Build your very first iOS app from edX

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand and use the swift programming language;
Use and explain the apple developer tools: including xcode, interface builder, documentation browser;
Confidently converse with ios developers, understanding the basics of coding and app development;

Design, develop and build your own simple ios apps.
After completing this course, you will be able to:

Understand and use the swift programming language;
Use and explain the apple developer tools: including xcode, interface builder, documentation browser;
Confidently converse with ios developers, understanding the basics of coding and app development;
Design, develop and build your own simple ios apps.
After completing this course, you will be able to:

Syllabus

Lesson 1: Starting App Development

Explain where programming is used and especially where Swift is used;

Explain the terminal, playgrounds;

Use Xcode to build an App for iOS; and

Use and explain variables and data types.

Lesson 2: Control Flow and Advanced Variables and Data Types

Make decisions within your programs using if-then-else statements;

Use the different logical operators NOT, AND and OR to verify the truth of something;

Use the switch statement to control what is executed next; and

Use arrays and dictionaries to store data.

Lesson 3: Xcode and Interface Builder

Navigate through Xcode projects;

Use the following areas of Xcode: project navigator, the debug area, the assistant and version editors; and

Use interface builder to build interfaces and be able to preview interfaces outside of a running App.

Lesson 4: Functions, Classes and Structures

Understand the benefits of abstraction when writing code;

Create functions, classes and structures to improve program quality;

Use classes and structures to create custom datatypes;

Understand relationships and inheritance between classes.

Lesson 5: Introduction to User Interface Development

Build Apps using common user interface views and controls;

Use Interface Builder to configure common user interface views and controls;

Connect Swift code to common user interface controls;

Use AutoLayout to ensure Apps adapt to different devices.

Lesson 6: View Controllers and Navigation

Develop Apps with multiple scenes;

Use tab bar controllers to move between scenes within Apps;

Create and utilise event handlers on view controllers;

Design an appropriate navigation hierarchy for your app.

Lesson 7: Introduction to TableViews

Use the Model View Controller design pattern for App development;

Use a ScrollView to control content display;

Use tables to display data within your App;

Respond to user input within a table.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops problem-solving skills in programming using the Swift language

Teaches mobile app development in the context of one of the world's leading platforms

Provides opportunities to build a foundation in iOS development

Explores industry-standard tools such as Xcode and Interface Builder

Introduces basic programming concepts to beginners

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 Build your very first iOS app with these activities:

Review iOS Programming Basics

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Solidify your understanding of the core concepts and tools used in iOS development before starting the course.

Browse courses on Swift Programming Language

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Review the Swift programming language syntax and semantics.
Familiarize yourself with the Xcode IDE and Interface Builder.
Understand the concepts of variables, data types, and control flow.

Create a Swift Resource Compilation

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Organize and review your course materials, including notes, assignments, and resources, to have a comprehensive collection for future reference and knowledge retention.

Browse courses on Knowledge Organization

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Gather all of your notes, assignments, and resources from the course.
Organize them into logical categories or folders.
Review your materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Review Object-Oriented Programming Concepts

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OOP concepts are crucial for iOS development. Review these concepts before starting the course to ensure a strong foundation and better comprehension of Swift's object-oriented features.

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

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Go through your notes or study materials from previous OOP courses.
Complete practice exercises or quizzes on OOP concepts.
Read articles or tutorials on OOP principles.

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Review Swift Programming Language Concepts

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Review the fundamentals of Swift, including data types, variables, and control flow, to strengthen your understanding before starting the course.

Browse courses on Swift Programming

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Go through your notes or study materials from previous programming courses.
Complete practice exercises or quizzes on Swift basics.
Read articles or tutorials on Swift's syntax and features.

Join a Study Group

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Collaborate with other learners to discuss course materials, explore concepts, and provide mutual support.

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Find or create a study group with fellow students.
Meet regularly to review lecture notes, work on assignments, and ask questions.
Engage in discussions and share ideas to deepen your understanding.

Build a Simple Calculator App

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Apply your knowledge by following a guided tutorial to build a functional iOS app.

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Follow a step-by-step tutorial to create a user interface.
Implement basic arithmetic operations using Swift code.
Test and debug your app to ensure it functions correctly.

Follow Apple's Swift Tutorial Series

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Supplement your course learning by following Apple's official Swift tutorial series, which provides hands-on guidance and examples of Swift programming in practice.

Browse courses on iOS Development

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Visit Apple's developer website and locate the Swift tutorial series.
Start from the beginning and work through each tutorial.
Complete the exercises and challenges provided in the tutorials.
Refer to the tutorials for additional support and clarification when needed.

