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macOS Learn Objective-C

[EDIT] Opps. I see this book was already mentioned. I'll second it then.

For the OP. I found this new title not yet released; "Cocoa and Objective-C: Up and Running". The first sentence in the description made me think of you and this thread. Check our the authors tutorials to see if his writing is compatible with your learning; CocoaDevCentral.
 
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Well, I guess I'll chime in here.

I purposely intended for my Objective-C book not to get involved with a UI and in particular, Interface Builder and the confusion that inevitably results. I think it can be a little much for a novice to have to deal with both XCode and IB (and all their windows) at the same time while trying to learn the language. Further, framework classes, which are not part of the language per se, would have to be introduced early-on, again clouding the distinction between what's part of Objective-C and what's not.

With that said, I'm not discounting the fact that some people need a more physical approach to learning. However, I worry that such an approach will either be a bit overwhelming for the novice, or by necessity will not cover the entire language. Everyone learns differently. Some prefer a classroom setting, others like online courses, others like a text book, and many prefer a combination. I always encourage my readers to find the combination that works best for them.

I am working on the next edition of my book now. My forum members have given me lots of ideas and suggestions for improvement. If anyone here has any, please post to my forum at classroomM.com/objective-c.

Cheers,

Steve Kochan
 
I figure since the OP has been banned and I'm asking a similar question, instead of bloat the forum with another thread I'd ask here.

I'm currently perusing TheBookDepository for learning material on Objective-C. Like the OP I'm just starting out, however, unlike the OP I do not mind the terminal, in fact I spent quite some time in it whilst learning C and the fundamentals of the language. Currently I have Stephen Kochan's highly recommended book in my basket, and before I make the purchase, was wondering if there were any other books I should add to the basket. As per Stephen's advice above, I'd prefer the book to focus solely on Objective-C.


Thanks,

John
 
Blindfutur3 said:
I figure since the OP has been banned and I'm asking a similar question, instead of bloat the forum with another thread I'd ask here. John
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I can say quite unequivocally, that you will not go wrong with **anything** Kochan. He has a knack for explaining and teaching. You might ask when the next edition is coming out and wait for that.
 
mdeh said:
I can say quite unequivocally, that you will not go wrong with **anything** Kochan. He has a knack for explaining and teaching. You might ask when the next edition is coming out and wait for that.
Click to expand...

His current book is only £17, so I certainly don't mind purchasing that now, as well as his upcoming book once it releases.

Thanks,

John
 
34opwfm.png


Programming in Objective-C turned up today. I can finally begin :).

Thanks for the recommendation.


- John
 
Blindfutur3 said:
34opwfm.png


Programming in Objective-C turned up today. I can finally begin :).

Thanks for the recommendation.


- John
Click to expand...

The book is excellent, I started with it a few weeks ago and it really helped to make some of the complex concepts in objective-c more understandable. I have a decent background in C/C++ and a pretty extensive one in PHP and Ruby. The syntax in Objective C took some getting used to.

I noticed Steve posted on this thread, so thanks for a good book :) Look forward to your next edition.
 
kkat69 said:
If your getting bored with the command line stuff you might as well stop now.

It's the core of learning most languages. Doing command line exercises actually teaches you more about how things work.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately +1 : /

I didn't read the entire thread so this may have been mentioned:

If you want to get results fairly fast to help keep your interest, try looking at Visual Basic. Netbeans (a free IDE) has Visual Basic packages. This would allow you to build windows and forms and such.

When you get used to how things work in VB you can always start looking at other languages from there. VB IMO is a great way to get your feet wet programming.

As for learning the command line programs it is boring but necessary. It is actually the easiest way to learn a language because you don't have to mess with all the window drawing code and such while learning.

Also did you happen to look on iTunes University? There are stanford lectures on Cocoa Touch programming. They will give you an idea of what all is involved and they are free.

As for the vocabulary, there is no way around that. You will see programming terms all over the place but they quickly become second nature.
 
My apologies for pulling up an old thread.

I am new to programming. By looking through this thread, are you all saying that for a person that has no knowledge about programming, like me, you should learn OOP first - assuming you want to write programs for Apple?

So is the learning curve like this: OOP > C or C++ or straight to Objective-C
I really want to lean programming, for Apple, but the best direction I will follow. My deadline for learning is 3yrs max.

