iOS Programming Tutorials

Best resources for iOS 8 developers.

2014-12-21T17:22:00.001-08:00

To be able to develop for the iOS platform, you have to know Objective-C/Swift and learn how to use the iOS frameworks.

Some of the best books to get started with Objective-C/Swift.

Objective-C Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide

Based on Big Nerd Ranch's popular Objective-C Bootcamp, Objective-C Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide covers C, Objective-C, and the common programming idioms that enable developers to make the most of Apple technologies. Compatible with Xcode 5, iOS 7, and OS X Mavericks (10.9), this guide features short chapters and an engaging style to keep you motivated and moving forward. At the same time, it encourages you to think critically as a programmer.

iOS 8 Programming Fundamentals with Swift: Xcode and Cocoa Basics

Get a clear view of iOS 8’s fundamental building blocks, including Xcode 6, Cocoa Touch, and Swift—Apple’s new programming language. Completely rewritten for Swift, this practical guide helps you learn the new language, understand how to use Apple’s development tools, and discover how Cocoa provides the underlying functionality iOS apps need to have. It’s ideal whether you’re getting started with iOS development, or want a firmer grasp of the basics.

Once you know the basics of Objective-C and Swift you are ready to learn the iOS frameworks.

Programming iOS 8: Dive Deep into Views, View Controllers, and Frameworks

Start building apps for iOS 8 with Apple’s Swift programming language. If you’re grounded in the basics of Xcode and the Cocoa framework, this book provides a structured explanation of all essential real-world iOS app components. Through deep exploration and copious code examples, you’ll learn how to create views, manipulate view controllers, and use iOS frameworks for adding features such as audio and video, access to user calendars and photos, and tracking the device’s location.

iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (4th Edition)

After completing this book, you will have the know-how and the confidence you need to tackle iOS projects of your own. Based on Big Nerd Ranch’s popular iOS Bootcamp course and its well-tested materials and methodology, this bestselling guide teaches iOS concepts and coding in tandem. The result is instruction that is relevant and useful.
Throughout the book, the authors explain what’s important and share their insights into the larger context of the iOS platform. You get a real understanding of how iOS development works, the many features that are available, and when and where to apply what you’ve learned.

iOS 8 Swift Programming Cookbook: Solutions & Examples for iOS Apps

Entirely rewritten for Apple’s Swift programming language, this updated cookbook helps you overcome the vexing issues you’re likely to face when creating apps for iOS devices.

You’ll find hundreds of new and revised recipes for using the iOS 8 SDK, including techniques for working with Health data and HomeKit accessories, enhancing and animating graphics, storing and protecting data, sending and receiving notifications, and managing files and folders among them. Each recipe includes sample code on GitHub that you can use right away.

Last but not least the Developing iOS Apps for iPhone and iPad online course made available for free by Stanford University.

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How to add an iAd banner to an iOS app

2014-05-12T17:07:00.001-07:00

There are two parts to being able to serve ads to your users through the iAd network in your apps. The first part is enabling iAd in iTunes connect by supplying your info to Apple. The second part is implementing the code in your app to serve those ads.

To complete part I login into itunesconnect.apple.com and go to the section "Contracts, Tax, and Banking." Look for the "iAd App Network" type of contract and request it. After that, supply your bank, contact and tax info. Once your new contract is in effect you are ready to move to the second part.

The second part is to implement the code in your app. Start a new "Single View Application" project in Xcode. First add the iAd framework to our project. If you don't know how to do this, follow this tutorial. Next, open ViewController.h and import the iAd framework. Also, declare that the class conforms to the ADBannerViewDelegate protocol. At this point ViewController.h should look like the following:

We need to implement two delegate methods in ViewController.m The first method bannerViewDidLoadAd: is called when the ad is available to be displayed. In this case we animate the adbanner alpha value from 0 to 1. The second method bannerView: didFailToReceiveAdWithError: is called when an ad fails to load. In that case we animate the alpha value from 1 to 0. Add the following code at the bottom of ViewController.m


-(void)bannerViewDidLoadAd:(ADBannerView *)banner
{
    [UIView animateWithDuration:1.0 animations:^{[banner setAlpha:1.0];
                                                }];
}

-(void)bannerView:(ADBannerView *)banner didFailToReceiveAdWithError:(NSError *)error
{
    [UIView animateWithDuration:1.0 animations:^{[banner setAlpha:0.0];
                                                }];
}

The final step is to add the ad banner view. Open Main.storyboard and drag an ad banner view from the object library to the canvas. Right click on the banner and set its delate property by dragging from the delegate outlet to the View Controller class.

