All About iOS App Development

What exactly is iOS app development?

iOS app development, from a technical point of view, is the process of making robust applications for Apple's iOS operating system. We all know that Apple is known for the security it provides, and building on top of that can reduce the risk of any future threats or malware.

There are many native as well as cross-platform libraries and frameworks that we can use in order to build iOS applications, which we will look at in detail further in this blog.

While iOS app development and game development itself may seem complex at first glance, it can be simplified with the right tools and resources. The average salary of an iOS developer is around $100K, and the highest packages can go up to $200K. 

Requirements of an iOS app Developer 

iOS development is a complex process that requires specific skills and knowledge. Before starting the actual app development process, there are some key requirements that developers must meet, such developer requirements such as:

• A Mac computer with the latest version of mac OS.
• Xcode, which is the app development environment for macOS and can be downloaded for free from the Mac App Store.
• To distribute your app on the App Store and access various Apple resources, you must enroll in the Apple Developer Program, which requires an annual fee of USD 99. Once you have an Apple Developer Program account, you can submit your app for review and, upon approval, make it available for download on the App Store.

To develop iOS apps, you might need a Mac OS computer (not limited to Mac) with the latest macOS version installed because the tools for iOS app development, like Xcode, are optimized and developed specifically for the macOS environment. Because they depend on the architecture and frameworks of macOS, they might not work right on other operating systems.

If you are using Windows, you cannot build a native application for iOS, but with cross-platform applications like React Native and Flutter, you can build an iOS application using your Windows PC. These frameworks use a different method than traditional native app development, which makes them more compatible with different platforms.

Choosing the programming language

Choosing the right programming language is an important decision in iOS app development as it affects the app's performance, user experience, and how easy it is to build. When it comes to iOS apps, we mainly have two programming languages:

Objective-C

Objective-C was made in the early 1980s, and for many years it was the main language used to programme all Apple products. It is an object-oriented language that is based on C. Instead of calling processes, as traditional C programming does, messages are passed between them. 

Some of the key features of Objective-C are:

Object-Oriented: Objective-C is a programming language that allows developers to design objects that contain data and methods that operate on that data.

Dynamic Runtime: Objective-C has a dynamic runtime that allows doing things like dynamic binding, message passing, and method swizzling.

Interoperability: Objective-C can be used with C and C++ in the same program, which makes it easier to integrate with existing codebases.

Automatic Reference Counting (ARC): This feature, which was added to Objective-C in 2011, aids in memory management by automatically retiring objects when they are no longer required.

Open Source: Objective-C is open source, meaning the code can be viewed, modified, and distributed freely.

Swift

Swift is the official programming language of iOS apps and has many advantages over Objective-C. Swift is a modern programming language with features like optionals, closures, and type inference that make building iOS apps faster and easier. With its ease of use, speed, and safety features, it has quickly become a popular choice among iOS developers

Some of the notable features of Swift programming are:

Simple syntax: Swift's syntax is simpler and more expressive than that of Objective-C, making it easier to read and write code.

Improved safety: Swift is designed to prevent common programming errors and improve code safety. It comes with features like automatic and optional memory management that make it less likely that it will crash or lose memory.

Faster performance: Swift programming is faster than Objective-C, which means that apps run more smoothly and efficiently.

Easy to learn: Swift is easy to learn, especially for beginners, thanks to its modern and approachable syntax.

Interoperability: Swift works perfectly with Objective-C, which makes it easy to update and maintain old Objective-C programs.

Community: Swift's community of developers and resources is growing quickly, which makes it easier to find help and support when making iOS apps.

Even though Swift is quite popular among many developers still prefer using Objective-C for their legacy applications instead of transitioning to the newer framework.

Understanding the primary tools for iOS app development

As an iOS developer, if you are using a Mac, you will be using Xcode most of the time. It offers a wide range of powerful features like Storyboards and Auto Layout that can significantly increase your productivity. 

