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How to Start Programming iOS Applications from Scratch

“Will I be able to become a programmer?”

“How can I build an application?”

“Can I start without having any experience?

These are some very common questions asked by beginners who want to learn how to code. Programming can be self-taught and no matter how inexperienced you are, you can still learn how to do it.

Programming isn’t that difficult as long as you have the desire to learn and have a consistent behavior.

My approach will be to slowly introduce you to the concepts as you need them, rather than to give you everything at once.

how-to-start-programming-ios-applications-from-scratch

Today each iOS application has so much significance in individual life that users get used to them so easily and can never get out of it. But gone are the days when people were to make iOS applications in dark and dry environment. Today, anybody who considers himself “a man with ideas” with limited technical resources and abilities can build an application of his own. But HOW? This guide will take you through the entire process.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO MAKE?

Firstly, you should have a sketch. For instance, ask yourself some basic questions, such as these:

  • What will be the application about?
  • What information will each screen have?
  • What should be the size of objects on the screen?
  • What will be the primary action in the application?

Making an outline is a very effective way to add numerous creative and new ideas to your application as you go along.

GETTING STARTED

Apple provides a number of tools which makes it easy for the developers to build iOS application with no difficulty. Downloading the Software Development Kit or SDK from the app store gives you access to the main tools for developing your application. The download which only costs you a few dollars will give you access to Xcode, Interface Builder, Frameworks and tools for testing your application.

Xcode

xcode

Xcode is a software package, a set of interrelated programs that work together, used by developers to build iOS applications.

The best thing about Xcode is that it is not just a code editor but it has a lot more in it. It helps you to write a program, compile it, load it onto a device, sniffs out bugs from your code and ultimately submits it to the app store. When you will open Xcode, you will see a button at the center of the screen which says “Create a new Xcode project”. Click on that button.

In the column on the left hand side, you will see the OS X section, click on Application and select Command Line Tool.

Click “Next” on the following screen and fill in the fields Product name, organization name, company identifier, type, and tick mark the “Automatic Reference Counting” dialog box. And begin designing your app

Interface Builder

interface-builder-ios

A good user interface can be the difference between a highly successful application and its failure. There must be a perfect balance of amazing looks and simple navigation in your user interface.

Interface Builder is an application which enables you to build an effective and balanced user interface visually. You can do that by simply dragging the built-in tab bars, buttons, labels and sliders onto the application’s interface.

If you are a new iOS developer, using Interface builder is highly recommended because it allows you to work on custom interface.

Frameworks

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Framework is one of the most important piece of the puzzle. With a Framework you can easily create an application that will run on Mac iOS and OS X.

Apple provides numerous frameworks which allow new app developers to add and draw graphics on the screen, play audio and video, create user interfaces, take pictures, write networking code and display web pages and so on.

When you are done with the making of your application, it’s time for it to be tested.

  • Click “Simulator” and then “Debug” from the drop down list. Then press “Build and Run” to start the test.
  • Make sure your iPhone, iPad or iPod is plugged into a USB port while testing the application.
  • If your application crashes, first you need to Google the error message and check what it means and you have to check the memory usage at the same time. Debugging can get a bit frustrating, but don’t give and remember, the more applications you build, the better you get at it.

The iOS Developer Account

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You will need an Apple Developer license to test your application on an iPhone, iPad or iPod. So, you need to sign up for a developer account, and once you are done, you can start distributing it to the app store.

Again, remember you are a beginner, so a lot of things are going to be very difficult at first. You just have to keep trying and not to lose hope and as you will gain more experience, things will get easier.

HAPPY CODING!

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