Daniil, you have been in the profession for 11 years. Share your insights on the specifics of mobile development?
Mobile development includes several important aspects. I will highlight the main ones. Firstly, in mobile development, we always have to think about many devices and OS versions. Of course, this is especially true for Android development, but iOS developers also need to constantly update applications so that they work correctly on new OS versions, and also think about making the design look harmonious on screens of different sizes.
The second aspect is the need for optimizations to speed up applications and reduce battery consumption of devices. Despite the fact that complex algorithmic tasks are mainly solved through the backend, mobile developers still have to think about the power of the devices for which applications are written.
Development for mobile applications also implies more thoughtful interface design, as it is necessary to take into account touch input, as well as the need to make interfaces as convenient as possible for one-handed use.
If we talk about application placement, there is a noticeable difference between the iOS and Android platforms: on iOS everything is stricter, since it is a closed system where applications can be installed either using a corporate certificate or through the built-in application store, respectively, it is necessary to take into account Apple's requirements for application placement. In the case of Android, it's simpler: you can install an application simply by downloading the file, but still most users prefer Google Play, so there are rules here too.
Finally, in mobile development, there is always a choice between developing separate applications for each platform (iOS or Android) and using cross-platform technologies. Each approach has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on the goals of the project.
Mobile development is a very dynamic and interesting field, where there is always a lot of work both in terms of solving technical problems and in understanding how to make the product as convenient as possible for users.
Tell us, why is this type of development so actively gaining popularity lately?
The growing popularity of mobile development can be explained by several key factors. Firstly, this is due to the fact that more and more people are using mobile phones as the main means for solving everyday tasks. This is not only convenient, but also allows you to always be in touch and quickly respond to changes.
In addition, mobile phones have become indispensable for many types of activities, whether it's browsing social networks, reading news, online shopping, or playing games. Despite the fact that for some tasks, such as writing long texts, they may not be entirely convenient, in a huge number of other cases, mobile devices are almost ideal.
Thus, these factors stimulate the development of mobile development, pushing both technical specialists and designers to create innovative and convenient solutions for mobile devices.
Among your cases are projects such as a corporate social network in SIBUR and TenChat. What competencies should a developer have to participate in such projects?
I believe that an especially important skill is the ability to effectively search for and analyze information. After all, in the process of work, new tasks often arise that require rapid acquisition of new knowledge and approaches.
Of course, solid basic knowledge in the field of data structures and algorithms is also necessary. They allow you to successfully solve a variety of technical tasks that may arise in the process of developing mobile applications.
And, finally, it is very important that the developer deeply understands the features of the platform on which he works, whether it is Android or iOS. Understanding the unique features and capabilities of the selected platform allows you to create applications that effectively use its potential and provide the best user experience.
What difficulties did you encounter while working on the TenChat project and how did you overcome them?
Working in TenChat, I periodically encounter the need to implement complex design and complex logic of interaction between screens and other components of the application. In such cases, in my opinion, the best solution is to develop a prototype with key elements, and then gradually complicate it to the desired version.
Another type of difficulty is related to updates to iOS versions. Usually, updates entail changes in the behavior of standard components, which leads to the appearance of bugs in the application. In such cases, we analyze the dependencies between standard components and those parts of the application that were affected, and then adapt the application to the new version.
Daniil, what advice could you give to novice developers?
First of all, it is really important to start with the basics. By this I mean studying basic data structures and algorithms. These are fundamental things that help build a clear understanding of what programming is. The better you understand these aspects, the easier it will be for you to master development for specific platforms.
And when it comes to mobile development, the key here is practice. It is important to work on your own projects. And the more complex these projects are, the better. Take, for example, my first project – a client for quote books. Working on it, I learned how to create interfaces in Android, work with the network, got an idea of multithreading, and learned a lot about the specifics of Android development. I also learned how to process error reports and place applications in Google Play. In short, the more you practice and encounter different tasks, the more confident and experienced developer you will become.
What future awaits mobile development, in your opinion?
Speaking about trends and the future of mobile development, I would first like to highlight several key areas that are already influencing this area.
Firstly, it is the expansion of the use of artificial intelligence in mobile applications. We are already seeing applications with image generation and object recognition functions in photos, as well as integration with technologies such as ChatGPT. I am sure that in the near future we will see even more applications actively using the capabilities of AI, which will significantly expand the functionality and capabilities of mobile devices.
Secondly, cross-platform development. With the development of projects such as Kotlin Multiplatform and Flutter, we see that developers are striving to create applications that will work on different platforms. This is especially true for freelancers and small teams who need to implement projects quickly and efficiently.
But there are other trends that, in my opinion, will have a significant impact on the future of mobile development. One of them is improved integration of mobile applications with smart devices and IoT. This means that applications will interact even more closely with smart homes, wearable electronics, and other devices, making our daily lives even more connected and convenient.
It is also worth mentioning the growing role of augmented and virtual reality technologies. I expect that AR and VR will be increasingly used not only in games and entertainment, but also in education, medicine, and business applications.
In general, the future of mobile development promises to be very exciting, with new technologies that will expand the boundaries of the capabilities of mobile devices and improve our daily lives.
Daniil, you have already achieved a lot, what do you strive for in the future as a professional?
My professional goal in the field of mobile development is innovation and leadership. I want to be at the forefront of creating breakthrough technologies that improve the efficiency and quality of life in many aspects of society. My main task is to develop solutions that will affect people's daily lives, making it more convenient and interactive.
I am interested in creating mobile applications that not only meet today's user needs, but also adapt to future trends, integrating technologies such as artificial intelligence. I am focused on developing applications that will be intuitive, secure, and accessible to a wide audience. It is also important for me to develop products that will be relevant and attractive for many years.
In addition, I am focused on the development and mentoring of young talents in the field of mobile development. I strive to create a working environment where everyone can grow and develop, thereby contributing to the overall development of the company in which I work and the industry as a whole.