 Here are some tools and software commonly used in iOS development:

Code Editor: Xcode, which is the primary tool used for iOS development, comes with its own code editor. However, some developers prefer to use other code editors like Visual Studio Code, Atom, or Sublime Text. 

Programming Language: As mentioned earlier, Swift is the primary language used for iOS development. Apple developed it specifically for watchOS, macOS, and iOS apps. But some developers still use Objective-C, an older language that has been used for iOS development in the past.

Interface Builder: Interface Builder is a graphical user interface (GUI) editor that is part of Xcode. It allows developers to create UI elements like buttons, labels, and text fields by dragging and dropping them onto a storyboard or XIB file.

Package Manager: CocoaPods or Swift Package Manager (SPM) are tools that make it easy to manage dependencies in iOS development. CocoaPods is a well-known third-party package manager that makes it easy for developers to add libraries from outside their projects to their own. For managing Swift packages, Apple created the official package manager known as SPM.

Simulator: The iOS Simulator is a tool that comes with Xcode that lets developers test their apps without needing a real device. By using iOS simulator you can simulating different iOS devices, developers can test their apps on screens with different sizes and resolutions.

TestFlight: TestFlight app is a tool made by Apple that lets developers give beta versions of their apps to testers before making them available to the public. TestFlight app lets developers get feedback and find problems before the app is released. This makes the app development better in general. 

Depending on the scope of your project, you will use a variety of other tools and third-party services in your iOS project. 

What Does an iOS Developer Do?

Simply put, iOS developers use programming languages like Swift and Objective-C to make apps for iOS devices that are reliable and scalable.

One of the main jobs of iOS developers is to design and build the structure of an iOS app using a programming language of their choice. This includes making the architecture of the app, setting up UI elements and navigation flows, and making the user interface as a whole. They also write the code that connects the app to servers or databases and manages user interactions.

iOS developers work closely with the design team and other developers to make sure the final product meets the client's needs. They may also be in charge of testing and fixing the app to make sure it works as planned and is compatible with different devices and versions.

iOS developers are also responsible for keeping the app up-to-date and secure over time. This includes incorporating new features, fixing any bugs, and making sure the app is safe to use. They need to know about the latest tools and technologies that can help them implement certain features like push notifications, in-app purchases, and security protocols.

iOS developers need to stay on top of trends and the latest advancements in the iOS development industry as a whole. They should have a solid understanding of iOS development concepts like MVC (Model-View-Controller), Auto Layout, and Swift programming language. They also need to be familiar with Agile methodologies and continuous integration/delivery (CI/CD) practices for efficient app development and maintenance.

How to become an iOS developer?

Learn the basics of programming: To become an iOS developer, you should have a strong foundation in programming concepts such as variables, data types, loops, and control flow. This will help you learn new programming languages faster and more efficiently.

Learn Swift: Swift is the primary programming language used for iOS development. You should focus on learning the basics of Swift programming, such as syntax, data structures, and object-oriented programming.

Familiarise yourself with iOS development tools: Xcode is the primary tool used for iOS development. You should spend time getting familiar with Xcode and its features, such as Interface Builder, debugger, and testing tools.

Build projects: Practise building real-world iOS applications. This will help you gain hands-on experience and improve your skills. You can start with simple projects and gradually move on to more complex ones.

Join various iOS developer communities: Join online communities of iOS developers, such as StackOverflow, Reddit, or Github discussions. This will give you access to resources and help you connect with other developers.

Get experience: Get some experience working on iOS projects, whether it's through internships, volunteer work, or freelance projects. This will help you build your portfolio and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

Keep Learning: Once you become an iOS developer, continue to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field and keep learning new things. Attend conferences, read blogs and books, and explore new technologies and frameworks.

Showcase your work: Share your iOS projects and knowledge with others using social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or Github. It can help you connect with potential employers or clients and showcase your skills to the world.

