Ios Development Tutorial: Learn How To Develop An Iphone App

By Author: Sohail Shaikh
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If you are keen to develop an iOS app but aren’t sure where or how to start, this blog will bless you with the perfect guidelines about the requirements of developing an iPhone app. We will not just focus on the tutorial but also on ways in which you can effectively reduce the learning curve of the development of the iOS app.

Since the demand for more iPhone models has been on the rise, iOS developers are in high demand to invent better and more convenient iOS apps.

General Requirements for Developing iOS apps

The most fundamental trick to creating iOS apps is by learning and understanding the programming languages used in iPhone app development. The main programming languages to work with are Swift and Objective-C.

Swift- This is the official language declared for writing iOS apps by Apple in the year 2014. It was pitched as the substitute for Apple’s other language at the time, Objective-C. However, due to ease and convenience to use, it became Apple’s official app development language. Swift is compatible only with versions iOS 7, OSX 10.9, and higher. It is much easier to learn for budding ...
... programmers as it has simple syntax, enhanced security, full-stack abilities, and big community support.

Objective-C- Once announced as the official language for developing iOS apps, this remains one of Apple’s official mobile app development languages. As a version of C, this one was first developed in 1980 which is quite complex to juvenile programmers. It offers table performance, C++ compatibility, flexibility in the coding environment, and ample resources available for the developers.

Elements required to develop an iOS app

iMac- Having an iMac is an integral part of Mobile app development. It contains the latest version of Xcode (the framework in which iPhone apps are programmed). You would also require a Mac Mini since it comes with a 3.0 GHz Core i5 processor with 8 GB memory. The availability of this hardware will provide the developer with a seamless and flexible iOS development process.

Application Developer Account- You need to register yourself as an iOS developer on Apple’s official developer website. There is no fee required to sign in. Once you register your name, you will be able to install Xcode and access the iOS SDK to start working on the development. All you need to do is have an Apple ID after which you are good to go. Once this is done, you need to set up the Xcode step-by-step

Installing Xcode- Xcode is the only kit you require for iOS app development initially. It is considered to be Apple’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE). You can develop Mac and iOS apps on this.

The graphical interface of the Xcode allows the programmer to perform seamlessly while developing applications for the iPhone. There are multiple frameworks, tools, and compilers, along with the iOS SDK. These are needed to perform software development, debug programs, and create an interactive user interface. Once all these things are set up you need to install the Xcode framework by following the steps given below:

If you are using the latest Mac OS, you will be able to find the Mac App Store button in the dock.
In the Mac App Store, search for Xcode in the navigation bar and click on the FREE button to install the tool.
The Xcode will appear on the launchpad once it is installed.

How to build an iOS app?

By following the steps given below you will be able to build an app for iOS which is fully functional and designed for your and the world’s convenience.

Setting up the Xcode

There are a certain set of tools that are necessary to be set up with your development environment. Xcode is the first tool you need to set up to code an app for iPhone since it is Apple’s official IDE. Once installed from the Mac App Store, make sure to spend some time learning the environment of Xcode since this is where you will be coding most of the time.

Register for an Apple Developer Account

After that, you will have to sign in to an Apple Developer Account. If you want to test your app on any device or even to the App Store, this account is highly necessary for iOS app development. You can work on the free version although, to have all the features available along with app distribution requires an annual subscription.

UI Design

Once you have set up your environment, you can now begin designing your app’s interface. Create a new project in Xcode. You will be provided with a general template to begin your work with. There is also a visual interface designer offered by Xcode which helps you in dragging and dropping UI elements such as labels, images, and buttons.

Coding with Swift

Appearances aren’t everything- an iOS app is much more than just how visually appealing it seems. Without a functioning code to execute, the app is no good to anyone. This is where Swift comes in handy. It is officially Apple’s go-to language when it comes to app development. Swift files can be seen in different parts of Xcode. The code here will determine the actions of the elements that the user has ingrained into the storyboard.

ViewController.swift is the file where all the magic happens. Otherwise, there are other files to check out as well.

iOS App Testing

Xcode allows you to imitate the features of different iOS devices with the help of a simulator. This will provide you with a demonstration of how your app will run across different devices. Although, make sure to test the app on a real device to be sure of its functionality, just in case.

App Store Release

Once your app is through the tests ensuring its functionality and credibility, you can then proceed to release your app in the market. To pass through the App Store’s highly disciplinary guidelines, your app will have to go through some serious review and analysis.
The listing process can be made much more vibrant and appealing with the help of enticing screenshots, catchy descriptions, along any other kind of metadata. Once submitted, the review process will commence, and if your app is given the green signal, it will be available on the App Store.

Learn iOS Development Quicker Than Ever

Define your goals

Before starting any task, it is important to decide what result we desire. Aiming for a job, developing a skill, or even talking to someone, there is always something that we are working towards. Having an ulterior motive to perform a certain task is one thing but to have a clear vision about it is the only way you will get the job done.

Learn the required language

Now that you have a goal to achieve, the next step is to gather the necessary tools to achieve that. Objective-C and Swift are the mainstream programming languages when it comes to iOS app development with Swift being the officially favored one. However, make sure to pick the language that suits your app’s framework and working style. Make sure to learn everything about the language’s syntax, core concepts, as well as its basics.

Swift is generally preferred worldwide since developing your mastery at Swift paves the way for much smoother and more flexible later iOS development stages.

