imperative. That’s why our MWD program emphasizes practical, realistic exercises throughout 60 weeks (just over a year) of the program. In addition, our students enhance their dual skills for developers and portfolio during a 7-week practicum as part of the program, where they can apply what they’ve learned in a professional setting.

By following a structured curriculum, focusing on hands-on learning, and taking advantage of practical experience opportunities like their practicum, our students gain a solid understanding of both mobile app and web development, setting themselves up for success in the IT industry. We welcome you to do the same!

Amplify Your IT Career Opportunities with Sundance College

Why choose Sundance College as your educational guide into the mobile and web development world? In addition to well-organized program curriculum, we also:

• Understand the importance of providing the tools you need to excel in your studies. That’s why we offer a laptop program.
• Recognize that flexibility is key, especially for busy people balancing work, family, and other commitments. That’s why our MWD program offers both online and on-campus learning formats – feel free to choose the option that best fits your lifestyle and schedule.
• Take pride in our small class sizes. At Sundance College, our instructors know you on a first-name basis. This personalized approach means you’ll receive personalized attention and support from industry-experienced instructors who are dedicated to your success.
• And our commitment to your career doesn’t end when you graduate. Our Career Services team is here to support you every step of the way, helping you find your first job in the IT sector in about a year.

One of Sundance College tech programs graduates, Zacharia W., stated:

“Sundance is much more flexible and streamlined than other schools I’ve taken. It provides a clear path to specific employment and good support as needed. Highly recommend it.”

Contact our advisors today (it’s free) to learn more about our Mobile and Web Developer Diploma program.