4 tips for those looking to become an iOS developer

SuperJob named the Most In-Demand IT Professions in 2020 by Mobile Developers as the Most In-Demand IT Professionals on the Market in 2020. If earlier iOS algorithms were less available, now, thanks to the emergence of the new programming language Swift, it is much easier to work with this system. However, it is not only the technical terms and methods that need to be known.

1. Treat learning correctly

A consistent approach to training will significantly affect the quality of future work.

Get fundamental knowledge

A common mistake among novice programmers is to first acquire specialized knowledge related to iOS development, and then move on to basic skills. As a result, a specialist can spend more time on training than necessary and make a number of mistakes.

So start by mastering knowledge that does not depend on the area of development. Learn programming fundamentals, algorithms, application architecture, and patterns. If it will be more convenient for you to master them, doing development on Android, then so be it. But after obtaining basic knowledge, you can start specialization.

Learn the programming languages, tools and technologies you need

I advise you to master the Swift programming language - safe, new, relatively simple, allowing you to write short code. You should also know Xcode - the development environment for iOS. This is where coding, testing and automation take place.

I also want to advise you to learn SwiftUI, as it allows you to create interfaces. Its advantage is that it is universal: the developed elements can be used on different platforms (iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS). With Auto Layout, you can create an interface that will automatically adapt to the specified rules.

Most large companies use Git technology, which allows several programmers to interact within the same project, so it's a must to know it. Often, ready-made graphics are used in development, which can be added to the application through CocoaPods, so it is worthwhile to familiarize yourself with this service.

Explore areas that are new to you

Once you've got the basics and grasped the architecture of iOS applications, don't stop learning. The deeper you go into the profession, the more areas in which you do not understand are found.

To become a valuable specialist, you need skills in working with a remote API, JSON. It is very important to be able to apply the Grand Central Dispatch. You also need to be able to work with the Core Data / Realm database and thoroughly study the official Apple documentation.

2. Play chess

It is important for any developer to be able to think logically and strategically. There are several games that develop "correct" thinking. One of them is chess.

A good programmer is not one who performs tasks and comes for the next, but one who knows the goal and thinks out his steps logically on the way to it. When a company hires a specialist, it wants to get answers from him, not questions - chess will help you find such answers.

However, if you are not a fan of this game, you can choose others that also teach you to think for the future, for example, turn-based strategies.

Many technical problems conceal the solution of life situations or problems - and vice versa. The main thing is to be able to see the structure. So even regular cleaning according to the Marie Kondo method can help: if you can learn how to turn chaos into order, you will become a good programmer.

3. Do your little projects

After the various courses that future developers take to gain basic knowledge, it is often practical experience that is often lacking. To get it, your own projects are best suited: it's free, there is no entry threshold, and in case of an error, no one will be hurt.

For example, you can create a utility using new technologies that Apple has announced. For example, based on the new widgets in iOS 14, you can create your own widget that shows traffic scores or bank balance. You can even swing your own application. But it's better to start with a simple one: to-do-manager, weather forecast, calculator, photo filters, pedometer. A small project will be useful not only for hone skills, but also for a job portfolio - so you can immediately show the employer what you can do and how you put it into practice.

Remember that the main goal of your first projects is to help you grow as an iOS developer. The success of the app in the market is not that important. Even if something goes wrong, try again. The experience of mistakes is even more valuable than a positive result - this way you will grow faster.

Also, by creating your own applications, you will be able to find your own unique development style over time - and this is already something that can be "sold" in interviews as your competitive advantage.

4. Keep up with trends

Apple regularly announces changes to iOS, and the developer should be aware of them. Not just because it's trendy. These changes also make the developer's life easier and development faster.

You can stay updated on Apple WWDC, Apple Developer Forums. There is also an unofficial mailing list for iOS developers. It can be very useful not only for a young specialist, but also for an experienced programmer.

Future iOS developer will find a lot of useful information in the unofficial mailing list

Another tip I want to give is - learn from the Apple developers themselves, get acquainted with their new applications and updates, consider the chips that they are implementing. If possible, make personal contact with experienced iOS specialists and ask them as many questions as possible about their practice, especially in the area of the latest technologies.

In my opinion, no courses like New Trends in iOS Development will give you as much knowledge and skills as your own active immersion in the topic can give you. The main thing is to show interest and not stop learning, and on the Internet you will find a large number of materials that will help you with this. Just do not forget that information about mobile development becomes outdated very quickly: all articles or courses that were published more than two years ago can be considered irrelevant.