Why did I choose to be an Android developer, not an IOS developer ?
I code app for mobile devices and the platform I chose is Android. Since I went for an internship and now I go to work, it has been three years. There are many convenient, easy and simple things than iOS platform.
And I will share some reasons that I chose to be an Android developer.
I. I don’t have Macbook
My parents bought me a Window laptop in my first year at university and I still use it now : ) My first aim was for learning knowledge at university only. I still didn’t have any specific way of learning programming.
We always know iOS is a closed platform. To make an iOS application, you must have a Macbook (or you can use a virtual running iOS but it is going to be very bad experience). And how about Android ?
You can make an Android application on devices running Windows, Ubuntu and even on Macbook. Only having Window laptop at that time, I don't have another choice.
Good Macbook for programming usually has high price. And I was not sure that I would be an mobile developer in the feature, so buying a macbook was a risk. Besides I’m used to use and quite enjoying Windows :)
II. 99$/year for developer account
I code Android and I see a big advantage of it.
You need 99$/year to join iOS Developer program so that you can publish app on App Store. 99$ was a so big number with me when i went for an internship.
But you only need 25$ per … your entire life to have an Android developer account. One time payment only and you can use it for the rest of your life : ) It was a very better investment for me.
III. Android devices are cheaper and there are lots of choices.
There are many kinds of Android devices, models and lots of them have so affordable prices. But an new or even old iPhone device usually has high price and they are fixed models (screen size, storage, …). So buying an Android devices is more attractive.
I live in Vietnam and below are price of them when arrived in Vietnam
“Giá dự kiến” means “Expected price”. The price unit is Vietnamese Dong (VND). You can convert to your currency to see how much it cost. And in Vietnam, it is a lot of money.
20,990,000: 20 million, 9 hundred and 90 thousand Vietnamese dongs
You will easily own an Android device to be able to test on a real machine. And if you code IOS on a Macbook and still want to test it on a real device. You also need an iPhone :)
And what’s more, with Android’s 75% global market share, you have the opportunity to reach more people, and with more needs, interests, and more.
4. Android development ecosystem: Java/Kotlin + Android Studio.
I was taught Java in university, also taught about C, C++. After graduating from school, I learned more about Kotlin — Java’s improved language. In school, I probably learned more subjects about Java than C, C++, so I have more sympathy for Java. And actually, I also find Java more convenient than C, C++ too.
When I started coding Android, I used Android Studio, before that I heard that I could code on Eclipse. Android Studio is really easy to use, lots of support, shortcuts, tools, … help developers can focus more on programming.
Maybe that’s why Android — code in Java/Kotlin is my choice. I knew the basic one, why not try new things 😄
Summary
The article has shared some reasons that I follow Android code and some things I find it more convenient and easier than iOS. Now I still code Android and will continue to code it, including learning more cross-platform languages like Flutter.
In addition, please orient your programming path early, what will you code (mobile, web, database) and see what you really like and then invest on it 😄
A programmer and blogger like to share things. Read more at my blog
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