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Stephen DeStefano

Note: All finished projects and source code have been update to swift 5.0. So even though some lectures are shown using Swift 4.2, just reference the source code for any update you might need.

Build 12 complete projects that teach you all the ins and outs of tvOS as well as 4 technique projects that reinforce your tvOS skills and knowledge by introducing the latest techniques, for building better apps.

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Note: All finished projects and source code have been update to swift 5.0. So even though some lectures are shown using Swift 4.2, just reference the source code for any update you might need.

Build 12 complete projects that teach you all the ins and outs of tvOS as well as 4 technique projects that reinforce your tvOS skills and knowledge by introducing the latest techniques, for building better apps.

This course is written by the award winning Swift programmer, Paul Hudson, it is from his best selling book, "Hacking with tvOS", made into a lecture style course, and these videos were made with his permission and support. Paul is the author of the Hacking With Swift series of tutorials, which is one of the most popular Swift coding sites online. Paul also has received high praise from the creator of the Swift language, Chris Lattner, for his outstanding method of teaching, and series of Swift tutorials. And working together with iOS developer Steve DeStefano, the Hacking with Swift series of programming training videos are simply the fastest way to learn how to code in the Apple eco-system.

This course incorporates the use of annotations, callouts, diagrams, highlighting, and deep explanations that help make complex subject matter, much easier to grasp, and serve to reinforce key concepts, as well as guide you along the path of the code, each step of the way. This course also makes the perfect reference tool kit, to be used in conjunction with the Apple docs, so that you can go back and scrub through any of the lectures very quickly to pull out relevant code or instruction that you need, as there's no wasted chatter here, it's strictly on point with tvOS.

Please note: These are intermediate to advanced projects, and this course will not teach you the Swift language, or how to code, you should already have completed Paul Hudson's Swift tutorials at HackingWithSwift dot com, or gone through the Hacking With Swift beginner to pro course here on Udemy.

  • Work with table views, custom collection views, rows and columns

  • Learn how to add animations to your apps

  • Build SpriteKit games

  • Fetch and parse JSON data

  • Learn how to work with the tvOS "Focus engine"

  • Use GCD (Grand Central Dispatch) to move to and from the main thread

  • Work with the "Tab Bar Controller"

  • Learn all about formatting strings

  • Learn the API's for working with "Dark Mode", which adjusts the dark and light mode of your apps

  • Build a wiki map app using "MapKit"

  • Make top shelf extensions, which are mini apps that occupy the top two thirds of the tvOS home screen

  • Use TVMLKit, JavaScript, and XML to create a "Movie Shopper app"

  • Learn how to save and store files using "UserDefaults", the "iCloud key value store", and "on demand resources"

  • And much more.

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What's inside

Learning objective

Build beautiful apps for apple's tvos platform

Syllabus

Marks Awesome Animated SwiftUI Books & Other Great SwiftUI Resources
Introduction
Introduction - Welcome
Learn about the difference between tvOS and Apple's other platforms
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses Swift 5.0, which is a modern language for building apps within the Apple ecosystem, ensuring compatibility with current development standards
Teaches skills for working with the tvOS "Focus engine", which is essential for creating intuitive and user-friendly navigation experiences on Apple TV
Requires prior experience with Swift programming, so learners should complete introductory Swift tutorials before starting this course to ensure a solid foundation
Covers making top shelf extensions, which allows developers to create interactive mini-apps that appear on the tvOS home screen, enhancing user engagement
Explores saving and storing files using UserDefaults, iCloud key-value store, and on-demand resources, providing a comprehensive overview of data persistence options
Employs TVMLKit, JavaScript, and XML to create a "Movie Shopper app", which is useful for developers interested in building media-centric applications

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Reviews summary

Build apple tv apps with tvos 12

According to learners, this course provides an excellent, project-based approach to learning tvOS development, building on Paul Hudson's highly-regarded 'Hacking with Swift' style. Students found the explanations clear and easy to follow, making complex topics accessible. The course features numerous practical, hands-on projects that help solidify understanding and build real-world app development skills. A key point is that this course is explicitly for intermediate to advanced learners and requires prior Swift and iOS development knowledge; it does not teach coding fundamentals. While based on tvOS 12, the core concepts remain relevant, though some minor code adjustments may be needed for newer Swift versions, which the course materials address.
Course uses tvOS 12, may need minor updates.
"While based on tvOS 12, the core concepts for building apps are still highly relevant."
"Some code required minor tweaks for newer Swift versions, but the course provides updated source."
"It would be great to see an update to the latest tvOS features, but the fundamentals are here."
Not for beginners; assumes existing Swift knowledge.
"As the course description warns, you absolutely need to know Swift before starting this."
"This is definitely an intermediate course, building on existing iOS dev skills."
"Make sure you have gone through the Hacking With Swift beginner material first."
Complex topics are explained clearly and concisely.
"Paul Hudson's teaching style is as clear and effective as ever."
"Everything was explained very clearly, making it easy to follow along."
"The explanations are straightforward and get right to the point without wasted chatter."
Learn by building practical, hands-on projects.
"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me."
"I loved the project-based approach; building actual apps made learning fun and effective."
"This course's practical examples helped me a lot in grasping concepts quickly."

