Reddit reviews iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (5th Edition) (Big Nerd Ranch Guides)
We found 5 Reddit comments about iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (5th Edition) (Big Nerd Ranch Guides). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Although you could, technically speaking, develop for iOS on something other the OS X, practically speaking, it would be extremely difficult.
That said, if you insist on using non-Apple hardware, I'd first read this: https://www.quora.com/Is-it-possible-to-create-an-iOS-app-with-Swift-on-a-Linux-platform-like-Ubuntu
For the rest of my advice, I assume that you are using OS X.
Also, regarding whether or not you need an iPad, though you can test in the simulator, and that works for most things, before actually shipping anything, I'd highly recommend testing it on actual hardware.
First, I would recommend learning Swift, Apple's new programming language. Others may tell you to learn Objective-C, however Swift will be supported for longer, is a better overall programming language, and is what Apple is pushing developers to use.
For a free Swift tutorial, I'd recommend this practical tutorial: http://www.raywenderlich.com/115253/swift-2-tutorial-a-quick-start as well as the official documentation: https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/Swift/Conceptual/Swift_Programming_Language/TheBasics.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40014097-CH5-ID309
Second, for general iOS Development, if you're willing to pay, by far the best resource is this book from Big Nerd Ranch: http://www.amazon.com/iOS-Programming-Ranch-Guide-Guides/dp/0134390733/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453057007&sr=8-1&keywords=iOS+development+big+nerd+ranch ($11)
For programming iOS you use Xcode, a free IDE from Apple specifically designed for iOS and OS X Development, though it is extremely powerful and can be used for almost any programming task.
It can be a steep learning curve at times, but if you stick with it, there hare hundreds of millions of prospective customers.
Regards, Brandon
Big Nerd Ranch's Swift book came out in December 2015 and its iOS programming (5th Edition) book was released a day later. So the code should work side-by-side.
You can find them on Amazon: [Swift] (http://www.amazon.com/Swift-Programming-Ranch-Guide-Guides/dp/0134398017) and iOS Programming (5th Edition)
In the Swift book, you'll be making command-line programs that teach you the basics of the language. But I find that app development isn't so much about knowing Swift/Obj-C but more about knowing how to use the frameworks/APIs, which is what BNR's iOS Programming will teach you.
The best two books that you can add to you list are going to be release in December 2015:
Dec 21, 2015
http://www.amazon.com/Swift-Programming-Ranch-Guide-Guides/dp/0134398017/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449670522&sr=1-1&refinements=p_n_publication_date%3A1250228011
Dec 21, 2015
http://www.amazon.com/iOS-Programming-Ranch-Edition-Guides/dp/0134390733/ref=pd_bxgy_14_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=01375BDKNPMY4DPRYDSM
Reading books is a good way to get a good grasp of how iOS applications work. This one is really good and isn't too difficult for a beginner especially if you already have some experience with object oriented programming languages.
This course is overall one of the best ressource you can find on the internet in my opinion. It is very well explained and after finishing this course almost everything you'll encounter will be a lot easier to understand.
The only downside to this course is that it's oriented for people who have a strong understanding on how OOP languages work. If you're kinda new to them, you'll be overwhelmed quickly. But this is what I like about this course. Unlike most tutorials you'll find on the web, this one isn't aimed at complete beginners and it'll teach your in depth the foundations of iOS applications. So if you're new, check out the first book first it's extremely potent.
Even if you look kind of new to programming you shouldn't be afraid. You don't have to be extremely good at programming to program applications. In fact it's the same for everyone, our first real application is not that great but eventually you'll build better and better applications. There is no shortcut to be a good programmer, everybody that's great at programming were at the same exact position as you are now. Yes there are people who'll understand things faster than you, but that's basically the same for everything. It doesn't prevent these people from being stuck a whole afternoon because of a stupid bug.
If you see someone on the internet that has an easy time at doing thing you find extremely difficult, it just means they just spent a lot more time than you on the subject.
If you're determined, just pick up a book or starts with the basics at http://www.raywenderlich.com/ simple as that.
You can read some stories about people who got into iOS programming or programming in general with no prior programming experience. In fact I remember seeing not too long ago, someone who just quit his job because of that. He planned to have enough money for him and his wife beforehand, because he couldn't bear his job anymore. I remember another dude who quit everything after getting his master's degree in law.
There are kids who start programming at 12 and make you feel like shit because they are way more competent, but there are also people starting programming past 30 years old who are as successful. No matter your age, your background, if you REALLY want to developp apps you will succeed. You'll just learn like everyone and it will take time but fortunately for you there are awesome people on the internet who can teach you things for free.
You should check out The Big Nerd Ranch Guide, learned a tonne from their books!