Ask HN: How can I learn to create an iOS application over the summer?

Posted by Aaronn on Wednesday June 26, 2013 @12:55PM
from the ask-hn dept.

I am a 14 year old living in St. Louis, MO. I will be entering high school when this summer is over. I really want to create some kind of application so I figured iOS would be the best option but I am willing to try to create a web app or desktop app if that could be easier to learn.

Keeping in mind that I have no money and can't drive anywhere, what is the best free option for me to learn how to program and create an actual working application.

The public high school I am going to attend to will have some CS courses that I can take ( I think using BASIC ) but I would like to create some kind "real" of application over the summer.

What is the best language for me to learn ( iOS - Objective-C, Website - HTML/CSS/JS, etc )?

( 7 comments | 5 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: How can I learn to create an iOS application over... by RubberSoul on Wednesday June 26, 2013 @01:03PM (#5947331)

There is no "best" language. Developing an iPhone app would be fun and maybe impress some girls (or boys) :)

Learning Python/JavaScript and building a web app is probably more useful if all you have is one summer. It can take a while to get really good with Objective-C. That said, Objective-C is a superset of C, which is used in many computer science classes. If you're going that route, there is no better time to start learning than now!

Personally, I like the Big Nerd Ranch books. They might be carried by your local library. The Apress books are also good. Any of the beginner books are suitable learning tools; you just need the self-discipline to work through the entire book.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How can I learn to create an iOS application over... by antonio-R on Wednesday June 26, 2013 @01:29PM (#5947519)

First you need a mac to go native, and my 2cents follow that native path. Going native you have access to all functionalities, push notifications, accelerometer, gyroscope, and build nice apps using those tools. So for that you will need to lear Obj.C: http://www.codeschool.com/courses http://teamtreehouse.com/

Those are a good starting point.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How can I learn to create an iOS application over... by zachlatta on Wednesday June 26, 2013 @01:59PM (#5947728)

Hi Aaron,

I was once in a similar situation as you. Shoot me an email at zchlatta (at) gmail.com and I'd love to chat with you. I just finished my freshman year of high school and I'm currently working on a contract for Loyala Marymount University and at a small game studio. I'd love to help you get started!

- Zach

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How can I learn to create an iOS application over... by Vomzor on Wednesday June 26, 2013 @01:17PM (#5947428)

http://www.davemark.com/?p=1829

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How can I learn to create an iOS application over... by monorail on Wednesday June 26, 2013 @01:05PM (#5947346)

Stanford's free iOS classes are a very good intro.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/developing-apps-for-ios...

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How can I learn to create an iOS application over... by czbond on Wednesday June 26, 2013 @01:44PM (#5947597)

I second this. However, it requires a mac and native app development.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ask HN: How can I learn to create an iOS application over... by Aaronn on Wednesday June 26, 2013 @01:58PM (#5947710)

I have access to a Mac

[ Parent | on HN ]