You can run the app at this point and it should load ads if there are any available. Read the Apple docs on iAd for more details.

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How to make a countdown app

2014-02-20T22:24:00.001-08:00

In this tutorial we are going to make a simple app that counts the time left to a specific date that we set. It can be somebody's birthday or anniversary.

Open Xcode and start a new single view application project. I named my project Countdown.

First we have to layout the user interface. Open Main.storyboard and drag a UIDatePicker, a UILabel, and a UIButton to the view controller scene. Change the titles of the buttons and the label so they look like this:

If you run the app right now, you will see that the date picker asks about the day and the time. We have to configure the date picker to ask only about the date. Click on the date picker in the storyboard and go to the attributes inspector (option+command+4) Change the date picker mode to date. It is the first option in the attributes inspector.

Next, we have to set the outlets for the label and date picker. We also need to set the action when the button is pressed. Open the assistant editor by clicking on the tuxedo icon in Xcode or holding down option key and clicking on the ViewController.h file in the project navigator.

To set the outlets hold down control and drag from the date picker to the ViewController.h file between the @interface and @end directives. Name the outlet datePicker.

Do the same for the label outlet, but name it countdownLabel.

To set the button action control+drag again but change the connection type to action. Name the action startCountdown.

The last thing that we need to do is implement the action method. Open ViewController.m and find the -(IBAction)startCountdown:(id)sender method. When we set the date for the countdown, the UIDatePicker sets the time to the current time. Since we don't care about the time we should remove it and leave only the date. After that we set up a timer that calls a method every second and updates the label with the time countdown. We will call -(void)updateTime for this purpose. Inside updateTime we calculate how much time is left until the date and update the label. Add the following code to the ViewController.m file and read the comments for explanation what each part of the code does.

- (IBAction)startCountdown:(id)sender {
    //Remove the time component from the datePicker.  We care only about the date
    NSCalendar *calendar = [NSCalendar autoupdatingCurrentCalendar];
    NSUInteger preservedComponents = (NSYearCalendarUnit | NSMonthCalendarUnit | NSDayCalendarUnit);
    self.datePicker.date = [calendar dateFromComponents:[calendar components:preservedComponents fromDate:self.datePicker.date]];

    //Set up a timer that calls the updateTime method every second to update the label
    NSTimer *timer;
    timer = [NSTimer scheduledTimerWithTimeInterval:1.0
                                             target:self
                                           selector:@selector(updateTime)
                                           userInfo:nil
                                            repeats:YES];
}

-(void)updateTime
{
    //Get the time left until the specified date
    NSInteger ti = ((NSInteger)[self.datePicker.date timeIntervalSinceNow]);
    NSInteger seconds = ti % 60;
    NSInteger minutes = (ti / 60) % 60;
    NSInteger hours = (ti / 3600) % 24;
    NSInteger days = (ti / 86400);
    
    //Update the label with the remaining time
    self.countdownLabel.text = [NSString stringWithFormat:@"%02i days %02i hrs %02i min %02i sec", days, hours, minutes, seconds];
}

You can run the app (command+R) in the simulator. Pick some date in the future and press the start countdown button.

You can download the source code for this tutorial from github.

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How to make a simple iPhone app: Trip Cost Calculator

2014-02-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

In this tutorial, we are going to make a simple app that calculates the cost of taking a trip by car. We will have text fields where we input the price of gas, mpg (mile per gallon,) and the distance of the trip.

Let's start by opening Xcode and starting a new "Single View Application" project. Name the project "Trip Cost Calculator" and save it.

