Beginner to iPhone Programming [Archive]

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 9, 2009, 05:57 PM

Hi! I am very interested in iPhone programming and a TOTAL beginner. Later this month, when it comes out I am going to order the latest version of the iPhone Programming for Dummies. I have some very interesting ideas for apps. I also have the latest SDK and I know all about Macs. I have some basic knowledge of how I would do the code in Xcode, use Interface Builder to do the interface, and use iPhone Simulator to test it, and then buy the $100 membership and submit the app. This is also a good opportunity to make some money to buy an iPhone 3gS:p. I just sort of need to know how to get started.
Thanks! :cool:

DmbShn41

Jul 12, 2009, 03:53 PM

Wow, I remember I thought like this once....Forget buying the iPhone App Development for Dummies. It's more geared for someone who can write ObjC, and just needs directions with the SDK. Buy 'Programming in Objective C 2.0" by Stephen Kochan. Start there. By the way, if you're going to write a program for iPhone/iPod touch, you might want to get your hands on one first, the iPhone Simulator works well, but does not act like the mobile devices, and more importantly, doesn't have as little memory as the mobiles devices. This isn't necessarily something that you're going to pickup in a few days, let alone weeks. Devote a good amount of time to this, and you're looking at a few months to learn and start developing a decent app.

LePigeonBleu

Jul 12, 2009, 04:20 PM

thanks for the information! i'm a registered developer, but i'm still learning.

m

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 15, 2009, 07:54 PM

Buy 'Programming in Objective C 2.0" by Stephen Kochan. Start there. By the way, if you're going to write a program for iPhone/iPod touch, you might want to get your hands on one first, the iPhone Simulator works well, but does not act like the mobile devices, and more importantly, doesn't have as little memory as the mobiles devices. This isn't necessarily something that you're going to pickup in a few days, let alone weeks. Devote a good amount of time to this, and you're looking at a few months to learn and start developing a decent app.

I will defiantly look into getting the book you suggested. But does it totally start from the beginning? Does it talk about Xcode and Interface builder? Remember, I have no experience in programming. Any other book suggestions?

As for using in on a real iPhone/iPod Touch, I can always use my Dad's 3GS.

I know it takes a lot of devotion and I am willing to put a lot of time into this.

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions! More would be greatly appreciated!

elistan

Jul 16, 2009, 01:08 AM

Remember, I have no experience in programming. Any other book suggestions?

I've heard this one is good:
Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners
http://www.amazon.com/Hello-World-Computer-Programming-Beginners/dp/1933988495/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247724293&sr=8-1

Perhaps the language will be a bit simplistic, but the concepts will give you the basics of how programming works.

lee.anderson

Jul 16, 2009, 12:28 PM

I would definitely recommend "Programming in Objective-C 2.0" by Stephen Kochan. It assumes you have no programming knowledge at all. The author of the book is a member of this forum, he even answered a question I had about this book.

bdorpetzl

Jul 16, 2009, 12:59 PM

Once you have a handle on objective-c, Beginning iPhone Development is a good book and I believe that a new version, Beginning iPhone 3.0 Development is now out (updated for 3.0 of course).

Here is the link to the new book. Link (http://www.apress.com/book/view/1430224592)

TodVader

Jul 16, 2009, 01:56 PM

I have read both books mentioned in this thread (version 1 for beginning iPhone development).

The Objective-C book does not talk about Xcode until pretty far in the book. It also barely mentions Interface Builder. Its goal is to teach the Objective-C language, not really how to use it. Excellent book by the way.

After having read that book, Beginning iPhone development is a great book to learn Xcode, Interface builder and the various iPhone elements.

If you have no programming experience, don't start with the second book. you WILL get lost.

I had C++ experience and still gained allot reading Stephan Kochan's book.

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 19, 2009, 06:52 AM

Do you guys have any apps on the app store (don't worry, I'm not doubting you, just interested)? If so which ones?

isaaclimdc

Jul 19, 2009, 07:10 AM

Thanks for the recommendation of "Programming in Objective-C 2.0" by Kochan. It's great to pick up the actual syntax of Obj-C, given little or no previous experience in the language. What most beginner developers like to do is to try to jump straight into trying to use Xcode and IB to get apps out, before actually mastering Obj-C.

So, yes I agree with a previous poster.

1) Start with "Programming in Objective-C 2.0" to learn Obj-C

2) Then read "Beginning iPhone 3 Development" to begin developing useful iPhone apps.

3) Register for the iPhone Developer's Program for $99 and have a development device ready (remember, the phone must be specifically provisioned for development).

