iOS Application Development: Basics, Programs, Examples
Developing iOS applications is a promising direction in the field of IT. If you’ve been programming for a while, you’ve probably thought about trying your hands at creating a mobile application for the iPhone, but something might have been stopping you. But you could have mastered this niche a long time ago and started earning good money.
Creating any applications, including iOS devices, requires extensive knowledge and experience. The programmer should know mathematics and logic, even if it is not needed at the initial stage. Many enterprises hire an iOS apps development company instead of designing itself.
Start right now, and our detailed instructions will help you not waste time. Below you will find information: from the basics to small nuances, armed with which you will know what knowledge and skills are required to create mobile applications for iOS and what stages this process consists of. If you have an idea for your product, then this is already a big step, and everything else is a matter of technology!
iOS app development basics
Application development for iOS has many features that need to take into account by iOS app development experts during the development process.
- Creating iOS applications requires a thorough preliminary analysis of the feedback and wishes of the target audience.
- Programming for Apple devices is done in the Xcode IDE, which only runs on OS X.
- To place a finished application in the AppStore, you must strictly comply with the requirements of this store.
- Choose a language to get started:
You can develop both cross-platform and straightforward applications. In the first case, one of the two main languages for iOS development is using Objective- C and Swift. In the second case, you can use, Java, C++, Python, etc.,
2. Selection of the type of programming (native, hybrid, “pure web “):
The very concept of the application determines the choice here. Suppose the future program does not require constant availability. In that case, anatomy is the absence of the internet and notifications for the user, and a web application is the best option. Thanks to the launch directly from the browser, such a program can be used on any platform. We note versatility, automatic updates, and cheap development, among other advantages. Hybrid or native development should be chosen when creating a full-fledged mobile application. In the first case, several program versions are created at once, respectively, for several operating systems. It is even cheaper than programming exclusively for iOS, but it also results in lower application performance and security. Choosing a hybrid type of development is justified if:
- You need to create a simple application.
- Low-cost use on two platforms.
At the same time, you need to prepare for poor performance and constant dependence on the internet since hybrid programs work on a bunch of HTML5 + JS.
The native approach allows you to do without “crutches.” The application is developed only in the standard language for iOS.
When should you choose the last option?
- Built the app to run on one platform.
- Use functions that are specific to this platform.
- Requires continuous software updates coordinated with OS updates or new versions of Apple devices.
3. The cost of hosting an application in the AppStore
It usually takes a day to check the application for publication by the store. Further, after approval, the creator of the program must sign an agreement and pay fees for the iOS developer program.
A step-by-step guide to developing an app for an iOS app
1. Idea selection
The first stage is the key and, at the same time, the most interesting. It will determine the popularity of the application among the AppStore audience. Here, the most challenging thing for a developer is to decide what the program will be: a logic game, an aggregator of online stores, etc. It is necessary to determine what task the application should solve. A quick answer to this question will mean that the developer has chosen the right direction.
2. Choice of instrumentation
Having formulated an idea, you should not immediately write code for it. In iOS mobile app development, design is essential. And for these purposes, the sketch vector editor is perfect. Moreover, you can immediately evaluate the options for developments on the devices thanks to the Sketch Preview plugin and the free Skala Preview viewer. After creating the design and assigning functions to the buttons, the programmer can proceed directly to the code.
3. Development stage
An iOS application is developed in Objective-C, although Swift is becoming more and more popular among developers. This language is notable for its simpler syntax and, as a result, it is easier to learn. However, for the self-development of applications for iOS Swift, careful study of textbooks and reference books before moving to code. Another developer may already implement the intended idea during such training by creating a similar application.
4. Name choice
Fun fact: the name determines a large part of the application’s success. The word that the user first encounters when he finds the application, for example, through a search. Therefore, keep the name catchy and attractive:
- A massive variety of options that came to the mind of the creator are suitable for the game;
- It is desirable to name a highly specialized application in accordance with the function;
- Better to choose an English-language name that is understandable to foreign users.
- It will not be difficult for a developer to create an application icon based on the chosen name. It’s okay if the icon looks like another product, although you definitely shouldn’t strive for this.
5. Store placement
It is crucial to find a store placement space for your ready-to-use application. you can publish the final tested product in the AppStore or AppleStore. But before that, you need to set up the monthly subscriptions or decide on a package.
It will take a lot of time to study all the points and sub-points. After making sure that all the requirements of Apple are met, the programmer can start uploading his application to the AppStore and then wait for the moderator’s approval and, if necessary, correct the comments found.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we warn future developers that creating applications for mobile platforms is not as trivial as it might seem. We have given many important details that you can include in the active use of the product. And work on the application will continue. So it would be best if you were ready for this.
