Toward the Future of iOS Development with Swift from Coursera

An introduction to the Swift programming language. This will prepare you for more extensive iOS app development and build a foundation for advanced iOS development topics.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Associate the relationship of Swift and Objective-C and their use in iOS and Mac (OS X) programming

2. Develop the ability to read and write Swift code

3. Distinguish how both programming languages can be used together in applications

4. Demonstrate how to write applications entirely in Swift with the help from several iOS programming samples

5. Determine how Swift can be used for development on new platforms such as Apple Watch and Apple TV

6. Create a working client-server iPhone application with location services that you can add to your portfolio.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Swift

In this first week, you will get a first look at the programming environment and the Swift programming language. If you have taken the “Foundations of Objective-C App Development” Course in this Specialization, some of this content may be familiar. Students who have not taken that course - no need to worry - you will receive a full introduction to become familiar with programming for iOS or Mac OS X as if Swift is your first programming language.

Looking Further into Swift

The content for this week will build on the knowledge and examples from the previous week. You will start combining the basic programming skills studied in the previous week to start manipulating data in functions and learn how functions can be used in different Types (i.e. enums, structs, classes). This will prepare you for working in a full application setting, which will be the focus of Week 4. You will learn about some of the more advanced Swift programming language features that are often useful in bringing together a complete system like a full-blown iPhone application.

From Programmer to Developer

This week, you will take steps into really developing their first, simple iPhone project with Swift. This will introduce some topics not limited to Swift itself, but also really start looking into bigger topics for iOS application development to prepare you to write a more complex application in Week 4.

iPhone Applications and More

In this last week of the course, you will follow along and create a more full-fledged application called HoBshare. This is a more complex application that is intended to help you use many of the different techniques and language features introduced in the previous weeks and see how they can be used as tools to develop an application. We will also explore some of the new and exciting consumer technologies that developers can now work with using Swift.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Prepares students for developing iOS applications by introducing Swift, Apple's latest programming language

Suitable for those with little to no programming experience

Provides a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on exercises

Taught by experienced instructors with a strong track record in iOS development

Reviews summary

Outdated, but still engaging

Learners largely agree that this course will likely need an update to its materials as it is outdated, but still engaging, well-structured, and has excellent topics and projects.

The course is engaging.

"This would have been an exceptional course :"

"it's engaging and well structured"

The course has excellent content.

"This would have been an exceptional course :"

"The quality of the teaching is excellent"

"the topics and projects are excellent"

Course materials need updates.

"This would have been an exceptional course...BUT...It is now so out of date that it is not possible to complete the assignments"

"IOS, swift and Xcode have changed significantly since this course was written"

"the final graded project is impossible to complete"

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 Toward the Future of iOS Development with Swift with these activities:

Join a Swift Study Group

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Connect with other learners to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and provide support.

Browse courses on Peer Support

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Find a Swift study group online or in your community
Attend regular study sessions
Actively participate in discussions and ask questions

Swift Mini-Project

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Solidify your Swift knowledge by building a small-scale iOS application.

Browse courses on iOS App Development

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Write and test the Swift code
Run and debug the app on a simulator or device
Choose a simple app idea
Plan the app's functionality and design

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Toward the Future of iOS Development with Swift will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Senior iOS Developer

The demand for proficient Senior iOS Developers is growing as more and more businesses require engaging, interactive mobile applications. This course will help you to develop the skills to design and create iOS apps professionally.

See salaries and explore the career path for Senior iOS Developer

iOS Developer

This course is an introduction to the Swift programming language, which is used to develop iOS applications. Upon completion, you may be qualified for entry-level iOS Developer roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for iOS Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. This course can be used to help build a foundation for a career in software engineering by helping you develop strong programming skills.

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Mobile Application Developer

With the rise of mobile technology, Mobile Application Developers are in high demand. This course can help you develop the necessary skills to pursue a career in this field.

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App Developer

App Developers design and create mobile applications for various platforms. This course can teach you the fundamentals of iOS app development to help you pursue a career as an App Developer.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study the needs of an organization to determine how computer systems can best be used. The programming skills you will learn in this course may be applicable to roles in this field.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to run. This course can help you develop the programming knowledge necessary for this role.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and create websites. While this course focuses on iOS app development, the programming skills you will learn may be transferable to web development roles.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, process, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. The analytical skills you will develop in this course may be useful for a career as a Data Analyst.

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Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology Specialists maintain and support computer systems for organizations. This course may be helpful for building the programming skills needed for this role.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases for organizations. The programming skills you will learn in this course may be applicable to roles in this field.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation and instructions for computer hardware and software. The writing skills you will develop in this course may be useful for a career as a Technical Writer.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure it meets quality standards. The programming skills you will learn in this course may be applicable to roles in this field.

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Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer users. This course may be helpful for developing the programming knowledge needed for this role.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers create and evaluate user interfaces for websites and applications. The programming skills you will learn in this course may be useful for understanding the technical aspects of user experience design.

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