Web Development vs. Mobile App Development: Which Should You Learn?

16-Oct-2024 Sunday Nwegede

Choosing a career in tech is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when deciding whether to pursue web development or mobile app development. Both fields offer promising career opportunities, but they cater to different interests and require different skills. So, which one should you learn? This guide will break down the differences, pros, and cons of each path to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Web Development?

Web development involves creating websites and web applications that run on browsers. It encompasses two main areas:

Front-end development: This deals with the visual aspects that users interact with, using technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Back-end development: This involves working with server-side logic, databases, and APIs, using programming languages like PHP, Python, or Node.js.

According to W3Techs, over 68% of websites use JavaScript, making it one of the most popular web development languages. Learning web development means being able to build anything from simple websites to complex web applications like e-commerce platforms.

What Is Mobile App Development?

Mobile app development involves creating applications specifically designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. There are two main types:

Native apps: These are built for specific platforms like Android (Java/Kotlin) or iOS (Swift/Objective-C). They provide the best performance and user experience because they’re tailored to the platform’s unique features.
Cross-platform apps: Technologies like Flutter and React Native allow developers to write a single codebase that can run on both Android and iOS, saving time and resources.

The rise in smartphone usage is driving demand for mobile app developers, with Statista reporting that there are over 7.1 billion mobile users globally as of 2024.

Web Development vs. Mobile App Development: Key Differences

While both web and mobile app development involve writing code, they have different focuses and requirements.

1. Learning Curve

Web Development: Generally considered easier for beginners. With just HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you can start building functional websites. Learning back-end development can be added gradually.
Mobile App Development: Requires knowledge of platform-specific programming languages or frameworks. For instance, Android uses Java/Kotlin, while iOS development requires Swift. Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native can simplify this, but there’s still a steeper learning curve compared to basic web development.

2. Platform Dependency

Web Development: Websites are accessible across all devices with a browser, regardless of the operating system. This gives web development an edge in terms of universal access.
Mobile App Development: Apps may need to be developed separately for different platforms (Android vs. iOS), which can increase development time and cost. Cross-platform solutions can help, but may not always match the performance of native apps.

3. User Experience (UX)

Web Development: Web apps are often more limited in terms of UX because they run in a browser environment. However, technologies like Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are bridging the gap by offering app-like experiences on the web.
Mobile App Development: Native mobile apps provide the best user experience because they can access device-specific features like the camera, GPS, and push notifications more seamlessly.

4. Job Opportunities and Salary

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a web developer in Nigeria is around ?300,000 - ?500,000 per month, depending on experience. In contrast, mobile app developers tend to earn slightly higher due to the specialized skills required, with salaries ranging from ?400,000 - ?700,000 per month.

Which One Has Better Job Prospects?

Both web and mobile app development have strong job markets, but the demand can vary:

Web Development: With more businesses going online, the demand for web developers remains high. Web development is often preferred for companies looking to create a universal online presence.
Mobile App Development: Mobile apps continue to grow in popularity due to the increase in smartphone usage. Companies developing mobile-first solutions or games tend to prioritize mobile app developers.

According to a survey by Stack Overflow, over 38% of developers work on web-related technologies, while approximately 24% focus on mobile development. This shows a significant demand for both skill sets.

Should You Learn Both?

If you’re still undecided, why not learn both? Full-stack development (covering both front-end and back-end web development) combined with cross-platform mobile app development skills can make you more versatile. Many companies value developers who can switch between web and mobile development depending on project requirements.

Web Development vs. Mobile App Development: Which Should You Choose?

The decision comes down to your interests and career goals:

Choose Web Development if:

You’re new to programming and want an easier learning curve.
You prefer creating websites and web applications that work on any device.
You want to focus on design, user interface, and accessible web solutions.

Choose Mobile App Development if:

You’re interested in building mobile-first solutions.
You like the idea of creating apps with unique features for smartphones (e.g., GPS, camera, etc.).
You’re willing to invest time in learning platform-specific languages or cross-platform frameworks.

Is Mobile App Development Still Relevaant?

Yes today, it is now possible to easily convert websites to apps. Platforms like WebView, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), and tools such as AppMySite, Appy Pie, or Convertify allow developers to turn a website into a mobile app relatively quickly. These solutions have made it easier for businesses to create app-like experiences without building a native app from scratch. This has raised a serious concern for app developers and those that wish to choose the career path.

However, let's look at whether that's really an issue of concern.

How Website-to-App Converters Work

Website-to-app converters typically use a framework that wraps a web application into a container, allowing it to be distributed as a mobile app. WebView technology, for example, lets a website run within a native app shell, making it look and feel like a mobile app.

Similarly, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that behave like native apps. They can work offline, send push notifications, and be added to the home screen, giving users an app-like experience on the web.

Limitations of Converting Websites to Apps

While website-to-app converters provide a quick solution, they do come with limitations:

Performance Issues: Apps created through conversion tools often lack the performance and responsiveness of native apps. For example, they may struggle with tasks that require intensive processing or access to device hardware, like augmented reality features or high-end gaming.
Limited Access to Device Features: Although PWAs and WebView apps can mimic some native functionalities, they don’t provide full access to device-specific features like Bluetooth, file systems, or advanced camera controls. Native app development allows for better integration with these features.
User Experience (UX): Native apps are designed with the platform’s unique design principles in mind (e.g., Material Design for Android and Human Interface Guidelines for iOS). This results in a more seamless user experience. Apps converted from websites may not always achieve the same level of fluidity and responsiveness.

Why Mobile App Development is Still Relevant

Despite the convenience of converting websites to apps, traditional mobile app development is still essential for several reasons:

High-Performance Needs: For apps that need to run complex computations, work with hardware integrations, or deliver real-time experiences, native or cross-platform development (e.g., React Native, Flutter) remains the best choice.
Better User Experience: Native apps are tailored specifically for the platform, leading to a more polished and consistent user experience. They offer smoother animations, better touch responsiveness, and a design that aligns with the platform’s standards.
Enhanced Security: Apps that handle sensitive data or complex transactions, such as banking or healthcare apps, often require native development to meet higher security standards.

Conclusion

Whether you choose web development or mobile app development, there’s no wrong answer. Both fields offer strong career prospects and plenty of opportunities for growth. If you’re passionate about building interactive websites and enjoy working with browser-based technologies, web development could be your ideal path. On the other hand, if you want to create mobile experiences and enjoy working with the latest mobile technologies, then mobile app development might be the better choice.

At the end of the day, it's about choosing what excites you and aligns with your career goals. And if you're up for the challenge, learning both can significantly increase your market value and open more doors in the tech world.

Ready to dive in? The world of development is waiting for you. Choose your path and start coding today!

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