The Essential Resource for Senior-level Android Dev: Stay Current, Stay Competitive
After years of hard work, you have become a senior-level Android developer or a tech lead in the Android development field. You have a team of junior developers under your supervision and an app that has been running for half a decade. Educating junior developers and keeping your codebase up to date with the latest technology trends are essential aspects of your job. How you can accomplish these goals?
Stay informed from low-level to high-level
Introducing the pyramid of my weekly digest, which covers various Android trends, ranging from an overview of high-level concepts to low-level coding information. The higher you go in the pyramid, the more in-depth the content becomes, and the more you should pay at attension to. Regularly reading these resources will help you stay ahead of the game. In this article, I won’t overwhelm you with numerous newsletters. Instead, I’ll focus on quality over quantity. Time is limited!
Low-level: Android Community Dev Trends
Google’s announcements and policies often shape the direction in which your projects will head in the coming year. However, it’s important to explore how the development community copes with Google’s policies, as the industry may not always align entirely with Google’s vision. Understanding the developer community can provide valuable insights into the future direction of the industry.
Android Weekly
Android Weekly is a recommended resource that introduces high-quality Android development articles every week, and it’s free! It covers a wide range of topics, from high-level concepts to low-level coding tutorials on new technologies, tips and tricks, and ultimate optimization guides. Reading Android Weekly during your commute is a great way to start each week.
Unlike Stack Overflow, which has a more professional and formal atmosphere, Reddit provides a better space for discussions, debates, and casual questions. Reddit is not only a platform to learn about what other developers are thinking in general but also a great place to exchange development ideas and ask questions, regardless of whether they seem simple or complex. Moreover, it is likely one of the most active Android dev forum as well. Join r/androiddev for Android Development, and join r/iOSProgramming if you are interested in iOS development trends as well.
Medium
Medium is another valuable source of information for me. I recommend subscribing to topics such as Software Engineering, Android Development, and iOS Development. However, be aware that Medium sometimes recommends topics that are already outdated by a few years, which can be frustrating. Therefore, I also recommend subscribing to the list below, since the posts there are well-selected.
- ProAndroidDev
- Android Expert Medium
- Michal Ankiersztajn — Active android dev on Medium
Job market
As a software engineer, it’s natural to be obsessed with cutting-edge technologies and striving for the “best” solutions. However, understanding the industry you work in is equally important. Keep an eye on job descriptions from other companies, study their technology stacks and requirements, and you might discover upcoming trends.
Mid-level: Android Official Dev Trends
Google’s official Android announcements constantly impact your career. New Android SDKs, updates to Android Studio, changes in Play Console policies, and updates to Jetpack libraries can all have a significant impact on your current projects. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep an eye on these announcements and plan ahead as a professional Android engineer.
Google Play Developer Newsletter
If you work in a large company with well-organized divisions of labor, you might not be directly involved in Google Play Console tasks as DevOps handles them for you. However, it’s still crucial to stay updated on the latest Google Play and Android policy releases. Pay special attention to the “Google Play and Android policy deadlines” section in the newsletter, as it can have a significant impact on your product releases and business schedule. I am sure product team will not like it if you miss these deadlines.
Android Dev Newsletter
This is a must-subscribe newsletter for every Android developer. It covers topics such as the Android SDK, Android Studio, Google I/O, Jetpack libraries, and other significant high-level Android development trends.
Android Sample Repository
This website allows you to browse official Android app samples that demonstrate how to use different components to build apps. Examples include camera, Bluetooth, biometric authentication, and more. These samples can help you quickly kick-start proof-of-concept projects if you’re unfamiliar with a specific component. Additionally, I highly recommend exploring the “Now In Android” app sample, which Google uses to demonstrate the latest Android development technologies, design case studies, and architectures. Every Android developer should keep an eye on it.
High-level: Mobile Trends
Providing you with a comprehensive overview of the mobile ecosystem from the consumers’ perspective, this can offer valuable insights into the demand for smart devices. It serves as a reliable indicator of where the ecosystem is heading. For example, if there is an increase in demand for foldable phones, prioritizing support for such devices in your app could become a priority. Understanding what your users truly want can bridge the gap between you and the product team, elevating your role to that of a crucial player within the team. This allows you to counter any unreasonable requirements imposed by your product team and move away from being just a coding monkey who follows orders.
Mobile Phone News Outlet
Consider subscribing to mobile phone news websites like GSM Arena, Gadgets 360, Android Authority, and more you name it. These platforms provide up-to-date information on the latest happenings in the mobile industry.
Google Play / App Store
Regularly explore the new and popular apps on Google Play or the App Store. This practice can provide valuable insights into the UI/UX trends in other apps, enabling you to assist your designer in producing a better product.
