As a developer with a passion for building things, I’ve always enjoyed exploring the software and hardware aspects of creating new technologies. While I have a background in web development, my decision to venture into iOS development doesn’t mean I’m abandoning it. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to explore a whole new world of possibilities with Swift.
One of my main goals is to help aspiring developers in their journey. By creating and explaining iOS apps, I hope to provide others with the knowledge and resources to become developers themselves, whatever form that may take.
Building an iOS app is quite different from creating a web app. First and foremost, there’s the issue of distribution. On the web, you have the freedom to host your own app on your own domain. However, with iOS, the app store is the sole distribution platform, and Apple has significant control over what apps are approved for release.
In terms of the tech stack, web development relies on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS (unless you delve into more niche tools). On the other hand, iOS development centers around Swift and SwiftUI, which offer a unique set of capabilities and features.
It’s also important to note that the web is an open platform, while iOS is a closed ecosystem meticulously overseen by Apple. This distinction has implications for both the development process and the resulting user experience.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of iOS development is the type of apps that can be created. Web apps are confined to the browser, while iOS apps extend beyond that boundary. They are mobile apps that go with you wherever you are, capable of integrating with various sensors and even living on your Apple Watch. When I refer to iOS, I’m encompassing development for all mobile Apple platforms, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch (excluding the Mac).
Ultimately, my decision to focus on iOS development stems from the desire to build apps that are impossible to create on the web and to immerse myself in this compelling realm of technology.