iOS developing for n00bs?

DangerMoose · 7 Jun 2011 at 14:23

Just out of curiosity, how easy is it to learn to develop iOS apps? In particular form the point of view of someone who has a little basic (and I mean very basic) knowledge of C++ but nothing else. Essentially, I get some of the concepts of programming but would be working more or less from the ground up in most respects.

Also, is is possible to get legit copies of any of the developer tools for free, if only on a trial basis? I am really just curious about it at the moment and the odds are heavily against it coming to anything like turning a profit on the app store, so I am reluctant to spend the yearly fee if I can help it.

Tunney · 7 Jun 2011 at 15:22

iOS development is in a language called Objective-C. It's similar to C++ and other related languages, although the syntax is a little quirky. iOS development is very popular so there's plenty of good tutorials about if you wish to learn.

The good news is that the tools are free. If you own a Mac, you can sign up and download them. There's no tools for Windows or Linux though. You only need to pay the yearly fee if you wish to submit an app to the store or get early access to builds.

Margaret · 7 Jun 2011 at 15:24

Yep nice and free. If you don't own a Mac I guess you could VM it, but I'm guessing you do.

I'm not sure if you need an iPhone or not as you can run a virtual iPhone from Xcode.

I am also interested in getting into iOS or Android development, definitely money to be made and a neat little hobby, providing you can think of something useful to make or innovate on pre-existing ideas.

DangerMoose · 7 Jun 2011 at 15:37

Nope, I don't have a Mac, which I am discovering is a bit of a problem. I have taken more of an interest in Macs since buying an iPad but they are currently a little above my price range.

I found the section to register as a developer for free but I guess any further interest will have to wait until I save some pennies for a Mac of some sort or I get around to doing it via VM.

Tunney · 7 Jun 2011 at 15:51

Margaret said:
I'm not sure if you need an iPhone or not as you can run a virtual iPhone from Xcode.

No, you don't need a phone for basic development. The simulator allows you to flick between devices and OS revisions very easily.

I am also interested in getting into iOS or Android development, definitely money to be made and a neat little hobby, providing you can think of something useful to make or innovate on pre-existing ideas.

Android development is a lot easier if you own a PC, though it works best if you're willing to install Linux on your machine.

UK-AL05 · 7 Jun 2011 at 19:21

Don't expect to make tons of money of it though, every body hopped on the bandwagon a few years ago. Developers have to fight to get contracts, and selling directly to consumer is difficult with so much competition.

Basically it turned into web development style market, except your writing in a c derivative with memory management...

The easiest way to turn profitable is do contract work and let them take the risk, but your rates won't be amazing. It used to be there were several jobs to one dev, but now its the opposite, so it goes to the most reasonably priced thus a drive down in wages.