Popular iOS development frameworks and tools

As a programmer, you may have come across the acronym DRY, which means "Don't Repeat Yourself." As an iOS developer, you'll find that the following tools are often used and can help you avoid doing the same things over and over:

• SwiftUI: SwiftUI is a simple and flexible declarative UI framework from Apple for building iOS app interfaces. It is gaining popularity due to its ease of use and clear syntax.
• UIKit: UIKit is a native iOS framework that has been around for a while and offers a set of UI components for building interfaces.
• React Native: React Native is a cross-platform development framework based on the React JavaScript library, which allows developers to build high-quality iOS and Android apps using a single codebase.
• Flutter: Flutter, developed by Google, is another cross-platform development framework that offers many features for building beautiful and performant iOS and Android apps using a unique approach to UI development.
• Firebase: Firebase is a mobile development platform that offers many tools and services such as authentication, cloud storage, cloud based services and real-time database updates for iOS and Android app development.
• RxSwift: RxSwift is a reactive programming library for iOS development that provides many powerful features for building complex apps with reactive programming techniques.
• Alamofire: Alamofire is a popular networking library that simplifies the process of making network requests and handling responses for iOS app development. It includes features such as request chaining and response serialization.

Getting Started with your first iOS application

If you want to become an iOS developer, you must first understand the fundamentals of creating an iOS app. In this section, you will learn the key steps to building your first iOS app.

Setting up a project

The first step in building an iOS application is setting up a new Xcode project. Xcode is the integrated development environment (IDE) used to develop iOS applications. To create a new project in Xcode, follow these steps:

• Open Xcode and select "Create a new Xcode project."
• Choose a template for your project, such as Single View Application or Tabbed Application.
• Enter a name for your project and select a location to save it.
• Choose a programming language, such as Swift or Objective-C.
• Click "Create" to create the project.

Designing user interface

• After you have set up your Xcode project, you can start designing the user interface (UI). The UI is what users will interact with, so it is essential to create a clean and intuitive design. To design the UI of your iOS application, follow these steps:
• Open the Main.storyboard file in your Xcode project.
• Drag and drop UI elements, such as labels, text fields, and buttons, onto the storyboard.
• Use the Size inspector to adjust the size and position of the UI elements.
• Use the Attributes inspector to customize the appearance of the UI elements, such as the font, color, and background.

Building the application

Once you have designed the UI of your application, it is time to start coding. This is where you will write the logic of your application and connect the UI elements to the code. Follow these steps to create your iOS application:

• Open the ViewController.swift file in your Xcode project.
• Write the logic of your application using Swift or Objective-C.
• Connect the UI elements to the code using outlets and actions.
• Use functions and methods to implement the functionality of your application.

Testing the application

It is time to test your iOS application once you have written the code. You must test your application to ensure that it works correctly and meets your users' needs. You can test your iOS application by following these steps:

• Select the "Simulator" or a connected iOS device as the target device in Xcode.
• Run your application to test it on the selected device.
• Use the Xcode debugger to identify and fix any errors or issues in your code.
• Test your application on different devices and iOS versions to ensure compatibility.

Submitting the application to the App Store

The final step in building an iOS application is submitting it to the App Store. The App Store is where users can discover and get free download of your application. To submit your iOS application to the App Store, follow these steps:

• Register for an Apple Developer account.
• Create an App Store Connect record for your application.
• Archive your application in Xcode.
• Upload your application to App Store Connect.
• Submit your application for review.
• Once your application is approved, it will be available for download on the App Store.

To make an iOS app, you need to be good at design, programming, and paying close attention to details. 

Best practices for iOS development

Following the best practices is essential in any software development process, and iOS development is no exception. Following best practices helps to ensure code quality, maintainability, and overall application performance. Here are some of the best practices for iOS development:

Code organization:

Proper code organization is crucial for code maintainability and readability. It's essential to structure the code in a way that makes sense and allows for easy navigation. Here are some guidelines:

• Follow the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern. This separation of concerns ensures that the codebase is modular, and each component has a specific responsibility.
• Use meaningful names for classes, methods, and variables. This will make it easier for developers to understand the code's purpose.
• Keep the codebase organized by grouping similar files together, and using folders and subfolders to manage the code.