PS: Needed to create apps for iOS Devices.
 
iMayne said:
My apologies for pulling up an old thread.

I am new to programming. By looking through this thread, are you all saying that for a person that has no knowledge about programming, like me, you should learn OOP first - assuming you want to write programs for Apple?

So is the learning curve like this: OOP > C or C++ or straight to Objective-C
I really want to lean programming, for Apple, but the best direction I will follow. My deadline for learning is 3yrs max.

PS: Needed to create apps for iOS Devices.
Click to expand...



I'd suggest a series of three books for you. You will probably need to get the first and second book together so if you get stuck on one, you can jump to the other (this is common in programming).

First this book:
Big Nerd Ranch Objective-C Book

Followed by this book:
Steve Kochan's Objective-C Book

And then this book:
Big Nerd Ranch iOS Programming

The first book will start with the basics of C, then move to Objective-C, then some Cocoa. This is the fastest way to get up and running.

The second book is pretty much all Objective-C with some Cocoa at the end (I've read the second edition, the fourth edition may be different). This book will be invaluable as a reference book.

The third book is all Cocoa except for a refresher of Objective-C at the beginning.

These three books together should be a great start for you.

EDIT: To clarify the difference between C, Objective-C and Cocoa....

C - A computer programming language that is used all over the place.

Objective-C - a superset of C meaning it has underlying C features but adds some functionality (objects to be specific). This is what you use to program on a Mac (usually) and is a foundation for learning how to use Cocoa.

Cocoa - Cocoa is what you use to create user interfaces for iOS devices, and access their hardware like accellerometers, or cameras, etc. There is more to it then that but if I give a full blown explanation it'll end in confusion at this point ;)
 
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chrono1081 said:
The first book will start with the basics of C, then move to Objective-C, then some Cocoa. This is the fastest way to get up and running.
Click to expand...

I agree with this approach.

The only thing I might add is some more C background/reference material between the Objective-C books and the Cocoa part of Kochan and Conway/Hillegass.

Which book depends on if Kochan or Hillegass resonates with the reader most closely.

B
 
chrono1081: said:
I'd suggest a series of three books for you. You will probably need to get the first and second book together so if you get stuck on one, you can jump to the other (this is common in programming).

First this book:
Big Nerd Ranch Objective-C Book

Followed by this book:
Steve Kochan's Objective-C Book

And then this book:
Big Nerd Ranch iOS Programming

The first book will start with the basics of C, then move to Objective-C, then some Cocoa. This is the fastest way to get up and running.

The second book is pretty much all Objective-C with some Cocoa at the end (I've read the second edition, the fourth edition may be different). This book will be invaluable as a reference book.

The third book is all Cocoa except for a refresher of Objective-C at the beginning.

These three books together should be a great start for you.

EDIT: To clarify the difference between C, Objective-C and Cocoa....

C - A computer programming language that is used all over the place.

Objective-C - a superset of C meaning it has underlying C features but adds some functionality (objects to be specific). This is what you use to program on a Mac (usually) and is a foundation for learning how to use Cocoa.

Cocoa - Cocoa is what you use to create user interfaces for iOS devices, and access their hardware like accellerometers, or cameras, etc. There is more to it then that but if I give a full blown explanation it'll end in confusion at this point ;)
Click to expand...

Much appreciated!

I may get those as an app rather books. Meaning I'd rather get the books in an app form from the Kindle book store.

Once I get the basics, I should be ok from there. At lease I can find the answers since I know what Im looking for.
 
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I'm a 15+ year web programmer (ColdFusion, along with the usual suspects of HTML, JavaScript, CSS, jQuery, etc). I got heavily into OOP using ColdFusion and Java about five years ago. It was a TOUGH transition to wrap my head around it. JavaScript helped a little too since it's also object-oriented to a degree.

In a way, you younger people will have it easier since you'll start right out with OOP in many cases. BUT... then again, maybe it's easier to learn a procedural language first, and then move up to the more complex stuff? I can't quite decide.

If the latter is the case, then our 13yo friend should go for something simpler to start. This will help teach a lot of concepts that he can apply later, and give him some success early on to keep his interest.

Rob
 
Rob.G said:
I just found this site which has some interesting free courses for learning ...
Click to expand...

"Learn [X] the hard way", doesn't seem like great marketing. Does it?

EDIT: Also the courses and books are not quite free, but they are quite low cost.

B
 
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