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 Hacking with tvOS 12 - Build Apple TV Apps with these activities:
Review Swift Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of Swift syntax and core concepts before diving into tvOS-specific development.
Browse courses on Swift Programming
Show steps
  • Review Swift data types, control flow, and functions.
  • Practice building simple Swift applications.
  • Complete online Swift tutorials or coding challenges.
Hacking with Swift
Solidify your Swift knowledge with Paul Hudson's comprehensive guide, the basis for this course.
Show steps
  • Read the introductory chapters on Swift fundamentals.
  • Work through the example projects to practice coding.
  • Refer to the book as a reference while taking the course.
Practice Collection View Layouts
Sharpen your skills in creating custom collection view layouts, a crucial aspect of tvOS app development.
Show steps
  • Implement different collection view layouts (grid, flow, custom).
  • Experiment with cell sizing and spacing.
  • Practice creating dynamic layouts that adapt to different screen sizes.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
tvOS and tvOS App Development
Supplement your learning with a dedicated tvOS development guide for a broader perspective.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to topics covered in the course.
  • Compare the book's explanations with the course lectures.
  • Use the book as a reference for specific tvOS APIs and features.
Blog Post: tvOS Focus Engine
Deepen your understanding of the tvOS Focus Engine by writing a blog post explaining its functionality and usage.
Show steps
  • Research the tvOS Focus Engine and its various components.
  • Write a clear and concise explanation of how the Focus Engine works.
  • Include code examples demonstrating how to use the Focus Engine in tvOS apps.
  • Publish your blog post on a personal blog or online platform.
Build a Simple tvOS Game
Apply your tvOS knowledge by building a simple game using SpriteKit, reinforcing concepts like animations and collision detection.
Show steps
  • Design the game mechanics and user interface.
  • Implement the game logic using SpriteKit.
  • Add animations and sound effects to enhance the user experience.
  • Test and debug your game on an Apple TV device.
Top Shelf Extension Showcase
Create a showcase of different Top Shelf extension designs to demonstrate your understanding of this unique tvOS feature.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm different ideas for Top Shelf extensions.
  • Design and implement several Top Shelf extensions with varying functionalities.
  • Create a presentation or video showcasing your Top Shelf extension designs.

