Hire Top 3.5% Android Developers Remotely in 48 Hours!

That is why there are such a huge number of apps in the Google Play Store. A massive user base offers scope for almost unlimited expansion. That means hiring an Android application developer is a worthwhile investment.

Before you hire an Android Application developer, delve into their learning and skill.

We share below:

• 5 technical questions to ask an Android App developer and the possible replies.
• 5 exploratory questions to ask an Android developer and the possible replies.

Before hiring an Android app developer, you have to know their track record. It is easier to develop web apps, but building native apps requires a high level of software coding skills.

1. 5 technical questions to ask before you hire an Android developer

   Top Android Application developers must know not only about SDK and Android Runtime but also Java and Kotlin, the two most used languages for app development.

   Kotlin is now officially the preferred language for Android development, offering better null safety, concise syntax, and full support from Google. Developers working on new projects should be fluent in Kotlin and understand when Java interoperability is necessary.

   Java and Kotlin are both high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming languages. When you hire Android app developers, test their ability in both.

   • Describe the layers of Android architecture
     • Kernel: The kernel is based on Linux. That is what makes it so robust.
     • Libraries
       • Retrofit
       • Moshi
       • EventBus

     There are 15–20 libraries and a GitHub repository that contain plenty of modules.

     Modern projects often use modular architecture to organize code across features and layers, which improves scalability and testing.

     • Runtime

     From Lollipop (version 5.0), the Android mobile operating system changed runtimes from Dalvik to ART, which has been the default since 2014 and is now standard.

     Eight years have elapsed, and most mobile application development does not update apps for Dalvik anymore.

     • Framework

     In this instance, Framework refers to Android design (which is very specific), animations, and tools.

     Jetpack Compose is now the recommended modern UI toolkit for building native UIs in a declarative way. It's a must-know for today’s Android developers.

     • Applications

     Such as browsers, chat apps, and mail, which are accessed by users.

2. What are the types of memory in the Java Virtual Machine?

   Android uses Java extensively. Types of memory in Java are:

   • Class
   • Heap
   • Stack
   • Program Counter
   • Native Method Stack

3. How are strings concatenated in Kotlin?

   Using String templates:

   • val a = "Good"
   • val b = "Luck"
   • val c = "$a$b" // stores "GoodLuck"
   • val d = "$a $b" // stores "Good Luck"

4. How many dialog boxes does Android support?

   • Alert: Usually used for yes-no decisions such as Rate This App, Rate Now / Later

   • Date: For selecting date

   • Time: For selecting time

   • Progress: Used for displaying the percent of execution. A progress bar (as dialogue) might prevent a user from interacting with the screen, so it is rarely used as a dialog but coded in the UI (as in Chrome page loading percent).

5. What is AAPT?

   It is the Android Asset Packaging Tool, the equivalent of a .zip file on Windows.

   It allows the creation of compressed folders for installation and extraction. AAPT (Android Asset Packaging Tool) was traditionally used to package app resources. However, AAPT2 has now replaced it as the default build tool, offering improved performance and error diagnostics.

   While APK files uploaded to the Play Store are limited to 100 MB, developers are encouraged to use Android App Bundles (AAB), which optimize delivery and support compressed download sizes of up to 200 MB. For larger apps, expansion files of up to 2 GB each can be used.

   Bonus: Ask about current toolchains and async handling

6. Is the developer familiar with Android Studio Giraffe or newer releases?

   Yes, Android Studio Giraffe (2023) introduced significant improvements in build performance, Live Edit for Jetpack Compose, and better layout inspection tools.

   Familiarity with Giraffe or newer versions like Hedgehog helps ensure the developer can leverage modern IDE capabilities for faster iterations and debugging. Candidates should be comfortable using features like Compose Preview, updated Gradle sync, and integrated device mirroring.

7. Does the developer use Kotlin Coroutines for async programming?

   Kotlin Coroutines are now the preferred approach for handling background operations, replacing older solutions like AsyncTask and even RxJava in many modern codebases. They offer a cleaner, more readable way to write asynchronous code using structured concurrency.

   A proficient Android developer should be able to explain concepts like suspend and CoroutineScope and how to use coroutines with lifecycle-aware components in Jetpack libraries (e.g., viewModelScope).

1. Which programming languages are you able to use?

   I can write code in C++, Java, Kotlin. I have worked on projects that use these extensively.

   I learned Python, Ruby, PHP, HTML, JavaScript, and CSS in college. I have never used them during my career.

2. Tell us about your last project?

   It was a native app development for a radio-cab company. I worked on adding and improving payment gateways. We introduced a “Share Bill” functionality using which two riders could split the payment.

