Trying out Apple's SDK

Leaving aside the two online app builders for a moment - I have decided to see if the official Apple SDK is easy to navigate.

On first glance it seems to be complete gobbledy gook........and my opinion hasn't changed much since then!

Following the Apple tutorial for the 'HelloWorld' app, I bravely started to do some programming. The first bit was probably the most complex......it was discussing things like myViewController.m and myViewController.h - both of which I'm still none the wiser. I followed the code to program how the app should launch itself. So far so good.

The next part was probably the most enjoyable. Apple include lots of official drag and drop elements of apps that we've all played with. Things like nice looking text boxes, buttons and pop up keyboards. I drew the different elements on the screen as the tutorial said and it was all good!!

When I came to 'build and go' on the app however, even though it had been drawn properly (and programmed accurately - or so I thought!) it came back with errors and wouldn't boot up. I tried three times rebuilding the project - but still the same thing happened. Errors upon errors.

I looked at the final page of the tutorial to get the complete coding for the app - and copied and pasted it into the app builder. I then drew the necessary parts on the view screen and then 'build and go'd! Finally, it worked! I can type my name into the text box, press the 'HELLO' button and then the screen says 'Hello Chris'.

A lot of effort for not an awful lot of reward - but getting to grips with the SDK has started. Now only if I can understand now what the whole myViewController.m etc actually mean.

I might need lots of sample coding to help me achieve my final outcome!

Time to scour more tutorials me feels.

Adios amigos

Buildanapp

When I signed up for free account with buildanapp - it was straightforward enough. Straight to the choice of app I would like to make.

It seems to be quite 'business' or 'organisation' focussed which looks perfect for school. There are many basic templates to choose from ranging from cafes and sports teams, to estate agents and schools.

When I clicked the school app template, there are a number of choices of pages to choose from once again.

I'M LOVING THIS - NO PROGRAMMING REQUIRED SO FAR!! All point and click!

I'll go and investigate how the app page templates work within the school app and get back to you.......Adios for now.

Searching For Online Wizard App Builders

Well, down to business ....... I need to create an app - but I have no knowledge of programming code or things like that, so I need something really straightforward.

Searching for an online app builder in google returned many sites - but I've decided to concentrate on 2 for the time being. One that seems to be slightly more entry level than the other - so it will be good to compare and contrast the two services.

I need an online site that will submit my app to Apple as part of the deal as I don't have a developer licence. Both of these sites offer that. (thankfully!)

* www.buildanapp.com (entry level)

* www.appwizard.com (more expensive)

I'll take a look at buildanapp over the next couple of days or so. I need to sign up for a free account and then start building apparently. BRING ON MY FIRST APP!

Buildanapp.com to be continued next time.

Working With A Mac

Well, the Macbook Pro has arrived - and after years of working with PCs, it all looks a little unfamiliar!

How quick does it boot up?! Fantastic. I have worked out that the bottom of the screen is called the ‘dock’. Having browsed through the programs that the Macbook comes with - I have seen that there are huge similarities between Apple’s other products. The iPod touch that I have is very similar with an icon based menu and a ‘one touch’ mailbox is reassuringly simple to set up.

Mentioning the iPod touch reminds me of the purpose of this blog......not just to spout on and on about the different features of Macs, but to chart my experiences as I discover the highlights and the inevitable pitfalls of building an educational app for Apple products.

It may be a long road that is lying ahead......who knows?! I reckon the first step is to see what sort of online tools there are out there. More next time.