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Jarrod Parkes

Sign up for Udacity's free Intro to App Development course and take the first step in becoming an iOS Developer by learning about Swift and writing your first app.

What's inside

Syllabus

An introduction to Swift and Xcode. Swift is Apple's fast-growing programming language for building iOS apps and much more. Xcode is the programming environment used to create native Apple applications with Swift.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops proficiency in Swift and Xcode, which are essential tools for iOS app development
Teaches Storyboards, UIButtons, and UILabels, which are fundamental UI design concepts for iOS apps
Introduces AVAudioRecorder, Delegation, and programmatic segues, which are advanced techniques for iOS development
Provides step-by-step guidance through building a fully functional app, Pitch Perfect
Taught by Jarrod Parkes, a reputable iOS developer with extensive experience
Offered through Udacity, a recognized platform for online learning

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Reviews summary

Introduction to ios development basics

According to learners, this course provides a positive and accessible first step into iOS app development with Swift and Xcode. Many students appreciated the hands-on approach focused on building a practical application, finding it highly engaging and motivating. The explanations of fundamental concepts, including Storyboards, AutoLayout, and handling user interactions, are frequently described as clear and easy to follow, laying a solid foundation. However, some learners note that the pace can be quite fast, particularly for individuals with no prior programming background. While it excels as an introduction, reviewers often mention that the course lacks depth for more advanced topics and might require additional learning or supplementary materials due to the quickly evolving nature of the iOS development landscape.
Explanations of foundational elements are strong.
"The instructor explained Storyboards and AutoLayout really well."
"Understanding delegation and segues was much easier after these lectures."
"The explanations of basic UI elements were very clear."
Building a real app is highly engaging.
"Building the Pitch Perfect app was the best part; it made learning practical."
"I loved that I was building something tangible from day one."
"The project-based approach kept me motivated throughout the course."
Excellent first step into iOS development.
"This course is perfect if you're just starting with iOS development."
"As a complete beginner, I found this a really gentle introduction to Swift and Xcode."
"It gave me the confidence to start exploring iOS development further."
Does not delve into more advanced topics.
"It's a good intro, but don't expect to build complex apps right away."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or optimization techniques."
"I finished feeling I had the basics but needed much more to be truly proficient."
Absolute beginners might find the pace challenging.
"If you have zero programming experience, be prepared to pause and rewatch."
"The course moves quite quickly through some concepts."
"I needed to supplement with outside resources to keep up with the pace."
Rapid changes in Swift/Xcode affect relevance.
"Given how fast Swift changes, some parts might not be current anymore."
"I encountered minor issues due to Xcode updates since the course was released."
"It provides a good base, but check for newer ways to do things."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intro to iOS App Development with Swift with these activities:
Review XCode and Swift
Solidify understanding of key concepts in Swift and Xcode to strengthen foundational knowledge for the course.
Browse courses on Swift
Show steps
  • Revisit Swift documentation for syntax and language structure.
  • Practice basic Swift programming exercises.
  • Review essential Xcode features and tools.
Practice writing Swift code on Codewars
Coding challenges will help you improve your understanding of Swift and become a proficient app developer
Browse courses on Swift
Show steps
  • Create an account on Codewars
  • Choose a kata (coding challenge) to solve
  • Submit your solution
  • Review and improve your solution
Explore UIKit and Storyboards
Deepen understanding of iOS user interface design and implementation.
Browse courses on UIKit
Show steps
  • Follow a tutorial on UIKit fundamentals.
  • Create a simple user interface using Storyboards.
  • Experiment with different UIKit controls and layouts.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Review 'Head First Swift' by Eric Freeman
Gain a comprehensive understanding of Swift programming concepts and best practices.
Show steps
  • Read through the book's chapters on Swift fundamentals.
  • Work through the exercises and code examples provided in the book.
  • Summarize key concepts and techniques covered in the book.
Build 5 apps on your own
Swift is simple and easy to understand - hence it is highly recommended to practice the same to make a firm base
Browse courses on Swift
Show steps
  • Plan the app features
  • Design the user interface
  • Code the app
  • Test and debug the app
  • Publish the app on the App Store (optional)
Attend an iOS App Development Workshop
Accelerate learning by attending an immersive workshop led by experienced iOS developers.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant iOS app development workshops.
  • Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning objectives.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the sessions.
  • Apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to your own projects.
Build a Simple App Prototype
Put knowledge into practice by building a basic app, reinforcing the principles of iOS development.
Browse courses on App Development
Show steps
  • Design a simple app concept.
  • Code the app's functionality using Swift.
  • Implement the app's user interface.
  • Test and debug the app on an iOS device or emulator.
Mentor Junior iOS Developers
Strengthen your understanding by mentoring others and reinforcing your own knowledge.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor junior iOS developers.
  • Provide guidance and support on Swift programming and iOS development concepts.
  • Review code and provide constructive feedback.
  • Share your experiences and best practices.
Contribute to iOS Open-Source Projects
Gain valuable hands-on experience and contribute to the iOS development community.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source iOS projects that align with your interests.
  • Review the project's documentation and codebase.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute.
  • Submit pull requests with your contributions.
  • Collaborate with other contributors on the project.
Develop an iOS App for a Real-World Problem
Demonstrate your mastery of iOS development by creating a fully functional app that addresses a genuine problem.
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world problem that can be solved with an iOS app.
  • Design and prototype the app's functionality and user interface.
  • Develop the app using Swift and Xcode.
  • Test and debug the app thoroughly.
  • Deploy the app to the App Store or distribute it through other channels.