   I also took part in pilot code writing for postpaid users who would have a billing cycle. The project was dropped midway as the company could not get a tie-up with credit check vendors.

3. How do you communicate with clients who do not know how to program?

   It is perhaps the most difficult task that a coder has to face. No one except a CTO usually has an understanding of coding nuances.

   My favored approach is to create a flowchart. Though CxO and product managers may not understand coding, they understand this tool well.

   I do not lecture to a non-technical audience but prefer to use the Socratic Way as far as possible. This gets them to think like a coder in a step-by-step rather than intuitive manner.

   However, it is difficult. When I do not know the clients and their ability to understand tech, the first meeting is always tentative. The second meeting is far smoother since I know how much I have to explain and from what angle.

4. Why are you not an iOS developer?

   First of all, I have never approved of the Apple platform and its closed system. I believe in GNU, public software, and open source. I respect Android engineers since they allow development of forks such as FireOS for Amazon.

   Secondly, I have never used an Apple product since they are quite high priced. I have no comfort in that zone and became a dedicated Android developer. Any Android app (except gaming) can run in a $70 Galaxy M01 and a $1500 Galaxy S22 with equal ease.

   Thirdly, from a purely coding point of view, if I was required to learn Swift and iOS SDK, I would certainly do so. I am not completely unaware of it, but I can’t sit down tomorrow and code in Swift.

   I am an expert Android developer but given two months, I can rectify that situation and code for iOS.

5. Have you ever built your own app?

   • Yes, and I have published an app on Play Store.
   • It is a freemium reader.
   • The free version supports PDF, EPUB, MOBI, DJVU, TXT, RTF, AZW, HTML, ODT, XPS, CBZ, CBR, TIFF, PDB formats.
   • The premium version offers (among other advanced features):
   • Night Mode, RTL reading, an internal media player, and advanced speech-to-text capability for $5.
   • It has 40,000 downloads and 1,000 premium users, with a rating of 3.8.
   • If you are looking to hire a remote offshore Android developer, I am perfect for that position.

If you are looking at how to hire Android developers remotely your best approach should be to partner with hiring platforms. They are not like recruitment agencies that take a lion’s share in the hiring budget. For instance, at Uplers we aim to connect you with the top 3.5% pre-vetted Indian remote talent in 48 hours of your inquiry.. We conduct a rigorous 4-step vetting process that includes skill evaluation, cultural compatibility, aptitude test, and language proficiency.

Whether you choose to hire remote android developers with us or adopt the do it yourself approach, here are some skills to keep in mind in the evaluation process:

Here are some skills to keep in mind when you hire remote Android developers:

1. Core Technical Skills:

   The following technical skills are vital for an ideal Android developer.

   • Java & Kotlin Proficiency:

     Java and Kotlin are two of the most basic and non-negotiable languages that an expert Android application developer must know. These are crucial for creating dynamic and interactive mobile applications.

   • Android SDK Knowledge:

     The Software Development Kit (SDK) is like a toolbox for Android developers. Knowing how to use its abilities to the best of its potential is a great skill. Developers who know this can craft unique and distinct applications with ease.

   • Understanding of APIs:

     Integration of third-party services has become a regular norm in mobile apps now. Hence, a skilled Android developer would be able to integrate various APIs into the app effortlessly.

   • Database Management:

     Efficient data management is extremely important for maintaining a great user experience & navigation.

2. UI/UX Design Expertise:

   A great UI/UX design is about more than just functionality. It explores the user's wants and preferences and drives their journey based on that. A truly skilled Android app developer understands the intricacies of such UI/UX design. This skill is very important from a user's POV as this is what defines their experience with the app. This is a skill that remote Android developers at Uplers prioritize.

3. Version Control/Git:

   The developer must be well-versed with version control. An experienced Android developer ideally would have worked with tools like Git. This experience comes in handy while tracking code changes accurately.

4. Problem-Solving & Debugging:

   A skilled Android developer must be able to deal with issues and bugs efficiently. Being able to troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and ensure security is an important skill. When you hire remote Android app developers from Uplers, this skill is one of the primary advantages that you get.

5. Soft Skills for Remote Work:

   When hiring remotely, the importance of communication skills is magnified. It ensures clarity in briefs, feedback, and internal team communication. When your team is able to communicate better, there is less friction and a better work environment. Hence, it directly affects productivity and timeline management.

6. Continuous Learning & Adaptability:

   A skilled Android application developer always strives to keep learning. There are new trends, technologies, and tools launching every day. This skill helps ensure that your apps remain updated with lathe test tech.