Career center

Learners who complete Hacking with tvOS 12 - Build Apple TV Apps will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
tvOS Developer
The primary responsibility of a tvOS Developer is to create and maintain applications specifically for the Apple TV platform. This course is an ideal vehicle to building a strong foundation in tvOS development by working through twelve complete projects that cover a wide range of tvOS-specific features and techniques. This course may be especially helpful due to its coverage of the Focus engine, top shelf extensions, and TVMLKit, which are essential concepts for building high-quality tvOS applications. The course's project-based approach provides a hands-on learning experience that mirrors the real-world challenges faced by tvOS Developers. Someone who wishes to enter this career field should take this course in particular.
TV Application Developer
A TV Application Developer creates applications specifically for television operating systems. Developing for tvOS requires a specialized understanding of user interface design for larger screens, remote control navigation, and integration with TV-specific features. This course helps build a foundation for tvOS development, focusing on practical projects that cover essential concepts such as table views, collection views, and the Focus engine. By working through the projects in the course, such as building a memory game and a movie shopper app, you gain direct, hands-on experience directly relevant to a TV Application Developer. The course's coverage of SpriteKit for game development and TVMLKit, JavaScript, and XML for media applications may also assist a budding TV Application Developer.
Software Developer
This course helps provide practical, hands-on experience with tvOS development that reinforces key concepts. A Software Developer, who already possesses experience with Swift, can expect to learn hands on how to apply their existing Swift skills to build applications specifically for the Apple TV platform. A Software Developer may find the course useful for learning how to optimize their code for the unique constraints and opportunities of the tvOS environment, such as the Focus engine and top shelf extensions. It is essential as well to create applications that take advantage of tvOS-specific features such as top shelf extensions and the Focus engine.
Swift Programmer
A Swift Programmer writes code using Apple's Swift programming language. This course is designed for those who already possess a foundation in Swift and are looking to specialize in tvOS development. A Swift Programmer taking this course can expect to learn how to apply their existing Swift skills to build applications specifically for the Apple TV platform. The various projects in the course provide practical experience with tvOS-specific features and APIs. A Swift Programmer may also find the course useful for learning how to optimize their code for the unique constraints and opportunities of the tvOS environment, such as the Focus engine and top shelf extensions.
Multimedia Programmer
A Multimedia Programmer specializes in creating software that deals with audio, video, and other multimedia content. This course may be useful for Multimedia Programmers interested in developing applications for tvOS. The course covers topics such as working with TVMLKit, JavaScript, and XML to create a movie shopper app, which involves fetching and displaying multimedia content. Multimedia Programmers may also leverage the course's coverage of animations and user interface design to create engaging and visually appealing multimedia experiences on the Apple TV. The course also touches on topics such as data storage and retrieval, which is crucial for managing multimedia content efficiently.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. This course helps any Software Engineer to dive into the tvOS ecosystem. This course may be useful for Software Engineers looking to expand their skills and work on projects specifically for the Apple TV platform. The course covers many techniques that are broadly applicable to software development, such as working with JSON data, using Grand Central Dispatch for concurrency, and implementing user interfaces with table views and collection views. Furthermore, the course's project-based approach provides practical experience with the software development lifecycle, from design to implementation to testing.
Game Developer
A Game Developer creates video games for various platforms. This course incorporates SpriteKit, Apple's 2D game engine, to build a fast paced space shooting game. The course may be most helpful for Game Developers to learn how to create content for tvOS. Game Developers can directly apply the SpriteKit knowledge gained from this course to build games for the Apple TV. The course's coverage of animations, collision detection, and user input handling are also directly relevant to game development.
User Interface Engineer
A User Interface Engineer focuses on the design and implementation of user interfaces for software applications. This course may be useful for those designing user interfaces specifically for tvOS. The course emphasizes the use of table views, collection views, and the Focus engine to create intuitive and engaging user experiences on the Apple TV. A User Interface Engineer can leverage the projects in this course to gain practical experience with tvOS UI development best practices. The course's coverage of animations and dark mode support can also enhance a User Interface Engineer's ability to create visually appealing and accessible tvOS applications.
iOS Developer
The role of an iOS Developer involves creating applications for Apple's mobile operating system. While this course focuses on tvOS, many of the fundamental concepts and techniques are transferable to iOS development. This course may be useful for expanding your skill set and exploring the similarities and differences between developing for different Apple platforms. The course covers essential topics such as working with JSON data, using Grand Central Dispatch for concurrency, and implementing dark mode support, all of which a developer may encounter while working on iOS applications. Furthermore, experience with Swift is essential for this work.
Application Developer
An Application Developer builds software applications for various platforms. Although it focuses on tvOS, this course provides skills applicable to broader software development. This course may be useful for expanding your skillset and exploring application development for the Apple TV platform. The course covers essential topics such as fetching and parsing JSON data, working with collection views, and implementing dark mode support, all of which may be encountered while working on various different types of applications. The course's project-based approach provides practical experience with the software development lifecycle.
Application Architect
An Application Architect designs the structure and architecture of software applications. This course helps gain experience with building modular and well-organized tvOS applications. An Application Architect might find the course useful for learning how to design applications that take advantage of tvOS-specific features such as top shelf extensions and the Focus engine. The course's emphasis on project-based learning provides practical insights into how to structure tvOS applications for scalability and maintainability. The course also covers topics such as data storage and retrieval, which an Application Architect may find useful for designing efficient and robust tvOS applications.
User Experience Designer
A User Experience Designer focuses on creating user-friendly and engaging experiences for software applications. While this course is primarily focused on tvOS development, it may be helpful for User Experience Designers interested in learning more about the technical aspects of tvOS development. The course covers topics such as user interface design, animation, and the Focus engine, which is essential for creating intuitive navigation on the Apple TV. This course may also give insights into the constraints and opportunities of the tvOS platform, which can inform design decisions.
Mobile Application Developer
Mobile Application Developers build applications primarily for mobile phones. Although this course is for tvOS, the skills can be transferable, particularly under the Apple ecosystem. Mobile Application Developers may find the course helpful for expanding their understanding of Apple's development ecosystem and exploring the differences between mobile and TV app development. The course covers fundamental concepts such as working with JSON data, using Grand Central Dispatch for concurrency, and implementing user interfaces with table views and collection views. The course also touches on topics such as data storage and retrieval, which are applicable to mobile application development.
Front-End Developer
A Front End Developer specializes in building the user interface and user experience of web applications. While this course focuses on tvOS application development, some of the skills and techniques may be transferable to front-end web development. This course may be useful for learning more about user interface design and development in a different context. The course covers topics such as working with collection views, implementing animations, and handling user input, which are all relevant to front-end web development. Additionally, the course's project-based approach provides practical experience that complements front-end web development skills.
Augmented Reality Developer
This course focuses on building tvOS skills, but Augmented Reality Developers can also find it useful in understanding the Apple ecosystem. This course may be helpful for learning how to develop applications that can be used in conjunction with augmented reality experiences on the Apple TV. The course covers essential topics such as working with collection views, implementing animations, and handling user input, which are all relevant to augmented reality development. Augmented Reality Developers may find the course useful for getting familiar with tvOS development.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Hacking with tvOS 12 - Build Apple TV Apps.
This book, written by the same author whose work is featured in this course, provides a comprehensive introduction to Swift programming. It is highly recommended as a prerequisite or companion resource. It covers the fundamentals of Swift in a clear and concise manner, making it ideal for those new to the language or needing a refresher. provides the necessary foundation for understanding the more advanced tvOS concepts covered in the course.
Provides a solid foundation for tvOS app development, covering essential concepts and techniques. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the tvOS platform and its unique features. While the course covers many of these topics, this book can provide additional depth and alternative perspectives. It is particularly useful for beginners looking to expand their knowledge beyond the course material.

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