Nearly 70% of businesses that hire mobile app developers end up disappointed with the results. That's a staggering number when you consider how much time, money, and hope gets poured into these projects. The problem isn't that skilled developers don't exist—they absolutely do. The real issue is that many people simply don't know how to spot them.
When you're looking to build a mobile app, you're not just hiring someone to write code. You're bringing on a partner who needs to understand your vision, solve complex problems, and deliver something that actually works in the real world. But here's the thing: not everyone who calls themselves an app developer has the skills to pull this off.
The difference between a skilled app developer and someone who just knows how to code is like the difference between a surgeon and someone who's good with a scalpel
This guide will walk you through the practical steps to evaluate whether an app developer truly has what it takes. We'll cover everything from examining their technical work to understanding their development process—and perhaps most importantly, we'll help you spot the red flags that could save you from making a costly mistake. By the end, you'll have the confidence to make the right choice for your project.
Understanding the Difference Between Coding and App Development
I've met plenty of people who think coding and app development are the same thing—and I can understand why. After all, both involve writing code, right? Well, yes and no. Here's the thing: coding is just one part of app development, like how baking is just one part of running a restaurant.
A coder can write beautiful, clean code that works perfectly. They might know five programming languages and can solve complex technical problems in their sleep. But can they design a user interface that your grandmother would find easy to use? Can they plan out how different parts of an app should work together? Can they test the app properly before it goes live?
What App Development Really Involves
App development is much bigger than just writing code. It includes planning, designing, building, testing, and launching apps. A skilled app developer needs to understand what makes the difference between mediocre and stellar apps:
- How people use apps and what makes them easy or difficult to navigate
- How to plan a project from start to finish
- How to design interfaces that look good and work well
- How to test apps to find and fix problems
- How to launch apps on app stores
When you're looking for someone to build your app, you don't just want a coder—you want a developer who understands the whole process. Someone who can think about your users, not just your code.
Evaluating a Developer's Technical Portfolio
A developer's portfolio is like their CV, but way more interesting. You get to see actual work instead of just reading about it! When I'm looking through portfolios, I'm not just checking if the apps look pretty—I'm digging deeper to understand what the developer actually built and how they solved problems.
Look for variety in their mobile app projects. A good developer should have worked on different types of apps, not just one style. Check if they've built apps for both iOS and Android, and see if they mention any specific challenges they faced. Understanding the key differences between iOS and Android development is crucial for any skilled developer.
What to Look for in App Examples
Pay attention to the apps that are still working and available to download. Dead links and broken apps are red flags. Try downloading a few of their apps if possible—do they actually work well? Are they smooth and responsive? This gives you a real taste of their skill level.
Ask developers to walk you through one of their portfolio projects during your conversation. How they explain their work tells you a lot about their actual involvement in the project.
Don't be impressed by big brand names alone. Sometimes developers only did small parts of large projects. What matters is understanding their specific contribution and the complexity of work they handled personally.
Assessing Communication Skills and Project Management Abilities
Here's something I've learned after working with hundreds of developers—technical skills mean nothing if they can't communicate properly. You might find someone who can code circles around everyone else, but if they disappear for weeks without updates or respond to your messages three days later with "yep", you're in for a rough ride.
Good developers understand that building an app isn't just about writing code; it's about keeping you informed every step of the way. When I'm evaluating a potential developer, I pay close attention to how quickly they respond to my initial enquiry and whether their responses actually answer my questions. Do they ask thoughtful questions about the project? They should understand exactly what information they need from you to deliver a successful project.
What to Look For During Initial Conversations
- Clear, timely responses to your messages
- Questions about your app's purpose and target users
- Ability to explain technical concepts in simple terms
- Realistic timelines and honest assessments
- Structured approach to project planning
Project management skills are equally important. A skilled developer should be able to break down your project into manageable phases, set realistic deadlines, and keep you updated on progress. They should have systems in place for tracking work and shouldn't leave you guessing about what's happening with your app.
Checking References and Client Testimonials
When I'm evaluating an app developer's skill, testimonials tell me stories that portfolios can't. Real client feedback reveals how developers handle pressure, communicate during tight deadlines, and solve problems when things go wrong—because they always do! Don't just read the glowing reviews on their website though; ask for direct contact details of recent clients.
Speaking to previous clients directly gives you the real picture. Ask about missed deadlines, how they handled changes, and whether the final product matched expectations. You'll quickly discover if a developer is all talk or actually delivers. I always find it telling when developers are happy to share client contacts—it shows confidence in their work.
What to Ask Previous Clients
Focus on practical questions about the development process. Did they stick to budgets? How did they communicate when problems arose? Would they hire them again? These conversations often reveal more about a developer's true abilities than any technical demonstration.
