The foundation of how most software is built today is APIs, which serve as a gateway to an application, allowing other applications and services to connect, interact and exchange data.
API-enabled connectivity and integration are essential for business in banking, telecommunications, social, and community-oriented projects.
From a developer’s perspective, APIs are crucial, allowing you to leverage other existing web applications and services, such as Google Maps or Yelp, and use their functionality.
Developers who succeed do not necessarily demonstrate experience in a single programming language or have several years of experience creating rigid enterprise software. On the contrary, companies are looking for flexible and dynamic engineers who can go further and drive innovation at all levels of technology. There are still some general skills to achieve success:
Fluent communication:
An API, by definition, will be used by someone else, either within an organization or open to anyone. It is paramount to provide enough documentation explaining how the API works, use cases, and examples for other programmers to reference.
Therefore, a great API developer needs to be very fluent in communication since they need to document all the decisions they made when they built the API. Thus, the documentation should be clear enough to paint a picture of the API operation to its users.
Apart from the API documentation, developers need to be able to write about the functional specifications of the API, product information, and the API’s operational procedures. All this means that a great API developer needs to be able to effectively write about the API.
Understand the benefits of cross-platform applications:
Cross-platform applications gain popularity by allowing developers to maintain a code base. Organizations choose cross-platform applications to serve a diverse customer base and to be efficient while keeping up with business demands. Using tools like AMPLIFY Titanium SDK, companies worldwide create cross-platform applications available for iOS, Android, and Windows mobile devices. A key benefit of creating cross-platform applications with Titanium is that developers can leverage their JavaScript web programming skills, making it easy for them to get there. As a result, developers leverage the performance features of the device’s native features and ease of development with a single programming language.
Security
Security is perhaps the most critical thing any developer must dominate. Things are more connected than ever before, and with every passing day, more technologies are added to the software stack. Over the last decade, we have seen the rapid rise of the Internet of Things, high-end mobile computing, and always-on cloud devices. With so much connection, we also have an extensive surface area for security issues.
Accordingly, developers should ensure they are routinely investing in this area of expertise. First, security must be at the center of the software design and not an afterthought. Endpoints should be designed to minimize data exposure, permissions should be routinely set and revised, default settings must be more restrictive, and functions should be limited to their core purpose to prevent exfiltration.
Security is perhaps the most intense skill to dominate, as it requires a significant professional investment in training and a boost in awareness.
Learn the technical slang: Be fluent in various programming languages and cloud platforms
As mentioned above, today’s interconnected world encompasses various technologies such as the cloud, mobile devices, IoT, and the Internet. To excel in application development in these areas will require experience with multiple programming languages and paradigms. Whether in Java, Python, JavaScript, or Node.js, this flexibility allows the developer to think outside the box and attack problems in new and innovative ways. Knowledge of different storage services, security features, and automation tools makes developers more complete and agile enough to apply the best technology needed for the job. By gaining this level of competence in many software products and tools, developers can maintain a competitive edge and serve as valuable assets for different companies.
Whether it’s a mobile app, a smart home device interface, or an enterprise mobile app, the need for quality developers is in demand. Of course, being a successful professional requires more than these three elements. But developing these basic skills should serve as a solid foundation to build and steer you toward a long and productive career as a developer in an interconnected API-driven world.