Open Main.storyboard and drag three UITextFields from the object library (lower-right corner in Xcode) to the ViewController scene. Also, drag three UILabels and change their text (by double clicking on them) to explain what each text field is for. Your scene should look like the following when done:

Next we need to add a button that does the calculations when pressed. We also need to add two more labels that show the calculated cost. Drag a UIButton from the object library and two more labels to the scene. Change their text to the following:

At this point if you run the app in the simulator and press on one of the text fields, a keyboard appears but with letters. We want numerical keys instead. We have to change this behavior. For each text field, select it and go to the "Attributes Inspector" (option+command+4) and change the keyboard type to "Decimal Pad":

There is one more thing left to do in IB and we can move away from it. We need to set the outlets for the textfields and the label which will show the total cost. We also need to set the action for the calculate button. Open the "Assistant editor." This can be done by clicking on the tuxedo icon or by holding down the option key and clicking on ViewController.h in the project navigator. When you have the "Assistant editor" open, you should have the Main.storyboard on the left and ViewController.h on the right side. Hold down the control button on the keyboard and drag from the first text field to the ViewController.h file between @interface and @end. When you release the mouse, the connection dialog appears. Name it pricePerGallon, keep everything else as is and press connect. Do the same for the rest of the text fields, but name them mpg and distance.

Do the same control+drag for the label that shows the total cost and name it totalCost.

We also need to set the action that calculates the cost of the trip. Control+drag from the calculate button, same as above, but this time change the connection to Action and name it calculate.

If you have done everything right, your ViewController.h file should contain the following:

@property (weak, nonatomic) IBOutlet UITextField *pricePerGallon;
@property (weak, nonatomic) IBOutlet UITextField *mpg;
@property (weak, nonatomic) IBOutlet UITextField *distance;
@property (weak, nonatomic) IBOutlet UILabel *totalCost;
- (IBAction)calculate:(id)sender;

At this point we are done with IB and the last thing we have to do is go and implement the calculate method in ViewController.m

First thing we want to do when the user clicks the calculate button is to check that all fields are filled. If they are not, we show an alert message. Then we read all the data from the text fields, set a formatter for the dollar amount, do the calculation, and set the totalCost label. This is what the method should look like when finished. Follow the comments for explanation of each part.

- (IBAction)calculate:(id)sender {
    //check that all the fields are filled up properly
    if ([self.pricePerGallon.text doubleValue] == 0 || [self.mpg.text doubleValue] == 0 || [self.distance.text doubleValue] == 0){
        UIAlertView *alert = [[UIAlertView alloc] initWithTitle:@"Not all fields are filled"
                                                        message:nil delegate:nil
                                              cancelButtonTitle:@"OK" otherButtonTitles:nil];
        [alert show];
        
        return;
    }
    
    //create NSNumberFormatter to be able to show currency
    NSNumberFormatter *numberFormatter = [[NSNumberFormatter alloc] init];
    [numberFormatter setNumberStyle:NSNumberFormatterCurrencyStyle];
    [numberFormatter setMaximumFractionDigits:2];
    
    //Calculate total cost of trip
    NSNumber *total = [NSNumber numberWithDouble:(([self.distance.text doubleValue] / [self.mpg.text doubleValue]) * [self.pricePerGallon.text doubleValue])];
    
    //Set the total cost label
    self.totalCost.text = [numberFormatter stringFromNumber:total];
    
    //Dismiss the keyboard
    [self.view endEditing:YES];
}

If you run (command+R) the app in the simulator, you should be able to calculate the cost of trip.

You can download the source code for this tutorial from github.

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Best resources for iOS 7 developers

2014-02-04T08:31:00.001-08:00

To be able to develop for the iOS platform, you have to know Objective-C and learn how to use the iOS frameworks.

Some of the best books to get started with Objective-C.

Objective-C Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide

Based on Big Nerd Ranch's popular Objective-C Bootcamp, Objective-C Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide covers C, Objective-C, and the common programming idioms that enable developers to make the most of Apple technologies. Compatible with Xcode 5, iOS 7, and OS X Mavericks (10.9), this guide features short chapters and an engaging style to keep you motivated and moving forward. At the same time, it encourages you to think critically as a programmer.

iOS 7 Programming Fundamentals: Objective-C, Xcode, and Cocoa Basics

If you want to build an app optimized for iPhone or iPad, you need a thorough understanding of the Objective-C language, the Cocoa API, and the Xcode development environment. This practical guide walks you through the fundamentals of these iOS building blocks, complete with easy-to-follow code examples. By learning how to navigate the idiosyncrasies of this framework, you’ll be able to create a clean, fundamentally sound iOS app.

