iOS Looking to start building iPhone apps > programming experience

[BenDP]

Hey guys,

I have several years experience programming with php and other web languages but no experience with OOP of any kind (so no C based programming). I want to learn how to make some cool iPhone and iPad apps but am having some trouble. I've been trying to learn at lynda.com but have continued having trouble. I've also seen books on both objective c and iOS dev like the one located at this page www.dummies.com/go/iphoneappdevfd3e but I'm really not sure.

Thanks in advance for the help guys!
Ben

 

[balamw]

The "standard" books for learning Cocoa and Objective-C 2.0 with an eye towards iOS apps are:

Kochan: http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Objective-C-2-0-Stephen-Kochan/dp/0321566157
Hillegass: http://www.amazon.com/Cocoa-Programming-Mac-OS-3rd/dp/0321503619/

A couple of books that are more oriented toward programmers and getting iOS apps done up front are:

Conway and Hillegass: http://www.amazon.com/iPhone-Programming-Ranch-Guide-Guides/dp/0321706242
Stevenson: http://www.amazon.com/Cocoa-Objective-C-Running-Foundations-programming/dp/0596804792/

EDIT: Given your background, though, you might want to consider an approach like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Mobile-Web-Maximiliano-Firtman/dp/0596807783

there are tools to convert mobile websites to full fledged apps.

B

 

[Hansr]

I recommend staying away from the For Dummies books, they're dreadful.

For other general advice check the following and then post again with followups that may not be covered:

http://guides.macrumors.com/Cocoa_FAQ
http://guides.macrumors.com/Helpful_development_resources
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/518968/

 

[WesCole]

I recommend staying away from the For Dummies books, they're dreadful.

I actually like the For Dummies books. Granted, they usually do not offer the in-depth view of the topics that they cover as opposed to some other texts, but for the basics, they work fine...they usually give you enough tools to start exploring whatever topic you choose.

I remember using the for DOS and Windows 3.1 when I was a kid and am reading the All-In-One C++ Programming book now. I am learning a lot and will probably pick up an Objective-C For Dummies book once I get C++ down. My new job responsibilities will include more Windows/Java programming, so I chose C++ to learn first.

 

[firewood]

If you already have some programming competency, then there are better books/sites for you than the dummies/idiots stuff. I recommend any of the Hillegass books; but there are other good learning resources as well, including tons of free stuff (videos, etc.) on developer.apple.com.