The best developers I've worked with weren't just skilled coders—they were reliable partners who kept us informed every step of the way
Remember, no developer is perfect, but skilled ones learn from mistakes and improve their processes. You can learn a lot from how top app development companies approach their work. If a developer can't provide recent references or seems evasive about past projects, that's a red flag worth paying attention to.
Understanding Their Development Process and Methodology
A skilled app developer should be able to explain their development process clearly—and I mean really clearly, not just throwing around technical jargon to impress you. When I'm working with clients, I always walk them through our methodology because transparency builds trust; plus, it helps manage expectations from day one.
Ask them about their approach to planning, design, development, and testing. Do they follow agile methodologies? How do they handle changes during development? A good developer will have structured phases—discovery, wireframing, design, development, testing, and deployment. They should also explain how they keep you updated throughout the process.
Quality Assurance and Testing
Here's where many developers cut corners, and it shows. Ask about their testing procedures. Do they test on real devices or just simulators? How do they handle bug fixes? A professional developer will have proper systems for tracking and fixing bugs that includes user testing, performance testing, and security checks.
Project Management Tools
Modern app development requires proper project management. They should use tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana to track progress and communicate updates. If they're still managing projects through email chains and phone calls, that's a red flag. You want someone who can show you exactly where your project stands at any given moment—not someone who leaves you guessing about timelines and deliverables.
The best developers also understand the importance of incorporating user testing throughout the development process rather than leaving it until the end.
Testing Their Problem-Solving Abilities
Right, here's where things get interesting—and where you'll separate the skilled developers from those who just know how to copy code from Stack Overflow! Problem-solving is what mobile app development is really about. Sure, anyone can learn the syntax of Swift or Kotlin, but can they think their way through a tricky challenge?
The best way to test this is by presenting real scenarios during your interview process. Don't ask them to write perfect code on the spot (that's just cruel), but give them a problem that mirrors what you might actually face. Maybe your app needs to work offline, or you're worried about battery drain, or you need to handle thousands of users at once.
Ask them to walk you through how they'd approach a specific challenge your app might face. Listen for structured thinking, not just technical jargon.
What to Listen For
When they're explaining their approach, you want to hear them break down the problem into smaller pieces. Good developers don't just jump straight to coding—they ask questions, consider different options, and think about potential pitfalls. They might even admit when they don't know something and explain how they'd research it.
- Do they ask clarifying questions about the problem?
- Can they explain their thinking process clearly?
- Do they consider multiple solutions before picking one?
- Are they honest about what they don't know?
The developers who impress me most are the ones who say "I haven't dealt with that exact situation, but here's how I'd approach it." That shows genuine problem-solving ability rather than just memorised solutions.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
After years of working with countless developers—and seeing what goes right and wrong—I can spot the warning signs from a mile away. These red flags might seem obvious when you read them, but trust me, they're easy to miss when you're excited about your app idea.
Communication Warning Signs
Poor communication is probably the biggest red flag you'll encounter. If a developer takes days to respond to emails, gives vague answers to technical questions, or can't explain their approach in simple terms, run. I've seen too many projects fail because the developer went quiet halfway through development or couldn't understand what the client actually wanted.
Watch out for developers who promise unrealistic timelines or budgets. Building quality apps takes time—anyone claiming they can deliver a complex app in a few weeks is setting you up for disappointment. If you're just starting out, it's worth understanding the realistic steps involved in turning your app idea into reality.
Portfolio and Process Red Flags
Be wary of developers who can't show you live apps in app stores, refuse to provide client references, or have portfolios filled with template-based work. Here are the biggest warning signs:
- No clear development process or methodology
- Unwillingness to sign contracts or provide detailed project specifications
- Pressure to pay large amounts upfront
- Inability to discuss technical challenges or limitations
- No experience with your app's platform or industry
Trust your instincts. If something feels off during initial conversations, it probably is.
Conclusion
After working with countless clients over the years, I can tell you that hiring the right mobile app developer isn't just about finding someone who can code—it's about finding someone who truly understands what you're trying to build. The difference between a skilled developer and someone who just writes code is huge, and now you know exactly what to look for.
The best developers will show you a portfolio that tells a story, communicate clearly about timelines and challenges, and have a proper process they follow. They'll be honest about what's possible and what isn't. Most importantly, they'll ask you the right questions about your app before they start building anything.
Trust your instincts during this process. If something feels off during conversations, or if they're making promises that sound too good to be true, they probably are. A skilled developer will be upfront about potential problems and realistic about what they can achieve within your budget and timeline.
Remember, you're not just hiring someone to build an app—you're choosing a partner who will help bring your idea to life. Take your time with this decision. The right developer will make the entire process smoother and deliver something you're genuinely proud to put your name on.
