If you are a professional Android app developer, you might be concerned after hearing that Google has opened up the app development process with the release of its App Inventor. Available for free through Google Labs, the App Inventor gives the general public access to the same programming environment previously available only to professional Android developers. According to the Google Blog, amateur developers have already been able to use the App Inventor to create new apps such as a children’s vocabulary builder, bus route trackers and broadcasting tools for community events.
So does this mean that Android programmers should start looking for a new line of work? The truth is that even with a simplified working environment, creating a Google app through the App Inventor is difficult, with no guarantees of success unless a person has a solid knowledge of programming. While the App Inventor might be a great tool for individuals to develop free, niche applications, the complexity of the app development process means that companies are going to need to find Android developers who can create professional-quality products to create apps people are willing to pay money for. The App Inventor is a fun tool which falls well short of “replacing” professional app developers.
