Ask HN: How to start iOS development ?

Hi, I am in a similar position as you, and have sought help in much the same way. The most common responses I got were:<p>Programming in Objective-C - Kochan (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Objective-C-4th-Developers-Library/dp/0321811909" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Objective-C-4th-Developers...</a>) I am currently halfway through this book, it is primarily focused on the actual Objective-C language, and almost nothing on actual iOS/Cocoa Development (some small bits in the later chapters). I was recommended this to learn the underlying language before jumping in, very enjoyable so far, the exercises are great.<p>I have heard good things about both Nerd Ranch books (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/iOS-Programming-Ranch-Guide-Guides/dp/0321821521/" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/iOS-Programming-Ranch-Guide-Guides/dp/...</a>) and will likely use that for introduction to Cocoa and iOS SDK.<p>Originally I planned on using "Beginning iOS 5 Development" from Apress as the iOS SDK learning book (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-iOS-Development-Exploring-SDK/dp/1430236051/" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-iOS-Development-Exploring-SD...</a>), but it seems that the reviews are quite low compared to previous versions.<p>Finally, if you enjoy learning through video, the Stanford course is very highly recommended, through iTunes (<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/ipad-iphone-application-development/id473757255" rel="nofollow">http://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/ipad-iphone-application-...</a>). I found them very useful to start with, but I felt I wasn't learning much syntax through the videos, the talking portions are very in depth, but the coding portions are very quick (and went over my head due to not knowing Objective-C!). I will likely return to these when I have a working understanding of Objective-C.<p>(Most of these tips from my understanding of: <a href="http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3403049/best-book-resources-for-learning-ios-programming" rel="nofollow">http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3403049/best-book-resourc...</a> and <a href="http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1939/how-to-articles-for-iphone-development-and-objective-c" rel="nofollow">http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1939/how-to-articles-for-...</a>)

Is your goal to ship apps or is your goal to learn Obj-C?<p>If your goal is to just ship apps, pick a framework or tool that lets you get your app out there as fast as possible - PhoneGap+Sencha Touch/Kendo Mobile for informational apps or something like Corona for games.<p>If your goal is to learn Obj-C and build apps using it, you should just pick a basic app like a todo list, twitter client, whatever... and just solve the problems one at a time until you have a working app.<p>Books and tutorials are fine, but they're also a great way to procrastinate building the app that you are trying to build. If you are trying to build something, just build it.

I've heard nothing but goods things about Stanford's course:<p><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/itunes-u/ipad-iphone-application-development/id473757255?mt=2" rel="nofollow">http://itunes.apple.com/itunes-u/ipad-iphone-application-dev...</a>

<a href="http://www.hashmaplabs.com/app_academy/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hashmaplabs.com/app_academy/</a><p>Free 9 week iOS course in SF. I've applied, so should you! They seek a wide variety of programmers, so don't be shy. Clearly it's affordable, and the hours are awesome (something like 1-9 so outside people can come after work and present). It's free only for the summer, otherwise it's $7500 for early admits.<p>edit: apparently, the summer application is closed. Still, it's a good reason to get to SF (not that anyone needs one more...)

If you already know some JavaScript, Titanium (<a href="http://www.appcelerator.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.appcelerator.com/</a>) seems pretty interesting. It compiles down to the native language of iPhone and/or Android. I haven't used it extensively, though, and am curious what others think about it.

I have a free video course on udemy.com that teaches in a see-and-do style.<p>It will get you started:<p><a href="http://www.udemy.com/learn-iphone-step-by-step/" rel="nofollow">http://www.udemy.com/learn-iphone-step-by-step/</a>