Learning using layers and CoreAnimation for iphone

Question

Except for the official docs, what is a good resource for learning how to use CALayers and Core Animation efficiently/correctly?

Answer 1

Even if it targets Mac OS X (CALayer on iPhone and Mac OS X are close), you can learn a lot of things with the following links:

• http://theocacao.com/document.page/527
• http://theocacao.com/document.page/555
• http://www.claireware.com/blog_files/iphone_animation_view_with_sound.html

For the rest, Google is your friend.

Answer 2

Beyond Apple's documentation, I highly recommend Marcus Zarra and Matt Long's book "Core Animation: Simplified Animation Techniques for Mac and iPhone Development", as well as Bill Dudney's "Core Animation for Mac OS X and the iPhone". If you had to pick just one right now, I'd go with the former, which is newer, contains more information on iPhone-specific issues, and is beautifully illustrated.

There are always the core-animation tagged questions here on Stack Overflow, which include many interesting answers on the use of layers and animations.

I've compiled what I know about Core Animation in the detailed class notes for the course I teach on iPhone development. Those notes can be downloaded from here (in VoodooPad format). EDIT (6/29/2010): The video for the corresponding Core Animation session is available with the rest of the class on iTunes U. I provide many examples of the use of layers and complex animations, including sample code.