Today, a global network of connected things is used in the way no one could have even imagined ten years from now. It is impossible to impress someone today talking about smart kettles or fitness collars for their dogs. Dozens of objects we are using in our everyday life are now connected to the web, all in the attempt to make lives easier and grant us greater control over things.
This large universe of smart and connected objects has a name – the Internet of Things. According to the most recent estimations, the number of IoT connected devices should exceed 75 billions worldwide in 2025.
These connected machines and objects are now contributing to what is called the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Here is what one should know about the connected world that we live in.
What Exactly Is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.1
Cellular connectivity combined with the Internet has largely speeded up our developmental processes. It took only 40 years for humanity to progress from 1G to 5G. By 2030, the world is expected to use 6G Internet connectivity.
Most of the newest technological developments rely on the Internet. And the Internet of Things participates to this innovation flow.
Specialists from EssayPro confirm that the subjects related to IoT are getting very popular among students of different majors. Of course, most of the research papers are being prepared by IT and Engineering learners.
Careers in IoT promise an interesting work environment, professional development, and high wages. It really seems to be a perfect domain for students interested in contributing to technological advancement.
Why Do We Need IoT?
Since it all comes down to data as the core element, we are now into a position where we depend on technologies that connect us. Each device can collect data for a purpose, but this data is only valuable if it is communicated, analyzed, and used on time.
Improved performance is another factor in favor of IoT. The level of interconnectedness achieved through IoT technologies helps people use things more efficiently. It allows saving such scarce and non-rechargeable resources like time and effort.
Moreover, the Internet of Things allows companies, governments, and other organizations to re-think how they deliver services and produce goods. The data collected assists them in providing more accurate and responsive interactions that bring advanced innovations and change.
What Is the Future of IoT?
The Internet of Things is only at the dawn of its development. Even those people who have already tried smart home technologies, motion sensors, and other IoT perks can see that there are lots of issues that need to be addressed.
It is wrong to assume that data is all IoT is about. It is also about the security of the vast amounts of data generated through the IoT.
Today, the world’s biggest technological corporations see the danger in uncontrolled data collection. Therefore, the main goal of all IoT developers is to make sure that the devices they produce are secure to use. For this purpose, AI, Machine Learning, and other advanced technologies should be widely applied.
In fact, lack of data security is the greatest threat the Internet of Things is facing right now. Some manufacturers were forced to recall their products when the unsecured connection had been revealed.
How anIoT Product Is Developed?
During the development process, IoT devices and objects usually pass several stages. They determine the need for skills IoT developers should have. However, some tasks are delegated to experts of differing fields.
These may include engineers, website developers, programmers, UI/UX designers, etc. IoT developers should be able to communicate with all of them to help translate connectivity and other data-related goals.
The entire process usually passes the following stages:
- Product development. IoT developers take part in this phase to ensure that wireless technologies and sensors are properly integrated in the product;
- Engineering. It is not critical for a developer to have engineering skills, but this will definitely be a plus. In many cases, the device itself is assembled by other people;
- Programming. IoT developers should definitely have a solid knowledge of programming to understand how the data can be collected, sent and stored at the server. Knowing such languages as JavaScript and Python is a must;
- Server Programming. IoT developers should be experts in using server-side languages such as PHP, ASP.NET, or Node.js. It is needed to make sure that devices and objects are connected, and the data is securely received and stored;
- Evaluation and testing. IoT developers should carefully test prototypes to make sure all developmental goals are achieved;
- Web development. It is important for IoT developers to be able to create a website or an app, supporting all the interactions with the IoT devices out in the field.
How to Pursue a Developer Career in IoT?
The requirements for IoT developers are similar to those that IT professionals face. An IoT developer should have innovative thinking and creative abilities to improve existing devices or create brand new ones. Of course, novelties should bring extra benefits for users.
To build a successful career in IoT, a developer must strive for new knowledge. They should keep abreast of all changes and trends and reflect those in their work. There must be a place for testing and experiment at all times.
Overall, the skill set should be as follows.
AI and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence is getting more value as long as IoT develops. Since IoT devices and objects collect large amounts of data, people creating them should understand the techniques involved in data analysis. Otherwise, these devices will not have any practical value.
Deep Understanding of Sensors
Even though the device can be assembled by third parties, IoT developers are fully responsible for the functioning of sensors.
Therefore, their main competence lies in the use of sensors. They need to make sure that software and hardware are integrated enough to provide the expected result.
Networking and Wireless Communication
IoT relies on communication between devices, objects, and servers. IoT developers should have solid knowledge in networking and wireless communication to ensure connectivity is robust, secure and well adapted in terms of data rates. Any disruption in this connection can cause significant damage to the data collected.
Security
IoT developers should also be aware of IoT security to be able to protect the devices and the users.
Since data is one of the most vulnerable assets, the community of specialists involved in the Internet of Things should focus on ensuring its security.
Web and Mobile Development
IoT developers should have some knowledge of web development. It is needed to ensure that a new product is connected with an application.
Most end-users choose smartphones, so the ability to create iOS or Android application will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.
User Experience
If the solution involved human interactions, all the user interfaces should be easy and pleasant to use. IoT developers, possibly helped by UI/UX designers should be able to design high-quality user interfaces to make sure the solution is well accepted and used as planned.
And even if you work with a professional UI/UX designer, it is useful to understand the inner side of the processes they are responsible for. Overall, it is critical to speak the same language as other professionals.
IoT Development Frameworks, Languages and Technologies
IoT is rich in frameworks, methodologies, and technologies. Of course, to build a successful career as an IoT developer, you should be an expert in the existing and strive to learn the emerging ones.
Final Words
Nowadays, it is really an exciting time to join the field of the Internet of Things. It is now a relatively young field, but as long as it grows, it will need more skilled and knowledgeable professionals.
For many talented people, it will be an amazing journey with lots of achievements and accomplishments in the coming years.
If you are wondering about pursuing a career in IoT, it is better to start advancing your knowledge of programming, networking, web development, and security systems right now.
Otherwise, you will not be able to speak the same language with those involved in the process of creating the future.
The post The Profession of the Future: An In-Depth Guide on How to Become an IoT Developer in 2020 appeared first on IoT Business News.
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by IoT.Business.News, Khareem Sudlow
