Foundations of Objective-C App Development

University of California, Irvine via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/objective-c

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: Foundations of Objective-C App Development In the ever-evolving world of mobile app development, knowing how to create apps for iOS is an invaluable skill. The **"Foundations of Objective-C App Development"** course offered on Coursera is a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to dive into the realm of iOS app development. With a solid foundation in Objective-C, learners can prepare themselves for the more advanced concepts and tools used in iOS development. #### Course Overview The course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the Objective-C programming language, which is essential for developing applications for Apple's iOS platform. By focusing on this language, the course paves the way for learners to explore more extensive iOS app development topics in the future. While a Mac is required to partake in the course fully, the option of using a simulator or an OS X virtual machine can accommodate learners who may not own a Mac. #### Course Syllabus The syllabus is well-structured and neatly breaks down the learning process into manageable weekly objectives: 1. **Get Ready. Get Set. Go!** - The first week sets the stage by introducing learners to essential tools and the programming environment. Here, students will understand the basic syntax of Objective-C, inheriting critical concepts from C. 2. **Functions, Scopes and Encapsulation - oh my!** - In the second week, the course delves deeper into defining functions in C and methods in Objective-C. This module emphasizes the importance of scoping and encapsulation, fundamental concepts that shape how data is managed and protected in programming. 3. **Object Lesson** - Week three focuses on the Object-Oriented programming paradigm integral to Objective-C. Students learn to create and manipulate objects, providing a hands-on approach to understanding how they work within the language. 4. **System Libraries to the Rescue** - The final week covers the built-in features and system libraries that assist developers in managing data structures and memory. This week is crucial as it ties together the concepts learned previously, reinforcing the practical application of Objective-C in developing functional apps. #### Course Benefits This course is highly recommended for several reasons: - **Structured Learning Path**: The course offers a well-organized and sequential approach to learning, which is excellent for beginners. Each week builds on the last, ensuring a gradual increase in complexity that feels manageable. - **Hands-On Experience**: Learners engage with practical coding exercises that reinforce theoretical concepts. Applying what you've learned in real-time enhances understanding and retention. - **Preparation for iOS Development**: For those looking to pursue further studies or a career in iOS development, this course lays a solid foundation in Objective-C, critical for understanding Apple's development ecosystem. - **Community Support**: Coursera offers opportunities for learners to interact and connect with peers, which can enhance the learning experience through collaboration and sharing insights. #### Final Thoughts The **"Foundations of Objective-C App Development"** course is an excellent starting point for anyone serious about embarking on a career in iOS development. With its comprehensive curriculum, engaging structure, and hands-on approach, learners will gain confidence and essential skills that will serve them well in their journey toward becoming proficient iOS developers. If you're looking to upgrade your programming skills or transition into mobile app development, I highly recommend enrolling in this course. It's a stepping stone to not only mastering Objective-C but also to unlocking the potential for creating innovative apps in the thriving iOS ecosystem.

Syllabus

Get Ready. Get Set. Go!

Welcome to Week 1! This week we will be discussing a variety of topics including the tools that we will be using, a basic orientation to the programming environment and the very basic programming syntax that Objective-C inherits from the C language.

Functions, Scopes and Encapsulation - oh my!

Welcome to Week 2! This week we will be learning about how functions are defined in C and then how methods are defined in Objective-C. We will look at the more complex rules surrounding scoping and encapsulation of variables and functions. We'll end the week learning about Objective-C objects and memory.

Object Lesson

Welcome to Week 3! At the end of this week you will be able to use Objective-C objections by defining them, instantiating them and passing messages to them. We will also introduce you to some of the objects that are build into the language.

System Libraries to the Rescue

Welcome to Week 4! This week we will be learning about built-in features that help to manage data structures and memory

Overview

An introduction to the Objective-C programming language. This will prepare you for more extensive iOS app development and build a foundation for advanced iOS development topics. Objective-C programming requires a Mac laptop or desktop computer. An iOS device is optional if the learner is willing to working exclusively with the simulator. Some learners have been able to work with an OS X virtual machine on Windows, but explaining how to do that is beyond the scope of this course. Upon comple

Skills

iOS App Development Computer Programming Xcode Objective-C

Reviews

Really good beginners course as it actively gets you building apps whilst trying to teach you key concepts of programming in Objective C

Great intro to obj-c. Gives a ramp up starting with c that helps make sense of some of unique characteristics of the objective-c language. Mmmmm pixie sticks.

A very well organized step by step introduction to iOS Application development using Objective-C. The course content is good and the instructor is good explaining clearly and in a detailed way. Thanks

I just started on this course and I LOVE IT ALREADY! Everything is understandable, on top of that the professor is clear and takes things one step at a time.

By learning this course, I have a basic understanding about objective-C language and I could write basic iOS apps.\n\nIt makes me interested in iOS app development at the same time.\n\nThanks a lot.