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OS app development is the design and development of applications that run on Apple’s operating system. These apps are mostly used on a range of Apple products such as iPhone, iPad and Mac computers.
Apple apps are developed using programming languages such as Swift and Objective-C. Swift is a high-level programming language with robust security and speed, and is easy to learn, just like Java, JavaScript, C, C++ and Python. Objective-C is a general-purpose iOS programming language. It is a subset of the C programming language but possesses less speed than Swift. Objective-C organizes software design on objects or data instead of logic and functions and hence it is said to be object-oriented.
iOS app development is not open-source like Android app development. iOS apps are lighter compared to other desktop applications.
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iOS App Development Requirements
In other ways, to properly develop iOS apps, you must meet these basic requirements.
1) MAC Computer
A MAC computer is a key requirement for building iOS applications. On MAC, you can run Xcode 14, a key requirement that creates the environment required for iOS app development. You will need a minimum of Intel i5 or its equivalent CPU version, at least 2 GHz, a minimum of 8 GB RAM and at least 256 GB disk space, even though a 512 GB size is most appropriate.
You can also create Apple apps using computers that run Windows or Linux operating systems, but you will need VMWare, Virtual Box, an Apple Developer account, and Xcode 10.1, which is a lower version that you have to update to be able to develop iOS apps in the latest Xcode version.
2. Learn Xcode
Xcode is an integrated development environment (IDE) for macOS. You can download Xcode 14 and run on an operating system running at least macOS Monterey 12.4. ICE is a key requirement for iOS app development.
3) Apple Developer Account
You need a personal Apple Developer account for iOS app development. The Apple Developer program costs $99 per year for personal accounts and $299 for enterprise versions.
4) Knowledge of APIs and Libraries
Knowledge of APIs and libraries is critical for iOS mobile app development.
Apple releases native APIs and libraries that are feature-rich to achieve standardization, functionality and consistency.
Knowledge of software development kits (SDKs) is also important for seamless integration of your app into the existing infrastructure, such as integrating a video conferencing solution using the iOS video SDK or analytics with Firebase SDK.
Examples of other essential SDKs are: Cocoa Touch frameworks, which include GameKit, UIKit, MapKit, PushKit, and Foundation Kit.
Full understanding of these frameworks allows developers to:
a) Configure iPhone and iPad cameras, expand
b) Expand viewing and listening with AirPlay 2
c) Add voice interaction
d) Add iMessage Business Chat to your iOS app
6) Explore music
5) Knowledge of Cloud Expansion
Resource-intensive tasks should be uploaded to the server for seamless iOS app development. You should also learn how to connect your apps to cloud-based services using APIs. The cloud can be leveraged for database management, storage, augmentation with net-generation services and app caching.
Knowledge of server-side Swift frameworks such as Kitura is helpful for integrating machine learning, push notifications, mobile analytics etc. for seamless and optimum performance.
Kitura can be used to invoke REST APIs for advanced functionality in iOS app development.
6) Knowledge of Code Testing
Code testing is used to ascertain the workability of iOS apps. This should be done before deploying the app for use. Xcode should be tested as well as standard unit testing and automated UI testing that uses the strategy of navigating through your user interface like normal users, and detecting issues that may occur at every touchpoint.
After completing the iOS application development, code testing ensures it runs smoothly and as expected. Hence, a crucial part of iOS app development is the testing stage. Note that even iOS programmers with years of experience make mistakes, so every iOS app needs to undergo testing before the actual deployment.
The first thing that needs testing is Xcode. Your iOS app should undergo standard unit testing along with automated UI testing. This will involve writing tests that navigate through your UI and interacting with the iOS software just like a user to locate any issue that might occur at any touchpoint. Aside from automated testing, beta testing and actual human testing of your apps are very important to ascertain performance. Data storage can be tested using the Core Data network, network calls to 3rd party APIs and push notifications.
7) Patience during iOS App Development
After developing the iOS app, the process of getting your app reviewed and approved to run on Apple stores may take some time. Apple Developer Program membership is critical for gaining access to advanced capabilities and app analytics for performance improvements.
Apps may be rejected and may require revision and resubmission.
What is iOS App Development?
iOS development is simply the process of building apps that run on Apple’s operating system.
How to become an iOS Developer
To become an iOS developer, you need familiarity with the iOS app development environment as well as certain high-level programming language skills such as Objective-C and Swift.
1) Learn Swift or Objective-C
Swift is relatively easier to learn than Objective-C.
You may need to learn about basic concepts: numbers, variables, strings, operators, and constants. Others include: collections: arrays and dictionaries, Control flow statement: switches, if-else, for/while loopsTypes and interfaces: methods, protocols, functions, extensions, structure, and enumerations, OOP concepts (object-oriented programming): classes, inheritances, and polymorphism.
Learning Java can be an added advantage. You should learn how to build front-end and back-end systems using high-level programming languages.
2) Learn about the iOS platform
You may need to learn about frameworks, design patterns and emerging and related technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and how to build gaming apps.
Avail yourself of resources that help you build apps for macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Master Interface Builder and Xcode in-depth. Interface Builder, which allows you to create an iOS interface using a graphical user interface or simple GUI. Learn about containers and storyboard.
3) Networking
Learn about networking, DNS, SDKs and APIs.
4) Databases:
Understand how databases work since iOS relies on databases for receiving and storing data. Knowledge of databases is a key requirement for app development.
Several tutorials are provided by Apple to help developers in the development environments.
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How to Develop an iOS App
iOS apps are developed using the Apple IDE. The most important requirement for developing iOS apps are programming and coding skills. You will need time and patience to go through tutorials and drills in order to learn the basics.
Follow the following steps to learn about iOS development.
1) Learn Swift or Objective-C.
2) Learn about the iOS platform
3) Learn about networking, DNS, SDKs and APIs.
4)/Understand how databases work
5) Go through Apple tutorials.
iOS App Development Company
iOS Development Company is an agency with a specialty in building, designing and developing iOS apps. Companies that develop iOS apps usually have a team of developers tasked with ensuring compliance with Apple’s app requirements and regulations.