Learning Programming (iPhone / iOS)

Solar2D General Questions/Discussion
#1

Hi Guys,
I would like to ask - if a complete novice like me were to learn computer programming from scratch, which route would you recommend I go through when it comes to learning how to develop an iPhone app? (ie. I am a complete novice)

The app I am burning to make is called, “Music in the Beat” - and what it does is provide users with up-to-date information on live-music-gigs happening in a given area, like a city or suburb. So it’s very much so a location based app, relying heavily on the map function.

The other intrinsic feature of the app, that I think is worth mentioning is that it utilizes the iPhone’s unique “Vertical” and “Horizontal” toggle-function. So depending on which mode you have it in - the app will filter all that information and browsing capability accordingly.

Here’s the closest example that I could find:
http://vimeo.com/32762550

Although “Music in the Beat” would be more complex than this, in terms of programming so here’s another line, a drawing that I made of the app itself - “Music in the Beat”:
http://www.2shared.com/document/FzNP...opyright_.html

Anyways, I guess my question specifically would be:

(1) How much time would it realistically take for someone who is totally new to computer language like ‘Objective-C’ to understand the necessary basics?
(2) What books or online tutorial sites would you recommend?
(3) What kind of secondary help do you recommend I get from an experienced programmer?
Any help and recommendations is much appreciated!
Cheers! [import]uid: 188549 topic_id: 32156 reply_id: 332156[/import]

#2

Hi there,
Welcome to the forums! Your app idea sounds interesting. Regarding your question about where to start, do you have any past programming experience? Even something old and outdated? Does programming come somewhat “naturally” to you, or not at all?

Lua (the language used in Corona) is widely considered easier than Objective C, especially to those without serious programming background. But, it’s essential that you learn it from the ground up. I do NOT suggest that you just dive into Corona tutorials without a solid understanding of Lua basics… if you try that, you’ll get confused and frustrated quickly.

The good news? Lua is actually quite fun! And with Corona SDK atop Lua, you can get moving much faster than most other development routes… but I’ll say again, you can’t just dive into code samples without learning Lua basics.

Where to begin? If you have little or no programming background, I suggest you buy a book or online course, of which some are shown here: http://www.coronalabs.com/resources/books/. If you have programmed in another language, then you can dive into Lua at http://lua.org.

Best of luck!
Brent Sorrentino

[import]uid: 9747 topic_id: 32156 reply_id: 128046[/import]

#3

Hi there,
Welcome to the forums! Your app idea sounds interesting. Regarding your question about where to start, do you have any past programming experience? Even something old and outdated? Does programming come somewhat “naturally” to you, or not at all?

Lua (the language used in Corona) is widely considered easier than Objective C, especially to those without serious programming background. But, it’s essential that you learn it from the ground up. I do NOT suggest that you just dive into Corona tutorials without a solid understanding of Lua basics… if you try that, you’ll get confused and frustrated quickly.

The good news? Lua is actually quite fun! And with Corona SDK atop Lua, you can get moving much faster than most other development routes… but I’ll say again, you can’t just dive into code samples without learning Lua basics.

Where to begin? If you have little or no programming background, I suggest you buy a book or online course, of which some are shown here: http://www.coronalabs.com/resources/books/. If you have programmed in another language, then you can dive into Lua at http://lua.org.

Best of luck!
Brent Sorrentino

[import]uid: 9747 topic_id: 32156 reply_id: 128046[/import]