Once you know Objective-C you are ready to learn the iOS frameworks.

Programming iOS 7

If you’re grounded in the basics of Objective-C and Xcode, this practical guide takes you through the components you need for building your own iOS apps. With examples from real apps and programming situations, you’ll learn how to create views, manipulate view controllers, and use iOS frameworks for adding features such as audio and video.

iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (4th Edition)

Updated and expanded to cover iOS 7 and Xcode 5, iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide leads you through the essential concepts, tools, and techniques for developing iOS applications. After completing this book, you will have the know-how and the confidence you need to tackle iOS projects of your own. Based on Big Nerd Ranch’s popular iOS Bootcamp course and its well-tested materials and methodology, this bestselling guide teaches iOS concepts and coding in tandem. The result is instruction that is relevant and useful.
Throughout the book, the authors explain what’s important and share their insights into the larger context of the iOS platform. You get a real understanding of how iOS development works, the many features that are available, and when and where to apply what you’ve learned.

iOS 7 Programming Cookbook

Overcome the vexing issues you’re likely to face when creating apps for the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. With new and thoroughly revised recipes in this updated cookbook, you’ll quickly learn the steps necessary to work with the iOS 7 SDK, including solutions for bringing real-world physics and movement to your apps with UIKit Dynamics APIs.
You’ll learn hundreds of techniques for storing and protecting data, sending and receiving notifications, enhancing and animating graphics, managing files and folders, and many other options. Each recipe includes sample code you can use right away.

Last but not least the Developing iOS 7 Apps for iPhone and iPad online course made available for free by Stanford University.

Please support this blog by making your next Amazon purchase from this link or consider making a bitcoin donation: 1NxsuZtusbk5HZ4RuSKaibRZkbJks8fQNS

Why you should use @import instead of #import in iOS 7

2014-02-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

When Xcode 5 was introduced, modules and auto-linking were some of the new features added to make developing for iOS and Mac OS X easier. Using the directive @import to add frameworks to your projects is more efficient than using #import. The release notes for Xcode 5 state:

"Modules for system frameworks speed build time and provide an alternate means to import APIs from the SDK instead of using the C preprocessor. Modules provide many of the build-time improvements of precompiled headers with less maintenance or need for optimization. They are designed for easy adoption with little or no source changes. Beyond build-time improvements, modules provide a cleaner API model that enables many great features in the tools, such as Auto Linking."

Modules and auto-linking are enabled by default on new projects. You can enable them on older projects in the build settings "Language - Modules."

Another benefit of using modules besides their efficiency is that you no longer need to link the framework to your project.

For example, in the past if you wanted you use the MapKit framework, you had to do the following steps:

1) add #import <MapKit/MapKit.h>

2) go to the projects build phases settings and link the MapKit.framework to the project.

With modules you only have to add "@import MapKit;" and you can start using the framework. There is no need to link the framework to the project.

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iOS Programming Tutorials

Best resources for iOS 8 developers.

How to add an iAd banner to an iOS app

How to make a countdown app

How to make a simple iPhone app: Trip Cost Calculator

Best resources for iOS 7 developers

Why you should use @import instead of #import in iOS 7

How to Delete UITableViewCells in a UITableView by Dragging Them Offscreen Using UIPanGestureRecognizer iOS7.

Getting Started with iOS 7.

How to Debug Core Data Apps.

How to Use Custom Fonts in iOS Apps.

Adding Multiple Bar Button Items to a Navigation Bar

Using Breakpoints for Logging.

Introduction to Core Animation.

Introduction to Core Graphics and Drawing with Quartz 2D: Drawing Shapes Using Bezier Paths

Introduction to Core Graphics and Drawing with Quartz 2D: Drawing Lines

Creating iOS App Icons on the Cheap.

Introduction to Blocks and Multithreading in iOS

How to Use NSUserDefaults to Store App Preferences

How to Populate a UITableView From a plist (property list)

How to Dissmis Decimal Pad Keyboard

How to Play Audio in iOS

How to Add Frameworks in Xcode 4

How to Use Custom UITableViewCell

Introduction to Storyboards and Segues in iOS 5

Getting Started with MapKit and iOS