Discover the Best Online Mobile App Development Courses of 2021
Since tech has revolutionized the way we study and learn, there has been a steady increase in the number of online courses. If you’re looking to learn a new tech skill, try some of the best online mobile app development courses.
According to Statista, Android and iOS users had over 4.5 million apps to choose from in 2020. This number will only continue to grow. If you want to become a mobile app developer, take a look at some top online courses. You can learn everything you need to know about how to develop an app.
What Is Mobile App Development?
Mobile app development refers to creating software for smaller devices such as mobile phones and tablets. This craft has its root in software development, but there are a few differences.
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Mobile app development can take advantage of features found in specific mobile phone types like Android or iOS. Traditional software development doesn’t necessarily have these perks. For example, a health app can use your movement information, and a gaming app can use your phone’s accelerator meter.
With the growing need for mobile apps in all industries, companies and organizations need to stay relevant. Apps help them interact with their customers and access information in real-time.
Breakdown: The Top 10 Online Mobile App Development Courses
With mobile app development skills, you can create apps for companies or just develop something that interests you. Either way, the best app development courses can get you there.
Read below to learn the basics of the top mobile app development courses in 2021.
| Provider and Course | Certificate | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alison Machine Learning for Apps |
Yes | 24 hours | Free |
| Coursera Foundations of Objective-C App Development |
Yes | 5 months | $25 per month |
| edX Computer Science and Mobile Apps |
Yes | 6 months | $162 |
| iTunesU Foundations of Objective-C App Development |
No | 24 hours | Free |
| Mammoth Interactive The Ultimate iOS 11 Course |
No | 56 lessons | $500 |
| Pluralsight Google Associate Android Developer |
Yes | 4 hours | $24 per month |
| Treehouse Build a Simple Android App with Kotlin |
No | 185 minutes | $30 per month |
| Udemy Android N from Beginner to Paid Professional |
Yes | 3 months | $174 |
| Udemy The Complete iOS 10 & Swift 3 Development Course |
Yes | 29 hours, 30 mins | $139 |
| Udemy Windows Phone Mobile App Development |
Yes | 9.8 hours | $99.99 |
What Can I Learn in a Mobile App Development Course?
You will learn how to create a user interface, detect problems, and understand programming languages. Most courses offer step-by-step instructions on how to develop mobile apps on different platforms. These include programming languages like Swift, cross-platform skills, debugging, and more.
What you learn in a course will depend on your level of expertise. For instance, if you are a developer looking to advance your career, you should find an advanced course. However, if you barely know the basics, you can find dozens of beginner courses to help you.
The Best Mobile App Development Courses of 2021
To begin your journey into the mobile app development world, you must first determine which platform appeals to you. It is better to hone your skills than to try to learn everything at once. Take a look at the options below to help you decide which mobile app development course is best for you.
Machine Learning for Apps | Alison
Subjects Covered: Python, Machine Learning
This course is a good choice if you know the basics of app development but want to learn more about specific topics. You learn how to use Python to enhance your iOS app with machine learning. You will learn how to install and use Anaconda, train classifiers, create a Core ML model, and create variables in Python.
This course prepares you to take higher-level courses in machine learning. It’s only a few hours long, and you finish with a certificate. You also get lifetime access and the flexibility to use multiple devices and take classes whenever you have time.
Key Takeaway: This course is best suited for machine learning beginners.
Foundations of Objective-C App Development | Coursera
Subjects Covered: iOS App Development, Xcode, Objective-C
This course can teach you how to create mobile apps with Objective-C. By the time you finish the course, you should have a working knowledge of Objective-C and be able to organize your code using objects and blocks. You will prototype several entry-level apps throughout the classes.
Objective-C programming requires a Mac laptop or desktop. You can also use an OS virtual machine on Windows if you are tech-savvy and can set it up.
Key Takeaway: This course covers Objective-C programming from the beginning and sets a firm foundation for app development.
Computer Science and Mobile Apps | edX
Subjects Covered: Computer science, React Native, JavaScript
If you have basic knowledge of app development, this course can help you advance. You will learn how to master concepts like data structures, abstraction, algorithms, encapsulation, and debugging.
You will also learn programming languages like JavaScript, Python, SQL, React, and HTML. The course also covers app implementation and how to master components, states, views, props, and style. Designed by Harvard University, this is a great choice for your resume.
Key Takeaway: This course is best suited for beginner to intermediate learners who want to take their knowledge to the next level.
Developing iOS 11 Apps with Swift | iTunesU
Subjects Covered: iOS, multi-touch technology, object oriented programming
This course contains 46 lessons and covers everything you need to start building apps for iOS. Taught by Stanford University lecturers, this course can teach you how to code interface designs, use multi-threading, manage memory, and more.
Developing iOS 11 Apps with Swift is best suited for beginners and includes tons of videos to help you follow the lessons. You will have an advantage if you have worked with object-oriented programming in the past.