Code Challenges on Swift Playground

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Engage in coding exercises using Swift Playground to apply your knowledge and improve your problem-solving skills in the Swift programming language.

Browse courses on Swift Programming

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Open Swift Playground on your device.
Select a coding challenge that aligns with the course concepts.
Attempt to solve the challenge using Swift syntax.
Review the provided solution and compare your approach.

Solve Coding Challenges

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Strengthen your programming skills by solving coding challenges specific to iOS development.

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Practice solving coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
Focus on challenges related to iOS development concepts.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Join an Online Swift Study Group

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Engage with fellow students or Swift enthusiasts in an online study group to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and work on projects together, enhancing your understanding and problem-solving abilities.

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Search for Swift study groups on platforms like Meetup or Discord.
Join a group that aligns with your learning goals.
Attend regular meetings and participate in discussions.
Share your progress and seek feedback from others.

Build a Simple iOS Calculator App

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Apply your understanding of Swift and iOS development by creating a simple calculator app, allowing you to practice user interface design, event handling, and basic calculations.

Browse courses on iOS App Development

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Create a new Xcode project and select the iOS App template.
Design the user interface for the calculator using Interface Builder.
Implement the logic for performing basic arithmetic operations using Swift.
Connect the user interface elements to the Swift code.
Test and refine your app using the iOS Simulator.

Write a Blog Post on Swift Best Practices

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Solidify your understanding of Swift by writing a blog post about best practices, sharing your insights, and reflecting on your learning, which can also benefit others in the community.

Browse courses on Technical Writing

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Choose a specific topic related to Swift best practices.
Research and gather information from reliable sources.
Write a well-structured blog post outlining the best practices.
Include examples and code snippets to illustrate your points.
Publish your blog post online and share it with others.

Build a Personal Portfolio App

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Showcase your iOS development skills by building a portfolio app that demonstrates your abilities.

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Design and develop a user interface that effectively showcases your work.
Create custom widgets and components to enhance the app's functionality.
Implement features that highlight your proficiency in networking, data persistence, and user interaction.

Career center

Learners who complete Build your very first iOS app will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

iOS Engineer

iOS Engineers design, develop and maintain applications for the iOS operating system. In this course, you will learn everything you need to know to become an iOS Engineer, including how to use the Swift programming language, Xcode, Interface Builder, and other essential tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for iOS Engineer

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers design, develop, and maintain applications for mobile devices. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Mobile Developer, including how to use the Swift programming language, Xcode, Interface Builder, and other essential tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, build, maintain, test and troubleshoot software for a wide variety of applications. The course will provide you with the foundation necessary to become a Software Engineer. In this course, you will learn how to code, design and develop applications using Xcode, Interface Builder, and the Swift programming language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Application Developer

Application Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications for a variety of purposes. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become an Application Developer, including experience with the Swift programming language, Xcode, Interface Builder, and other essential tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Developer

Game Developer

Game Developers design, develop, and maintain video games. While this course focuses on the creation of iOS applications, the skills you will learn, including experience with the Swift programming language, Xcode, and Interface Builder, may be applied to Game Development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and other web-based applications. While this course focuses on the creation of iOS applications, the skills you will learn, including experience with the Swift programming language, Xcode, and Interface Builder, may be applied to Web Development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Tester

Software Testers ensure that software applications are free of errors and meet the needs of users. While this course focuses on the development of iOS applications, the skills you will learn, including experience with the Swift programming language, Xcode, and Interface Builder, may be applied to Software Testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software products and applications. This course may help you develop the skills needed to become a Technical Writer, including experience with the Swift programming language, Xcode, and Interface Builder.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and launch of new products. While this course focuses on the development of iOS applications, the skills you will learn, including experience with the Swift programming language, Xcode, and Interface Builder, may provide some insights into the development process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the completion of projects. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to become a Project Manager, including experience with Xcode and Interface Builder.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course may help you develop some of the skills needed to become a Business Analyst, including experience with Xcode and Interface Builder.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers help businesses sell products and services. While this course focuses on the development of iOS applications, the skills you will learn, including experience with the Swift programming language, Xcode, and Interface Builder, may provide some insights into the product development process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make decisions. While this course focuses on the development of iOS applications, the skills you will learn, including experience with Xcode and Interface Builder, may provide some insights into the data analysis process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer systems and networks from attacks. While this course focuses on the development of iOS applications, the skills you will learn, including experience with the Swift programming language, Xcode, and Interface Builder, may provide some insights into the cybersecurity field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. While this course focuses on the development of iOS applications, the skills you will learn, including experience with Xcode and Interface Builder, may provide some insights into the database management process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Build your very first iOS app

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