Do you want to become a skilled iOS app developer? Wondering how you can meet your goal in the most straightforward way possible?
If you want to become an iOS developer, you may discover that the process is easier than you think. While you’ll need to build some solid programming skills to become an iOS developer, the path is clear and you’ll only need to follow a few simple steps to get started.
In this complete guide, we’ll make becoming the best app developer for iOS simple and easy.
1. Get a Mac
One of the first steps to take to become an iOS developer is to be sure that you have a Mac of some kind that you can work on. You need to have some good equipment to use to start developing software and if you’re developing for iOS, then having a Mac computer will be key.
Fortunately, an older Mac device will work well, so you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get started. Once you have a Mac, you can start developing iOS apps.
2. Install Xcode
One of the main tools that you’ll need to have when developing apps for iOS is Xcode. Xcode is a free integrated development environment (IDE) that you’ll use to create apps for iOS. You’ll need to download the software from the Mac App Store to get started with iOS development.
This software will allow you to do a variety of things including writing and editing code, debugging your app, and more. Learning the basics of Xcode will be essential and is one of the main things you should do when creating iOS apps.
3. Learn the Right Programming Languages
In addition to learning how to use Xcode, you’ll also need to learn how to use the main programming languages you’ll use for iOS development.
Swift and Objective-C are two of the most popular languages for developing iOS apps and will be essential to have at your disposal as an iOS developer. Swift is the most important, but having a basic understanding of Objective-C will be helpful as well.
Both languages are object-oriented programming languages and may be fairly easy to learn if you’re a bonafide computer geek and already have some experience with programming already. However, if you’re completely new to programming, it could take you some time to get a handle on them.
4. Develop Other Skills
It’s important to remember that becoming a great iOS developer will include more than simply knowing the programming skills that it will take.
Be sure that you’re learning everything you can about general software development and about the business of creating, testing, and marketing apps as well. It’s a good idea to have a wide understanding of software development as a whole in order to better understand the role of iOS development and how your own ambitions fit into it.
You also need to make sure that you have other important skills as well. Developing soft skills such as meeting deadlines, managing your time well, and communicating and collaborating with others will be essential. Make sure you learn about these skills and develop them as much as you can before you look for a job as an iOS developer in a company.
5. Learn By Doing
While learning the ins and outs of iOS programming languages is helpful, it’s essential to put your knowledge into practice as much as possible.
When developing your skills, you should aim to create multiple iOS apps and start building things with the knowledge you gain. You should spend time working on your own projects.
At first, it can be a good idea to follow some of the many step-by-step tutorials that are out there for developing apps for the iOS platform. However, you should also work on some custom apps as well once you start learning the ropes.
Once you have completed some custom apps, you can then release them on the App Store. Learning to take the development of an app or two from start to finish will be incredibly valuable for sharpening your skills and taking you to the next level as an iOS developer.
6. Create a Portfolio
Once you have developed some apps and put your skills to use, you should aim to develop a portfolio that you can show off to potential employers.
You may choose to add any customized apps you’ve created into your portfolio as well as any apps you’ve developed as part of following a course or tutorials. Be sure that you add your best work to your portfolio and that you make updates to it over time as your skills increase and as you complete more projects.
Remember that you can start creating your portfolio very early on and it doesn’t have to be perfect or too advanced in the beginning. Just be sure that the portfolio shows what you’re capable of at any given time.
7. Apply For Jobs
If you want to go beyond being an independent app developer and releasing apps to the App Store on your own, you may want to start looking for a company to work for.
Before you do this, make sure that your portfolio is as polished as it can be and that it showcases your abilities well. Then, scour the job boards or apply directly with any companies that you’re interested in working for.
With a little bit of luck, you may be able to score a position as an intern or junior developer and can start working as part of a team to develop iOS apps.
Following These Steps to Become An iOS App Developer
If you want to become an iOS app developer, make sure that you follow the steps listed above. While it will take time and effort to build your skills and land a position, it can be done and might be a lot simpler than you think.
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