One of Softheme’s web developers shares his knowledge about iPhone applications development. He participated in the development of commercial applications for iPhone (USA). Having started learning to program for iPhone devices from scratch, he fully mastered the technology in several months and delivered mobile software solutions developed in accordance with standards and requirements of Apple.
1. What should a developer know in order to start programming for iPhone? How easy or complicated is it to start iPhone development?
First of all, a developer should have knowledge of Open C language as well as iPhone API, the library of standard components for iPhone. There is one more separate sphere of iPhone development, namely, development of games and graphic programs. Applications of this type have a bit different structure because they use the OpenGL technology instead of standard visual classes.
Generally speaking, Open C is a quite easy and flexible language, yet, at first it can seem a bit strange. The classes are assigned a bit specifically there, but anyway I like it. It is easy and efficient to code and debug with this language.
2. What kind of difficulties appear (or may appear) when programming for iPhone?
In my opinion, the main difficulty is testing and debugging on the device itself. It is the general problem for all mobile devices. There are two options here: either buying license from Apple or crack a device (the so-called Jail Break procedure). Besides, in the latter case it is possible to program only under version 2.0 operating system. Yet, programming without Apple license is not recommended due to a wide array of problems a company/programmer may face.
3. What types of application can be developed for iPhone?
Practically speaking, any type. The main thing is so that the application functionality coincides with the device capabilities. The device has access to the Internet, so the most diverse client-server applications can be developed for it. OpenGL gives freedom for games development, GeoTargeting enables to create full-featured GPRS systems, photo applications, etc. Don’t forget about the possibility of creating movies like you do with Windows Movie Maker.
4. Give an example of iPhone development from your own experience.
The greatest experience for me was the AudioRecorder application which I developed at Softheme. The core of the application was the output of diverse instructive information for a user, e.g., peculiarities of life in a metropolis or a short legal FAQ, etc. Also, the program contained a test in which a user could dictate his answers with the option of thier recording, and various device users could review them, compare, re-record, and do a lot of other stuff. It was a really interesting and challenging development experience.
5. In your opinion, what are the prospects for iPhone application development?
The core perspective I believe is connected with the upcoming launch of the new iPhone 3G 2009 which possesses faster Internet, video camera and works on the new iPhone OS 3.0. This means that new device capabilities offer a lot of new applications, and, first of all, it is video recording apps.
See also: New in iPhone/iPad development
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