Hello, I am thinking about buying a developer account to get the 3.0 beta. I am also wondering if it would be worth it though. Considering I am a 14 year old with no coding experience, would it even be worth it for me to upgrade to paid, other than getting the beta os's? I could pay for it and everything, but because of my age, it is a big chunk out of my savings. I REALLY want to learn cocoa, and cocoa touch. I have even tried, multiple times. But I always fail when it starts to get complicated. So, do you think I should spend the cash and buy a dev account? If so, do you have any tips for a coding noob? Note that I have no developing experience, except for learning Small Basic (Heck, at least it's sort of a language
). I am also not some teenager looking to make a quick buck, I'd be making mostly free apps, and maybe a couple paid. Thanks for reading.
This all depends on what you want to do. If you don't have the interest or aptitude for programming (and you're only into playing around with things until you get tired of them), then you should definitely just wait until 3.0 is released. REMEMBER: Once you put 3.0 on your iPhone... its NOT coming off. No "restore" will bring your phone back to 2.0. It's a one way trip, and if something goes wrong, you're putting your phone usage at risk. Apple recommends that you do NOT put it on your main phone, but a phone (or Touch) dedicated to development. Many developers are simply using their old 2G iPhone and calling it a day.
Regarding learning to code, there are plenty of free resources on Apple's website, and the SDK is free as well. I personally recommend these two books:
* Programming in Objective-C 2.0 | Stephen Kochan (this will get you rolling from scratch)
* Beginning iPhone Development - Exploring the iPhone SDK | Dave Mark/Jeff LaMarche (this will get you creating iPhone apps)
Buy these books used if you have to, it will be MUCH less than $99. Then, when you've outgrown the simulator and want to start doing more... sign-up for a dev account. But, if you're going to give away stuff for free... you really better LOVE programming. If you're trying to make some extra money, then use this as a project for understanding how to run your own business affairs.
When I was 14, I would have been all over the iPhone SDK. I saved $1,200 for my first Amiga, and programming on my Commodore 128 for hours and hours into the night, just to see what I could do. If I had something even an nth as cool as the iPhone, with all that free time... I'd have been over the moon (My current computer, the iMac, cost just a little more than my Amiga back then, which is very ironic). Now, I'm married, and I have to race against time before we have our first kid (we're not trying yet)... by, then I'll probably have even
less free time than I do
now.
Enjoy it while you have it. Time is a valuable resource. Put it to work for you and you won't regret it. Take it for granted, and you'll be amazed at how fast it moves.
If you do get around to developing iPhone apps... don't do a "fart" app, or the first crazy thing that pops into your head. Really think about it, and find out something unique that people really need. It's boring to hear all these stories of developers that though that their mediocre, poorly executed idea would have people clamoring to pay for it (hint: this usually doesn't work out well). Stick to creating something that fits these two criteria and you're golden: 1.) You would happily buy it, from its description. 2.) It solves a basic need or has high amusement value.
Good luck,
~ CB