Version control:

Version control is essential for keeping track of changes made to the codebase over time. Here are some best practices:

• Use a version control system like Git or SVN to track changes to the codebase.
• Create a branch for each feature or bug fix.
• Use descriptive commit messages to explain what changes were made.
• Make sure to keep the repository up to date by pulling changes from other developers.

Error handling and debugging:

Error handling and debugging are critical for ensuring the stability of the application. Here are some best practices:

• Handle errors gracefully by displaying an error message to the user.
• Use assertions to catch programming errors during development.
• Use a logging framework to log errors and debugging information.
• Test the application in different environments to catch any unexpected behavior.

Security:

Security is crucial for any application that handles sensitive information. Here are some best practices:

• Use secure communication protocols like HTTPS to protect data in transit.
• Encrypt sensitive data on the device and in transit.
• Use a keychain to store sensitive information like passwords and API keys securely.
• Regularly update third-party libraries to fix known security vulnerabilities.

 iOS Development Trends

There are a few trends that can be seen in the iOS ecosystem, like:

• Augmented Reality: We all know how Instagram influenced creators to use several AR tools. Augmented Reality has become a popular feature in iOS apps, as it provides an out-of-the-box experience by combining the virtual and physical worlds. You can use Apple's ARKit framework to create an AR experience
• Machine Learning: With Core ML, developers can easily incorporate powerful features like natural language processing and computer vision, providing a more intelligent and engaging user experience for their apps. We all know how ChatGPT has gained popular and there will be more and more machine learning and artificial intelligence features on iOS devices
• Privacy: We all know the fact that privacy is a myth, but Apple focuses on bringing more privacy to its users and we have to follow those guidelines.
• Widgets: Widgets have become more prominent with iOS 16, allowing users to interact with app content right from the home screen.
• App Clips: App Clips are like the lightweight version of an app that users can access without downloading the entire app. 
• Wearables Integration: With each new release of watchOS, Apple is making it easier for developers to create standalone apps for Apple Watch.

Common Challenges developing in iOS apps

 Apple's restrictions on features help keep security and privacy, but they also limit the features that developers can offer. This makes developing iOS apps more difficult in a number of ways. Below are some challenges: 

• Device Fragmentation: Unlike Android, iOS devices have fewer screen sizes and resolutions, but there are still enough differences to make design and testing difficult. Developers have a responsibility to test their apps extensively across a wide range of devices, including those with fewer resources.
• App Store Approval: Apple's App Store has strict guidelines for app submissions, and app rejection is common if the guidelines are not followed. Developers need to carefully review and follow the guidelines to avoid rejection and delays in approval.
• Changes in Swift Language: Keeping up with the changes and maintaining code compatibility across multiple Swift versions can be challenging for developers. We need to be up-to-date with the latest version.
• Security: Apple places a strong emphasis on security, which can make it challenging for developers to access certain features or data. Developers must ensure that their apps safeguard user data and adhere to best practises for data encryption and storage. 
• User Interface Design: iOS apps are known for their sleek, intuitive user interface design, which can be challenging to achieve. We must consider user experience and usability when creating apps. They also need to make sure that their designs are the same on all screens and devices.
• Testing: Testing is an important part of iOS development because bugs and other problems can cause apps to crash or work poorly. However, testing can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially for apps that support multiple devices and OS versions.

Conclusion

Thanks for reaching out so far; you are a fantastic reader!

In this detailed article, we have looked into iOS development, which is a fascinating and constantly evolving field. We have explored various aspects of iOS development, including the latest technologies, best practices, and techniques to create effective and user-friendly iOS applications. 

This blog is a good place to start if you are starting out your journey as an iOS developer.

Happy Learning!