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 19, 2009, 07:42 AM

Just ordered the programming for kids book on amazon.:D

isaaclimdc

Jul 19, 2009, 09:04 AM

Just ordered the programming for kids book on amazon.:D

:p

PBG4 Dude

Jul 20, 2009, 09:42 AM

3) Register for the iPhone Developer's Program for $99 and have a development device ready (remember, the phone must be specifically provisioned for development).

One quick question, how many devices can be provisioned for development under the $99 plan? I'd like to use my first gen iPhone and 3G S as development devices (the 3G S is also my main phone).

Metal Dice

Jul 20, 2009, 02:06 PM

One quick question, how many devices can be provisioned for development under the $99 plan? I'd like to use my first gen iPhone and 3G S as development devices (the 3G S is also my main phone).

100 devices can be used.

Darkroom

Jul 20, 2009, 02:36 PM

this book (http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-iPhone-Development-Exploring-SDK/dp/1430216263/ref=pd_sim_b_8) is really great. i highly recommend it when you are comfortable with the basics.

before you start reading Programming In Objective C 2.0, you should check out this golden oldie (http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Beginners-Guide-Other-Sams/dp/0672305100/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1248118491&sr=1-1) (1994)... it is a great place to start and WILL help you lots.

PBG4 Dude

Jul 20, 2009, 02:36 PM

100 devices can be used.

I thought there was a difference between generating an executable for up to 100 devices while testing and 'provisioning' something as a development device?

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 20, 2009, 04:22 PM

3) Register for the iPhone Developer's Program for $99 and have a development device ready (remember, the phone must be specifically provisioned for development).

You mean that you have to have an iPhone for deployment?:confused:

dejo

Jul 20, 2009, 05:10 PM

You mean that you have to have an iPhone for deployment?:confused:
No, you can deploy to an iPod touch as well.

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 21, 2009, 04:51 PM

What do you need the iPhone/iPod Touch for anyway?

dejo

Jul 21, 2009, 05:18 PM

What do you need the iPhone/iPod Touch for anyway?
It is recommended that you test your app on an actual device, as well. The simulator is not an exact representation of the capabilities and performance that a device offers.

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 21, 2009, 06:17 PM

Ok, because at this time I don't have an iPhone/iPod Touch. Luckily, I can use my Dad's iPhone. Of course, if I get an app on the app store I will use the money either to get an iPhone of a Mac Tablet (once it comes out):D.

dejo

Jul 21, 2009, 06:24 PM

Luckily, I can use my Dad's iPhone.
Just be careful with that. It would handled as a development device, which means potential issues, such as if you install beta OSes on it, it's permanently "locked" into testing mode. If you Dad relies on his iPhone, you don't want to be messing it up.

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 21, 2009, 06:57 PM

Guess it looks like an iPod Touch is in my future (either refurbished or used). What is Beta OSeS? What does it do? Two conflicting feelings: :D:mad:

dejo

Jul 21, 2009, 07:05 PM

What is Beta OSeS? What does it do?
Beta OSes are beta versions of upcoming iPhone OS releases. For example, as a paid developer, you would now have access to iPhone OS 3.1 beta 2. They are offered in order to allow developers to test their apps with the latest OS and report any problems encountered back to Apple so that the final release of the OS to the public is more bug-free. They also allow you to adjust your apps so that they can still run under new OSes and thereby provide a higher-quality app to your users.

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 21, 2009, 07:10 PM

Beta OSes are beta versions of upcoming iPhone OS releases. For example, as a paid developer, you would now have access to iPhone OS 3.1 beta 2. They are offered in order to allow developers to test their apps with the latest OS and report any problems encountered back to Apple so that the final release of the OS to the public is more bug-free. They also allow you to adjust your apps so that they can still run under new OSes and thereby provide a higher-quality app to your users.

Do you have any apps on the app store?

dejo

Jul 21, 2009, 07:23 PM

Do you have any apps on the app store?
Not seeing signatures? ;)

Yeah, currently have 4 apps on the App Store: DEJOware's a.k.a. and Another Roadside Attraction's CraigsHarvest, CraigsHarvest Lite and FlashBeat.

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 22, 2009, 06:42 AM

Not seeing signatures? ;)

Yeah, currently have 4 apps on the App Store: DEJOware's a.k.a. and Another Roadside Attraction's CraigsHarvest, CraigsHarvest Lite and FlashBeat.

Awesome! I guess I am learning from the the masters:cool:

no.1 Apple Fan

Jul 22, 2009, 05:33 PM

Why is your app 17+? It's a Craigslist finder.

dejo

Jul 22, 2009, 05:53 PM

Why is your app 17+? It's a Craigslist finder.
Because it can access craigslist's Personals category as well as the Adult Services subcategory. (You wouldn't believe the hoops we had to jump through to get CraigsHarvest approved before there was these ratings groups.)