Mobile app development has become a highly sought-after skill, and with the increasing popularity of smartphones, more and more people are interested in pursuing this career path. However, if you are a beginner, you may be wondering whether you should learn iOS or Android first. Both mobile operating systems have their own unique features and programming languages, and choosing which one to focus on can be challenging. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both platforms, to help you decide which one to learn first.
iOS vs Android
iOS and Android are the two dominant mobile operating systems in the world. iOS is developed by Apple, and it is exclusively used on Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads. Android, on the other hand, is developed by Google and is used on a wide range of devices from different manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, and Huawei, among others.
The programming languages used to develop apps for iOS and Android are different. iOS apps are developed using Swift or Objective-C, while Android apps are developed using Java or Kotlin. Swift is a relatively new programming language, while Java has been around for decades. Kotlin, on the other hand, is a relatively new programming language that is gaining popularity among Android developers for its ease of use and reduced boilerplate code.
| iOS | Android |
|---|---|
| Developed by Apple | Developed by Google |
| Uses Swift or Objective-C | Uses Java or Kotlin |
| Targeted at high-end devices | Targeted at a wide range of devices |
| More restrictive app guidelines | More open app guidelines |
Pros and Cons of Learning iOS First
Pros:
- Consistency: As iOS is only used on Apple devices, you can ensure that your app will look and function the same across all devices. This reduces the time you need to spend on testing and debugging.
- High-end market: As Apple devices are generally more expensive, iOS users are more likely to spend money on apps. This makes the iOS app market more lucrative than the Android app market.
- More restrictive guidelines: This may sound like a con, but it can be beneficial for beginners. The strict guidelines can help you develop good coding habits and ensure your app meets a high standard.
Cons:
- Expensive: Developing for iOS can be more expensive than developing for Android as you need to own a Mac computer and an iPhone or iPad to test your app properly.
- Approval process: Apple has a strict approval process for apps, which can be time-consuming. This means it can be more challenging to get your app on the App Store.
- Smaller audience: iOS has a smaller market share than Android, which means your app may not reach as many people.
Pros and Cons of Learning Android First
Pros:
- Large audience: Android has a larger market share than iOS, which means your app will likely reach more people.
- Open guidelines: Android has more open guidelines, which means there are fewer restrictions on what you can do with your app.
- Lower barrier to entry: Developing for Android can be less expensive than developing for iOS, as you don’t need to own any specific hardware.
Cons:
- Fragmentation: As Android is used on a wide range of devices, the user experience can vary greatly. This means that testing and debugging can be more time-consuming.
- Lower revenue potential: Android users are generally less willing to spend money on apps than iOS users, which means the Android app market may be less lucrative.
- Complexity: Java, the traditional programming language used to develop Android apps, has a steeper learning curve than Swift.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing whether to learn iOS or Android first depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both platforms have their pros and cons, and it’s up to you to weigh them and make an informed decision based on your goals. If you are looking for a more lucrative market and a consistent user experience, iOS may be the way to go. If you want to reach a larger audience and have more freedom in your app development, Android may be the better choice.