Key Takeaway: This course is a great choice for specialization in iOS development.
The Ultimate iOS 11 Course | Mammoth Interactive
Subjects Covered: iOS, Xcode, Swift
Any iOS app developer knows that learning how to code with Xcode9 and Swift is the key to great apps. If you take this course, you will also learn how to create tables, define custom table cells, and create adaptive UI using traits and size classes.
The course also covers how to manage iOS projects, build blocks on iOS applications, and work with data-driven controls. By the time you finish, you will have learned everything you need to know about iOS development.
Key Takeaway: This course will work well for beginners in iOS or anyone who wants an app development refresher.
Google Associate Android Developer | Pluralsight
Subjects Covered: Android, Kotlin, SQLite
If you want a course that takes you from beginner to expert, this may be your best option. The Google Associate Android Developer course focuses on development tools, app testing, and UX/UI.
As an advanced learner, you learn how to manage app data and market your app to reach more people. Once you are done, you will be ready to take the Google Associate Android Developer Certificate exam. After this, you will have all the skills you need to become a certified developer.
Key Takeaway: This course can help you go from beginner to expert in Android development.
Build a Simple Android App with Kotlin | Treehouse
Subjects Covered: Android, Kotlin
This beginner course teaches you essential Android development concepts, including Android Studio and Android software. You will learn how to create screen layouts, refactor codes, app tests, and more. You will be able to use essential Android tools.
To practice what you have learned, you will have to build a simple app. The entire course is around three hours, but you can complete it at your own pace, depending on how much time you can spare.
Key Takeaway: This course is best for beginners who want to learn how to develop Android apps.
Android N from Beginner to Paid Professional | Udemy
Subjects Covered: Android, Java, Firebase
This course from Udemy covers all the Android development principles you need to become an app developer. For instance, you will learn how to incorporate GPS, build chat apps with Firebase, and implement programming with Java.
You should take this course because it can teach you how to become a software engineer and work in the field. You will learn the latest Android APIs and best practices in the industry.
Key Takeaway: This course is a good choice for beginner to intermediate developers who want to work in the field.
The Complete iOS 10 & Swift 3 Development Course | Udemy
Subjects Covered: iOS, Swift, Xcode
This is a great foundation course that can teach you how to build apps on iOS and Swift. You can easily build apps for businesses, organizations, and personal use. This course will also teach you how to use freelance platforms to scout for jobs.
Although this program doesn’t require previous app development knowledge, you do need to have a Mac laptop or iMac running on either Windows or OS X. Luckily, you don’t need any paid software. All coding is done through Xcode 8, which is free.
Key Takeaway: This course is perfect for beginners looking to learn how to develop apps using iOS and Swift.
Windows Phone Mobile App Development | Udemy
Subjects Covered: Windows, Silverlight, C#
This course teaches you how to create an app from the ground up. It is suitable for both beginners and intermediate learners and uses many case studies, theory, and preview code during the lessons.
The instructor will show you how to install and use the visual studio, along with the basic structure of an application. The course uses a step-by-step process to demonstrate how to properly code. At the end of the course, you will have the foundational skills you need to build a Windows app.
Key Takeaway: This course is a good choice if you want to learn C# and study the basics of building a Windows app.
Professional Mobile App Development Certifications
If you are starting in the field or looking for a way to sharpen your skills, certification is a great choice. Mention your certification during your job interview to impress the hiring manager and demonstrate your skills.
Read below to learn more about the best mobile app development certifications.
Associate Android Developer
As mentioned earlier, Android is one of the top operating systems for mobile phones. For this reason, Google provides training with its Google Associate Developer certification. This is a single performance-based exam. It tests knowledge of APIs and user experience concepts with XML and Java.
Google offers various training packages for free, but you have to pay for the test separately. Alternatively, you can take the certification through Udacity, one of Google’s partners.
GIAC Mobile Device Security Analyst
This certification is issued by GIAC, the Global Information Assurance Certification. Its main target is IT professionals specializing in mobile phone and tablet security. You should know how to use and configure mobile protection techniques, understand penetration tests for mobile devices, and plan against standard mobile attack methods.
You should also know how to conduct mobile security analysis tasks and have a deep understanding of mobile security, operating systems, and mobile architecture. Certification is given after passing a single exam and is only valid for four years, after which you have to retake the exam.
How Much Can I Earn as a Mobile App Developer?
The average annual salary for a mobile app developer is about $100,000, according to Glassdoor. Since businesses typically develop mobile applications for multiple platforms, you can increase your marketability by increasing your competency. With better skills and more experience, you can earn even more than this average.
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Should You Learn Mobile App Development in 2021?
Yes, you should learn mobile app development in 2021. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer job opportunities will grow by 22 percent by 2029, which is much higher than the national average. This means you will be able to find a mobile development job in no time.
