Comprehensive Guide to Essential iOS Development Tools

Are you ready to build an iOS mobile app?

I’ve got some good news for you; iOS development isn’t as difficult as other types of programming. But with that said, it’s still something you need to learn before you can just jump right in.

Fortunately, the Internet is full of resources and tools, so you can teach yourself how to build an iOS app.

However, those tools are spread out all over the place. That’s definitely the most optimal way to learn something new.

Even if you’re an experienced iOS developer, taking advantage of different tools and resources can simplify your development process.

Rather than spending days or even weeks doing endless Google searches, I wanted to make it as easy as possible for you to find relevant tools. This ultimate list of iOS app development tools has been broken down into five sections.

• Language resources
• Editors and IDEs
• Libraries
• YouTube tutorials
• Plugins

So feel free to jump around to the section that you need the most help with. Whether you’re a beginner, expert, or somewhere in between, you can use this guide to help you build an iOS app.

Language Resources for iOS Development

There are two programming languages for iOS development.

• Swift
• Objective-C

These are the best resources and tutorials on the web for learning those programming languages.

Stanford

Stanford teaches you how to develop iOS apps with Swift. The course is available via iTunes U for iPhone and iPad. You’ll learn about the tools and APIs that are required to build apps with the iOS SDK.

In addition to Swift, Stanford will teach you about multi-threading, mobile device power management, memory management, animation, and object-oriented design.

There are 46 lectures in this course, and they’re all free.

Hacking with Swift

Hacking with Swift is a practical way to learn this programming language. They take you through real-world projects with iOS so you can test your new skills right away with a hands-on experience.

You’ll have access to 40 online Swift tutorials for free. Once you get through that, you can purchase other online books that go deeper into Swift coding.

Swiftlang.eu

The Swift Language center has resources that teach you how to use the newest versions of Swift. They also have the full Swift development environment, so you can code as well.

My favorite part about Swiftlang.eu is the community forums. Experienced developers are usually active and readily available to answer questions for beginners who need some help or clarification.

Thinkster.io

Thinkster starts from the beginning. The tutorial introduces each component of Swift, starting from its infantile stages. It’s a well-structured resource with readings and videos for different subsections. Thinkster covers things like:

• Swift syntax
• Swift types
• Extensions
• Loops and conditionals
• Optionals
• Functions and closures
• Object-oriented programing
• SDKs

Before you get started, you need to have a Mac that’s running on Mavericks or Yosemite, Xcode6, and an Apple developer account.

Udacity

Udacity has this great blog post about iOS programming languages. It was published a few years back, but the content can still help you today. The post starts by introducing you to Xcode before getting into the fundamentals of Swift. It’s a quick read and very helpful for beginners.

Design+Code

I think it’s safe to say that the name speaks for itself. Design+Code teaches you how to design and code iOS apps. You can sign up for premium access just $9 per month, billed on an annual basis.

The resource comes with over 60 hours of courses. There are 19 sections on learning Swift, and an additional 22 sections for advanced Swift users.

Cocoa is My Girlfriend

CIMGF is a blog. It’s not very flashy, fancy, and isn’t updated that frequently. But with that said, it still provides in-depth analysis on Swift and Cocoa, making it a resource that’s definitely worth reading. I’d recommend it for anyone who learns well by reading blogs.

Editors and IDEs for iOS Development

An IDE is an integrated development environment. The original IDE built by Apple is Xcode.

However, there are alternative options for iOS development. I’d recommend using Xcode first, but it’s worth knowing the others if you want to try something new or experiment.

Xcode

Xcode is the official integrated development environment for Swift, offered directly from Apple. It’s arguably the most powerful coding platform on the market. With Xcode, you can build apps for:

• iPhone
• iPad
• Mac computers
• Apple TV
• Apple Watch

Every iOS developer should learn how to use Xcode before they move on to anything else.

CodeRunner

With CodeRunner, you can code in any programming language. This lightweight programming editor is available for the affordable price of $14.99.

Right out of the box, you can use it for Swift on the IDE level with debugger support and syntax highlighting. It’s worth checking out if you want to branch away from Xcode.

AppCode

AppCode is powered by JetBrains. This IDE is compatible with both Swift and Objective-C.

The AppCode debugger also supports iOS extensions, just like Xcode. Some of the top features this IDE include:

• Smooth project navigation
• Smart completion
• Reliable refactorings
• In-depth code analysis
• Productive unit testing
• Rename refactoring

It’s definitely a top IDE to consider for iOS development.

Libraries for iOS Development

I’ve identified the best libraries for iOS development. You can definitely find everything you need on this list.

Some of the libraries are extensive and could be considered an all-in-one tool. But other options are for more specific needs.

RxSwift

The RxSwift library is specifically made for asynchronous programming. You’ll go through the basics of getting started with RxSwift before learning traits, testing, debugging, and the math behind Rx.

Cocoa

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best programming languages for iOS development?

The primary programming languages for iOS development are Swift and Objective-C. Platforms like Buildfire make it straightforward by supporting these languages in their development environments.

How can I learn Swift effectively?

There are numerous resources available for learning Swift, such as Stanford’s online courses and Hacking with Swift. Buildfire, for instance, offers tutorials that can help streamline the learning process.

What is the role of an IDE in iOS development?

An IDE, like Xcode, is crucial for iOS development as it provides a comprehensive environment for coding, testing, and debugging. Tools like Buildfire allow businesses to integrate these IDEs seamlessly into their workflow.

Are there alternatives to Xcode for iOS development?

Yes, alternatives like CodeRunner and AppCode offer different features and flexibility for iOS developers looking to explore beyond Xcode.

What libraries are essential for iOS development?

Libraries such as RxSwift and Cocoa are essential for handling asynchronous programming and UI components in iOS development.

What tools are you using to simplify your iOS development process?

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is the best YouTube channel for beginners to learn iOS development?
  
  A: Chris Ching’s channel is highly recommended for beginners as it offers comprehensive guides and regular updates.
• Q: Are there any resources for advanced iOS developers?
  
  A: Yes, NSHipster is a great resource for advanced developers, focusing on overlooked components of Objective-C, Cocoa, and Swift.
• Q: How can I monetize my iOS app?
  
  A: You can monetize your app by joining mobile ad networks. Check out our guide on the top mobile ad networks for more information.
• Q: Is Ray Wenderlich’s website suitable for beginners?
  
  A: Yes, Ray Wenderlich’s website is suitable for beginners as it offers a profile setup to track progress and a vast number of tutorials.
• Q: What is the Cocoa Manifest?
  
  A: Cocoa Manifest is a resource for iOS developers, although it hasn’t been updated recently, it still offers valuable insights into iOS development fundamentals.