[SOLVED] Help coding and making iOS apps!

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DarkDubzs

DarkDubzs

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So someone asked me if i could make an app for their personal productivity gain and i said it would be tough, since i have never coded anything, but i would try. It sounds fun to me since ive never tried it and i really want to try it if i can.
So i would need to know what tools to download, what the apps are actually coded and written with (ive heard that they are made with Xcode or something but not sure), and of course some advice and help. Also, ive heard you can only make ios apps on a Mac or OSX, but ive also heard that there are ways to make them in Windows, is that true and how if so? I only have a Windows 8 pc and i absolutely will not or cannot buy a mac just to make an app for free.
So any help and advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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Ijack
1. You need a Mac.
2. You use XCode.
3. You write the app in Objective-C.
4. It costs $99 per year to join the Apple Developer Program. Unless you are a member of that you cannot transfer your apps to an iPad or iPhone.
5. There are a load of resources available to teach you, but in view of the above, and your OP, I think it would be a waste of time to list them.

if you want to play at producing apps life would be a lot easier with Android. You could then use Windows, program in Java (which is rather more widespread than Objective-C) and, best of all, transfer your apps to a real device without having to fork out any cash. But, in either case, it is a fairly steep learning curve, particularly if you have no programming experience...
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dannyboy2233

dannyboy2233

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Pick up any books at your disposal, and look into some classes in your area. There are many languages which apps can be programmed in. This will likely be a process that takes years (as learning how to really code isn't easy). If your friend needs the app within the near future, then you may have to say no.
I recommend some sort of collaboration; although I don't know the situation, I see no reason that your friend should put you to work (and lots of it) for something that you gain nothing from.
 
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DarkDubzs

DarkDubzs

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I was thinking that too. Classes? Not happening. I was thinking it wasnt that hard actually, i was imagining it was going to be like Adobe Dreamweaver, no codes for the dev to write just designing the layout and it automatically codes it.
I actually read here that "iPhone apps are written in Objective-C and use the Cocoa Touch API."
It was actually my teacher who came up with this "great idea" since im the "techie" in my HS. She told me that I should make an app where students can turn in homework and teachers grade it there. I'm sure it would also have to be a website too and the app and site would have to sync constantly to each other. At the time it sounded possible, now not so much. I have to code the app, pay $100/year for a dev license from Apple, make the site, pay to have it run and maintained, pay possibly a data center for space to hold the data of the site and app and have them be in sync...
 
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Ijack

Ijack

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1. You need a Mac.
2. You use XCode.
3. You write the app in Objective-C.
4. It costs $99 per year to join the Apple Developer Program. Unless you are a member of that you cannot transfer your apps to an iPad or iPhone.
5. There are a load of resources available to teach you, but in view of the above, and your OP, I think it would be a waste of time to list them.

if you want to play at producing apps life would be a lot easier with Android. You could then use Windows, program in Java (which is rather more widespread than Objective-C) and, best of all, transfer your apps to a real device without having to fork out any cash. But, in either case, it is a fairly steep learning curve, particularly if you have no programming experience whatsoever.
 
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DarkDubzs

DarkDubzs

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Lets say I want to make an Android app in the future, would I have to code it directly? I mean would i have to type all the code just from memory and knowledge or is there a program or tool that makes it easier by just designing the app and it codes for you, like Adobe Dreamweaver?
 
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Blaise170

Blaise170

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You have to be able to program yourself. Programming is not easy and takes a long time to get anything done. I've been programming for a little over two years now and still have trouble with writing programs. There are programs called integrated development environments which will help you, but they will not code for you and I suggest getting familiar with the command line before you make the jump to an IDE.
 
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dannyboy2233

dannyboy2233

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+1
 
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DarkDubzs

DarkDubzs

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I completely get you. Last year i took a class in high school where we learned to code a website, starting with straight coding with notepad to eventually using Dreamweaver, nothing too advanced but it was my first taste of any kind of coding. I think eventually i would have to learn to code sites and programs, etc. for work purposes as i plan to be an IT Technician, but for now its on pause
 
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Blaise170

Blaise170

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Good luck in whatever you decide to do. I work for my school's IT and can say from experience that you just have to immerse yourself. Stay with it and don't get discouraged.
 
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rdc363

rdc363

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Right now iOS and OS X development platforms are changing from Objectic-C to Swift. I've been developing on OSX for a while. The main language is Objective-C. Which, IMO, is not easily learned.

If you already know the basic concepts of C, OOP programming, and developing GUI applications, you might be able to get going with Objective-C pretty easily. I would suggest a book called Programming In Objective-C, by Stephen G. Kochan. Make sure you get the newest version for Xcode 5. Also, you will want a book for making applications, as the aforementioned is an introduction to Objective-C. The biggest problem with programming for iOS and OSX, is that Apple brings in new stuff so quickly. So even stuff from two years ago is outdated. You can only run Xcode 5 and Xcode6 Beta on Mavericks as well. Even stuff on sites like Tutorial Academy do not keep up with how fast Apple makes changes to Objective-C as a language and the Coacoa api/framework.

Here's the hitch: Objective-C is going out and Swift is coming in. If you are starting from scratch, and not a not at least a mid-level developer, I'd suggest getting your hands on a developers' beta copy of Xcode6, download the new Swift programming guide form Apple iBooks (it's free) and start there. Swift is easier to learn than Objective-C and is the future of iOS and OS X development. However, Swift support right now is in a beta phase. If you are new application development, that does not matter. By the time you are making quality apps, Swift will be ready for prime time.

Another alternative are some 3rd party platforms: Xojo, PureBasic, and Firemonkey from embarcadero (formerly Delphi). However, these are not really tools for serious developers. While they can produce quality apps and keep coding simple, they will always lag behind and have bugs supporting Apple proprietary API's.

EDIT: after re-reading your post the 3rd party platforms might be best if you only have access to Windows. embarcadero studio and XoJo can both compile native OS X apps on Windows, then run on a Mac. Same with PureBasic. However, Embarcadero Studio is the only one that supports iOS at this time.

If you have access to a Mac, in your situation, get a developer's version of Xcode 6, and Apple's Swift guide from the iBooks store. It is gonna be easier than Objective-C on Xcode5. Also, I'd recommend quickly learning Python or PERL. While you cannot develop iOS apps with either, they will tech you how to program using a simple easy language.

That was my two cents. Good luck! :)
 
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