Getting started with iOS development

DotNek Software Development 8 minute(s) read

Last updated: Sep 19, 2020

So, get excited to start with iOS development and enjoy building your first app. Developing iOS apps was quite difficult years ago because it required many languages ​​and frameworks to complete the project. However, this is not the case these days. Developers can easily do coding and programming with the help of XCode. It helps them to learn more and more. iOS development is the process of creating or modifying apps on the iPhone. IOS developer can create his apps and can modify the existing apps by using specific tools. The software development kit (iOS SDK) allows the developer to develop mobile apps.

In 2007, developers were prohibited from making changes in IOS. Apple Instead directed them to develop web applications for the Safari web browser. But after the backlash of developers, Apple released SDK on March 6, 2008. This SDK is available on a Mac computer but not on Microsoft windows. Combined with XCode , iOS SDK allows the developers to create apps using the iOS programming languages, officially supported by Apple Inc, including Swift and Objective-C.

Here is how you can get started with iOS development

1- Grab a Mac

Having a mac is the best option for iOS development because Microsoft Windows does not support iOS development. For iOS development, your Mac should have an Intel-based processor with a running version of macOS 10.14.4 or above. In case you own a Mac pc then it should at least have 3.6 GHz intel i3 processer for the tool to run smoothly.

1- Have an Apple ID

To develop apps , you should have an Apple id. Apple id is required for the installation of XCode and to access the documentation on SDK. Most importantly, it will allow you to deploy your app on the iPhone or iPad. If you don’t have an Apple id then you should go on the Apple website and register your identity.

1- Choose the language

To start with the development of iOS , Swift is the language to focus on as it is Apple's own programming language. While Objective-C is the native language of iOS, Swift is a better option for many reasons. Swift is not only more useful; it will take less time to learn. While Swift has made things even easier than before, learning iOS is still not an easy task and takes a lot of hard work and dedication. For an experienced developer , Swift can take a few days/weeks to learn. If you're new to programming , it will be helpful to know a few basics before moving on to Swift, such as object-oriented programming.

1- Install XCode

Install XCode on your Mac to start iOS development. XCode is the only app you need for creating your app. It provides developers with an integrated development environment (IDE). XCode will give you the latest iOS SDK version for creating an app for the most recent version of the iPhone. It also has a built-in editor for source code, graphic user interface (GUI) editor, and debugging tools. Most importantly, it comes with an iPhone and iPad stimulator so, you can test your app without deploying it to your iPhone and iPad

When learning iOS development, one thing that makes it easier to get started is that most of the learning focuses on one language. Knowing this language will be able to quickly catch up with iOS development. You can get started with iOS development at any time in your life. You can fit your learning time into your schedule and make it convenient for you. However, how much time you can and want to devote to learning programming will affect how quickly you reach your goal.