To write iOS apps in Swift, you need to have a lot of knowledge. Such disciplines as mathematics and logic may not be needed at the initial stage, but later you simply cannot do without them. Given the level of modern technology, a programmer no longer needs a thorough knowledge of computer architecture. But understanding of basic mechanisms: computing systems, their transformations, speed of subroutines or efficiency of algorithms is still necessary.
The easiest way to create an application is on macOS. Working on a mobile application is more convenient on Macbook/iMac. You do not need a new model, a simple Air is well suited for your purposes. In general, it does not matter what kind of device it will be, the main thing is that you can use the latest version of macOS. You can create your program using a virtual macOS machine, but it is quite complicated. You can work on iOS applications and on Objective-OC. Although most often it is used to work with legacy applications. But Swift is best suited for creating a new software product. This language is now actively supported by Apple itself.
Where does the development of mobile applications for iOS begin?
First you need to master the tools with which you plan to develop the application. One of the main ones is the Swift programming language.
For beginners, Swift is very convenient. In it you can write your first program Hello World – the simplest application that is usually created by all beginners in development during the first lesson. It displays a window with your name and greeting. You can easily write it even if you don’t know all the tools of the language.
Thanks to Swift playground in Xcode development, you can start writing code without knowing the features of the system. And on the iPad there is a Swift Playgrounds app – a code editor in which you can work on small programs and games, learn Swift in an interactive tutorial.
IOS applications are written in full-fledged projects, where you can write code and work with a resource, interface, test. And also configure and publish the project.
If you study on your own, then try to apply in practice the knowledge gained from the books and thematic webinars available to you. Thus, the learning process will go much faster. Run code samples – don’t be afraid to experiment.
The main iOS frameworks
After learning the development language, the next step will be to learn how to create a user interface, navigate between screens, receive data over the network and store information in the phone’s memory, master the launch of the program on the simulator and practice finding errors in it. It is important to learn, but do not go too deep into the study of unnecessary technologies.
Be sure to learn the UIKit framework for creating an iOS application interface. It includes windows, labels, gestures, buttons, text fields, drag-and-drop, lists, animations, and much more. To create an application interface, use the graphical editor in Xcode. It will allow you to add the necessary elements to the screen and set the rules for their construction. This does not require layout in the code. This graphical editor is used even by experts, not just beginners.
You will also need Foundation. This is the second most important system framework. With its help, you will work with the network, user data and file system.
Planning.
You may already have an idea for your iOS app. Then, while you are studying system frameworks, you can start working on its development. To do this, it will be a good idea to make yourself a short plan of your further actions:
List the features of your app and choose a few basic ones. The basic properties of the application are important. And also try to add to the list a few features that would distinguish your application from competitors and would be of particular value to the user.
Conduct an analysis of similar apps in the App Store to identify the weaknesses of competitors. And add to your list a few features that will distinguish your application and attract users.
Come up with a design. It is not necessary to master complex programs to create several test layouts. You can just do it in Keynote.
At first, you will have to perform the functions of a designer, analyst, marketer, etc. To make your goal achievable, set yourself a scope of work and a schedule for their implementation. With this approach, you will have more chances to bring what you have started to a logical conclusion and finish creating your application.