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to iOS App Development with Swift will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
iOS Developer
The Intro to iOS App Development with Swift course is the perfect place to start if you want to become an iOS Developer, as it will teach you how to build iOS apps. This course will help you develop a strong foundation in iOS development and prepare you for a career in this field.
Mobile Application Developer
This course will help you develop the skills you need to become a Mobile Application Developer. You'll learn how to build iOS apps, which is a valuable skill in this field.
Software Engineer
As a Software Engineer, you'll write code for software and applications, so it's essential to be proficient in a coding language. This course will help you develop a foundation in Swift, which is essential for iOS development.
App Developer
As an App Developer, you'll be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. An essential part of this role is a solid understanding of programming languages, which this course will help you develop.
Game Developer
Swift is a great language for developing games. This course will help you build a foundation in Swift, which will be helpful if you want to pursue a career as a Game Developer.
Web Developer
Web Developers are responsible for designing and developing websites. Swift is a versatile language that can be used for web development, so this course can be a great starting point for a career as a Web Developer.
Data Scientist
As a Data Scientist, you'll gather and analyze large amounts of data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be helpful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about Swift.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers build and maintain machine learning models. This course may be helpful for Machine Learning Engineers who want to learn more about Swift.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be helpful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about Swift.
Statistician
Statisticians collect and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be helpful for Statisticians who want to learn more about Swift.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use data to make investment decisions. This course may be helpful for Financial Analysts who want to learn more about Swift.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use data to improve business processes. This course may be helpful for Operations Research Analysts who want to learn more about Swift.
Software Tester
Software Testers ensure that software is working as it should. This course may be helpful for Software Testers who want to learn more about Swift.
Software Architect
Software Architects design and develop software systems. This course may be helpful for Software Architects who want to learn more about Swift.
Product Manager
Product Managers oversee the development and launch of new products. This course may be helpful for Product Managers who want to learn more about Swift.

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Intro to iOS App Development with Swift:

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intro to iOS App Development with Swift.
Comprehensive guide to design patterns, which are reusable solutions to common software design problems. It great resource for those who want to learn how to design and implement robust and scalable software.
Is another classic in software development, providing guidance on writing clean and maintainable code. It great resource for those who want to improve the quality and readability of their code.
Comprehensive guide to the advanced features of the Swift programming language.
Comprehensive guide to the Swift programming language and good reference for more experienced developers.
Comprehensive guide to the Swift programming language and good reference for more experienced developers.
Provides an in-depth exploration of advanced SwiftUI topics, including custom views, animations, and state management. It great resource for those who want to build complex and sophisticated iOS apps with SwiftUI.
Provides a comprehensive overview of iOS 16 development, covering the latest features and APIs. It great resource for those who want to stay up-to-date with the latest iOS developments.
Good introduction to iOS programming and good starting point for beginners.
Beginner-friendly introduction to design patterns, using a visual and interactive approach to teach the concepts. It great resource for those who want to learn design patterns without getting bogged down in technical details.

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