Ask HN: Resources for learning iOS development in 2013 | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Resources for learning iOS development in 2013

9 pointskfullert10 comments

Hi,

I'm a primarily ruby developer, however a friend has asked if I can help with an iOS app for his site (integrating features so it's not just a wrapper for the site)

I've looked at, and done Hello, World style iOS test apps in the past, but this was in iOS4 days, looking at XCode now it's all Storyboards which doesn't seem to tie in with the eBook I bought way-back-when (PragProgs iPhone SDK Development from 2009) and things have moved a long way since then.

So, what are the resources you'd recommend (paid eBooks included) for a developer who's basically new to Obj-C and iOS development?

Cheers!

Kevin

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First off, I have some small side iOS projects coming down the pipeline so if you're interested in helping a bit, get in touch.

Also, storyboards are really powerful and can save you a lot of time once you learn them.

I'm mostly a Rails/Ruby dev as well but am doing more iOS. My recommended resources are:

1. BIG Nerd Ranch book (best book IMO) http://www.amazon.com/iOS-Programming-Ranch-Guide-Guides/dp/...

2. Programming iOS (5|6) by Neuburg (either version is fine) http://www.amazon.com/Programming-iOS-6-Matt-Neuburg/dp/1449...

3. Ray Wenderlich blog and tutorials bundle (worth the money) http://www.raywenderlich.com/store/ios-5-and-ios-6-by-tutori... His storyboard tutorials are great

4. NSScreencast (think RailsCasts for iOS. Not as thorough yet, but worth the money) http://nsscreencast.com/

5. Do a week-long, in person class such as http://pragmaticstudio.com/ios if you can afford it

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Other than that, I really haven't run into issues I couldn't figure out via Stackoverflow or Apple's docs/samples.

The real issue for me was wrapping my head around the frameworks and understanding how it differs from Rails/web world. You might find it helpful to just take a week off and bury yourself in it. Try and pick a very simple (but useful/functional) app you can build and ship in a couple weeks. Give yourself a deadline and do it.

So, I know its probably odd, but I tend to favor video resources when picking up a new language. My process tends to be to go through a great overview series that hits the high concepts, and then use books + internet as a reference for improvement.

For IOS and Obj-C there is one absolute winner for me:

Simon Allardice's Obj-C and iOS courses http://www.lynda.com/Simon-Allardice/21-1.html

He is by far the most thorough and entertaining bald, british, programming teacher ever. Granted, he focuses on the core essentials, but that's generally what you need anyway.

Hope this helps!

Haha, yea I love his voice. The distortion is hilarious when you speed up the videos and just as entertaining.

Definitely a great resource worth getting a Lynda account for if you University doesn't offer one for you already

Apple's own tutorials and videos are quite good. They are available once you become a paid ADC member.

Hillegass's book is what most people use, but it's slightly dated at the moment. I actually prefer Ray Wenderlich's material these days. Once you get advanced, Mike Ash's Friday Q&A is a great resource.

Video wise, the Stanford iOS course on iTunes U is great, but I'm not sure how up to date it is.

I second the Stanford iOS class - a new one just finished in March, so it's very up to date: https://itunes.apple.com/us/course/coding-together-developin...

Third, I just took the class as well and the forums on piazza are also a great resource. They went live when the class started and the community was very helpful for a beginner. There are still some active people there so check it out.

https://piazza.com/stanford/fall2012/cs193p/home

EDIT: that was the old link https://piazza.com/stanford/winter2013/cs193p/home

Also, nshipster.com

If you want to make this one app and then go back to Ruby (or what you normally do) afterwards, you could probably wing it with a variety of specific online tutorials, GitHub, StackOverflow, and of course 'Google'.

If you want to become a talented iOS Developer, callmeed posted everything you'll need to start your journey.

Thanks for all your answers, I'm looking to do more "proper" iOS development as time goes on rather than just winging it for one app and never returning :) As suggested by callmeed, I'm going to try and book a week off from my day job as trying to learn something like this in the few hours I have free in evenings isn't going to happen (at least not productively) and I've got a target of what I hope to get done by the end of the week - thanks for your suggestions everyone, and I'll be in touch shortly callmeed :)

Check out http://www.getappninja.com/ which currently features an iOS for Absolute Beginners video screencast series that takes you from zero knowledge to building a Zombie Pet game from scratch.

Also Ray Wenderlich resources are great IMO.

Disclaimer: I am the founder of App Ninja :)

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