Practice on Learning Platforms

Interactive learning platforms such as Swift Playgrounds offer massive space to learn and grow in the language and see the results for yourself. Due to the instant feedback, these kinds of playgrounds are great for budding iOS app developers as it revitalize the learning process making it easier and more convenient due to the responsive activity.

Embrace the Practicality

Since theory can only take you so far, it is better if you get some practical hands-on experience. This helps you analyze the issues in your work while building dummy iOS apps which can enhance your development skills. Once the basics are clear, building more complex apps will enhance your mastery of the language and you will be on your way to becoming a professional iOS developer. Refurbishing older apps is another way of practicing the development process.

Template Selection

There are numerous templates available online that will provide you with an outline of the app you are developing. Having a pre-planned structure eliminates the probability of superfluous edits and reviews and gives you a general idea of how your app is supposed to look. It is better to start with something rather than build everything from scratch.

Online Courses and Tutorials

There are several websites such as Ray Wenderlich, Coursera, Udemy, etc., that offer cutting-edge, state-of-the-art courses that allow people to enroll and develop skills. These courses offer video lectures, assignments, and projects for you to work on and improve on. Hence, these courses help young developers out a lot and anyone who wants to become one.

Bootcamp Training
These are quite exhausting training programs that will speed up you from the basics to advanced in no time at all. These programs can transform an amateur developer into an advanced one in no time. All you need to do is provide much commitment and time to the projects and follow the guidelines. With expert instructions and a predetermined curriculum, Bootcamp Training turns you into a full-fledged iOS app developer.

Communicate with the Developer’s Community

The iOS community is one of the biggest developer communities in the world. They do not just provide ground-breaking solutions but also offer insights as to how you can improve the app. Participate in forums and online platforms such as Stack Overflow, attend local developer meetups to get your issues resolved, and gain opportunities to work on other projects.

Learn much about iOS debugging

Debugging is quite a significant skill to learn when it comes to programming. Removing errors and bugs from your code is something that is much needed as a part of the developer’s skill. Xcode’s debugging tools are functionally different so make sure that you learn how to utilize those tools. These tools will help you correct and rectify your mistakes and keep your code error-free.

Keep Yourself Updated with the Technology

The ever-progressive world of technology becomes a lethal weapon for those who stay updated with the evolving technologies around them. So keeping track of technology through various multimedia such as podcasts, YouTube blogs, and other social media is always a great idea. It lets you know about the many technological advancements around the world and how you can make the best use of them to enhance your skills.

Other Programming Languages

Besides the availability of Swift and Objective-C, there are other programming languages available at your expense. Some of these are mentioned below:

Flutter- Flutter was created in 2015 and introduced to the online market in 2017 by Google as an open-source framework. You can create visually appealing and scenic cross-platform apps using this framework. As a result, it is considered by both iOS and Android developers. However, it is too exorbitant and time-efficient.

C#- A high-end general-purpose, object-oriented programming language, it was released by Microsoft as a response to Java and Objective-C. It is considered one of the most versatile programming languages around the world. It is another open-source framework that makes things much simpler for intermediate to advanced-level developers. It also entails a massive talent pool and supports cross-platform app development along with a versatile library.

HTML5- This language was used in integration with JavaScript and CSS. It is also utilized by the majority of websites around the world. This language is used strictly for building hybrid apps and is not much preferred for native app development. Hybrid app development helps a bunch in browser control and utilizes the combination well to render pages.

Although these programming languages are not much in demand and neither are utilized majorly by iOS programmers around the world, in very special cases, these languages are the go-to solutions for iOS developers.

FAQ

Is it difficult to learn iOS development?

Absolutely not! Apple has designed Swift with all the necessary tools and simplified syntax. All you need is a Mac to execute your coding skills on Xcode along with a few more resourceful tools. So it is quite convenient and simple to learn iOS app development.

What programming languages are utilized to build iOS apps?

The primary languages required to create apps for iOS are Objective-C and Swift, both developed by Apple. The former was replaced by the latter as the official iOS app development language. However, there are a few more programming languages besides these like HTML5, C#, and Flutter.

Is there any way to develop an iOS app on Windows?

There are multiple ways to develop an iPhone app on Windows. Some of these are mentioned below:

Develop ‘Hackintosh’ to execute Xcode.
Get yourself a Mac in the Cloud.
Make sure to code in Xamarin to develop iOS apps on Windows.
Develop the app in a React Native Environment.
Utilize Cross-Platform tools to build iOS apps.

Conclusion

So now that you are a much wiser person when it comes to developing an iOS app, follow the aforementioned guidelines to deliver yourself a seamless, scalable, and flexible iOS app. Make sure to learn the languages that aren’t just popular in demand but also suit your preferences and working style. Having a general understanding of multiple programming languages is essential for a good iOS app developer.

Besides the programming languages make sure that you try all the other routes as well since they can be quite significant for your journey as an aspiring iOS app developer. There are also many different ways to reduce the iOS app development time, hence, make sure to pick the best way suited to your natural methods.

I serve as a dedicated marketing analyst at 360 Degree Technosoft, a prominent leader in mobile app development services. My role revolves around combining data-driven insights, innovative technology, and strategic thinking to drive growth and excellence. With a deep passion for technology and a commitment to crafting exceptional digital solutions, I play a pivotal role in our mission to create and deliver cutting-edge mobile applications that transform businesses and elevate user experiences.