Welcome to the extensive world of Application Programming Interfaces or APIs that have revolutionized the software and application development industry with enhanced speed, scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. It has transformed the way different programming languages and components communicate with each other by establishing a set of rules and protocols to exchange data, features, and functionalities.
So, if you are looking to hire API developers for your next project, you must first understand their job roles and responsibilities. Yes, it is crucial to consider their skill traits so that you can hire the best talents and increase the success rate of your project.
We have created this article for you where you can learn about the essential skills of an API developer before consulting an API Development Company.
Here are the Core Seven Skillsets That You Must Look For Hire API Developer
1. Cross-Platform Development
The first skill set that you must evaluate while looking for custom API development services is to hire someone who has profound knowledge in utilizing similar code to build a cross-platform application. For example, a client building an eCommerce application for Android and platforms to target a large customer base, but the app is built without changing the codes.
Of late, there has been a hike in the demand for competent cross-platform application developers as businesses are targeting global customers and looking to build APIs that can seamlessly run on all devices. So, having cross-platform app development experience is a boon for hiring managers.
2. API Design
To be frank, you cannot become an API developer without having skill and expertise in API design. Yes, as an API developer, you must understand the API design traits and ways to connect various applications and devices.
For example, if you are a mobile application API developer, your approach will be completely different from desktop application API developers. API design techniques are different for each of the systems. This understanding helps developers to diversify their capabilities and enhance their skills.
Application programming interfaces simplify and streamline the task of developers to build interconnected applications, tools, and micro-servers. The process leads to improved interaction and connectivity between devices and applications.
For example, if you are developing a cab booking application like Uber, then you can implement and use API to seamlessly connect mobile devices and operating systems to application media files. This enables the cab drivers to make calls to passengers to know the exact pickup location point.
3. Front-End API Development
Most of us know that API development services are mainly catering to applications’ backend systems or server-side. It means API does not have an active role in front-end development. But despite this condition, an API developer must have knowledge and skills in front-end development. This is because front-end or client-side programming mainly deals with product compatibility.
By compatibility, we mean establishing interoperability between two products; for example, hardware and software. It has been regarded as one of the most critical criteria for organizations to fulfill while creating applications. The API development company must ensure that the applications are seamlessly compatible with almost all popular devices (Android, iOS, and desktop) that customers are using.
As an API developer, you must understand the applications you need to integrate to ensure seamless functionality when used by the end customers.
4. Different Types of Coding Languages
In one of the surveys, it has been found that most organizations prefer to hire API developers who are proficient in writing codes in different languages. However, it is essential to note at this juncture that the professional traits and skills of an API developer can vary from one company to another.
Application programming interface requires developers to use a framework and programming language, which is best suited for project requirements. All these programming languages have varied benefits and are used for different purposes.
For example, JavaScript-enabled Node.js is an asynchronous, event-driven, non-blocking I/O used mainly for creating real-time chat-based applications, collaborative tools, and gaming solutions. Similarly, Python offers an extensive set of libraries and frameworks, streamlining and simplifying the process of web development, data analysis, and rapid prototyping.
There is no point in hiring a new API developer when a project requires a different programming language from the one current API developers are using. So, when you hire API developers efficient in writing codes in different languages, you can surely enhance the chances of your project’s success. This is because they are capable of meeting the diversified requirements of customers and working on the latest technology trends.
5. Robust Knowledge of Integration
An application programming interface mainly performs the role of integrating various applications and systems to optimize collaboration and communication between teams and share data insights seamlessly. This means that to become a professional API developer, you must have adequate knowledge of API integration working procedures.
The knowledge of API integration helps developers use their skills and expertise while establishing compatibility of the servers with different programming languages and services. Having an adept skillset in integration is also an added advantage when developers are working and incorporating the latest technologies and building robust back-end systems for different applications and projects.
With a strong application programming interface in place, it becomes much easier for the development team to share data smoothly between multiple systems and servers. Also, if you hire API developers with integration knowledge, they can help you build servers to manage different platforms and systems efficiently.
It is crucial to note here that these platforms and servers might be located in different countries and regions, which makes it essential for the API development company to meet the regulatory requirements of the specific country like data censoring. This becomes a problem for API developers without having proper integration knowledge.
6. API Orchestration Skills
Do you know about API orchestration skills? Perhaps, this is a new term or skillset for you. But you must remember that when you hire API developers onboard, they must develop more than a cross-platform application. It means they must have proficiency in working with different API programs in the process of API orchestrated development.
For those who are not familiar with what an API orchestration is, it is the process that simplifies the task of API developers, allowing them to write several lines of code that work together simultaneously. API orchestration also makes it possible for developers to identify and interpret coding lines, make modifications, or customize them to meet the unique needs of the project.
So, organizations look for orchestration skills basically to hire API developers who can customize the coding process. This is mainly because the software development industry is continuously evolving and requiring frequent changes to match innovative and upgraded technologies. You can easily and smoothly release new or upgraded software versions to meet changing demands.
7. Programming Tools
An API developer must be vetted in using a wide range of API programming tools that optimize and simplify the custom API development process and ensure that they are following the latest practices and set industry standards.
Let’s take an example where a developer has to use integration or testing tools during the development process. They must have complete knowledge of the tool to use it to its full potential. In addition to that, they might find themselves using database management systems and program editors as well.
A few common programming tools used by API developers include JUnit to test the codes, MYSQL to manage databases, and Makefile to manage different directories.
Conclusion
An application programming interface developer plays an integral role in software and application development and surely we cannot imagine building a robust and efficient back-end system without their proper support and assistance.
Also, you must note that there is a good demand for competent and experienced API developers around the world because they help companies build applications with strong and secured databases, which indeed is the first-hand priority of many clients.
So, it’s time to consult leading software development companies to hire talented API developers and build your dream application with uncompromising security and a consolidated database.
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Author Bio: Niraj Jagwani is an engineer who has co-founded a number of businesses in the domain of software development services. He has successfully helped clients across industries increase revenues, optimize processes, and achieve new milestones. He is a passionate writer and loves to exchange ideas.
