API Developer
The API management market is expected to grow by 35% by 2025 because of the impressive number of the new web APIs. As software solutions spread throughout the world, more companies turn into software businesses. API strategy projecting becomes an essential part of their digital transformation. Even non-software companies have to implement this approach to adapt to high-tech competitors.
APIs used to be associated with such cloud-native unicorns as Twilio or Stripe, but now, more and more industries utilize and benefit from this approach. For instance, healthcare, built environments, supply chain management, shipping, and the financial sector. APIs are common for SaaS platform offerings, public product Focus on the sole projectinitiatives, and partner-partner integrations.
What does the API stand for? Who is an API developer? Where to find great professionals, and how to hire them? Read the guide from Dmitry Baraishuk, the Chief Technology Officer of Belitsoft.
What does an API Developer Do?
An API is a software solution that allows the different systems to interact with each other. An API can be a database solution, a web-based system, etc.
An API developer’s key responsibility is to create applications for connecting different devices, servers, and databases. Various programs, apps, and browsers can merge and exchange information to address a particular business purpose.
A professional API developer is similar to any high-skilled developer, but still has to provide the specific skill set to operate effectively:
Cross-platform development. The applications created using cross-platform code are easy and fast to run on different devices. For example, the newspaper app is required to adapt to different screens without losing its readability. It is highly important for the great user experience that directly affects the popularity and profitability of your product.
API design. A thorough understanding of API design is crucial for desktop and mobile app developers to ensure successful integration with different applications.
API orchestration skills. With these skills, API developers can write a set of interdependent lines of code simultaneously, streamlining the development process. This skill is becoming increasingly necessary as technology continues to change, and companies can’t hire an API developer for every new code base. API orchestration skills make it easier to customize code to meet specific requirements.
API integration knowledge. Understanding API integration is essential as it enables the connection of various systems and establishes communication channels to facilitate data transfer. Integration knowledge also helps test server compatibility with different services and programs.
Programming tools. These tools serve as guidelines for developers to meet client requirements and make necessary changes as needed. Some common programming tools include Makefile for directory management, JUnit for code testing, and MySQL for database management, among others.
Front-end development. While not necessarily a requirement, having knowledge of front-end development is advantageous as it enables the maintenance of app compatibility across different devices.
In addition to the aforementioned skills, an API developer should also be able to identify when to reuse code, whether for internal, public, or external API purposes. Incorporating appropriate functionalities from existing APIs when developing new ones can boost the app-building process.
When Outsource API Development?
If you want to concentrate on your key competencies
By outsourcing API development to seasoned professionals, businesses can focus on their core specialization and reduce the risks associated with limited experience in API integration. These risks may include poor security measures for end-users and improper management of authorization and authentication.
If your budget is running out
Outsourcing API development enables businesses to access talented API developers beyond their local area, often at a lower cost. This approach eliminates the need to maintain and recruit an entire unit of employees, as well as to provide infrastructure such as office space, devices, software, and other resources.
If you need to hire fast
Typically, the experienced staff augmentation provider takes care of all administrative tasks, including timesheets, billing, payments, NDAs, background and reference checks, and legal matters, allowing the client to concentrate on product development. You can select the engagement type that best suits your needs, whether that is part-time or full-time, and change it as necessary. The remote API developer pool is available globally, whether you require temporary staffing or intend to expand your engineering team.
What does hiring an API developer process look like?
Identify the needs
Share as many details as possible about the API developer you require. Provide the contractor with the role description, technical specifications, and hiring budget. A contractor’s director of engineering can collaborate with you to clarify your goals, technical requirements, and team dynamics.
Get the list of candidates
After sharing your API developer requirements, you will receive candidate profiles that align with your engineering needs. The API solutions expert from your outsourcing provider should pre-screen the API developers to ensure you receive only the best talent. You can then choose who to interview based on your preferences.
Set the interview
After you have considered the list and chosen the candidates, the contractor’s team will conduct a manual profile review, video self-introduction, and technical interview or peer programming session to evaluate the candidate’s technical background, work experience, and soft skills. Once you are content with the candidate, sign an NDA, and let the provider manage the rest of the paperwork.
Hire and establish the effective communication
Communicate with your newly hired API developer through chat or video calls, share files, and track the progress of your project. Some providers can suggest working with API developers during a trial period to ensure that they are a good fit for your team before committing to a long-term engagement.
What is the Cost of Hiring an API Developer?
The cost of custom API development varies based on several factors:
- Level of technical skills and the number of years of experience.
- Timeline for project completion.
- Need for scaling the development team.
- The complexity level of API requirements.
- Data format being used (WebSockets, JSON, REST, etc.).
- Availability of product specifications, ranging from a rough idea to precise written specifications or wireframes.
- Your experience managing development teams (if you have such experience, you may not need to outsource a dedicated project manager, resulting in a lower cost).
Conclusion
The API management market is rapidly growing, and API strategy is becoming an essential part of digital transformation for companies. API developers play a crucial role in creating applications that connect different systems and devices, and they require various skills to meet all the industry demands. Outsourcing API development can be a viable option for businesses to concentrate on their core competencies, reduce costs, and hire faster. When hiring an API developer, companies should thoroughly identify their needs and build proper communication with the team. The cost of hiring an API developer depends on various factors. The main points to consider are the complexity of API requirements, the project timeline, the need for scaling the development team, and of course, the developer’s level of technical skills.
