how did you get into objective C?

Question

how did you get into objective C?

I'm trying to learn but every book I pick up is crap, and I can't find any videos (I'm a visual learner too)

Answer 1

Try the Big Nerd Ranch books. I learned well from the Cocoa programming book. For iPhone development, I'm working my way through the Deitel book. It seems reasonable, but more as an extension to what I learned from the Hillegass book rather than a straight replacement.

I like both books because they contain complete sample code. For me, the very act of transliterating their sample code helps me to understand what's going on-- as I copy over a function that hasn't been defined yet, my mind stores that function for later, as something I'm going to have to implement. Lo and behold, the book gets to it later, and that internal itch is scratched.

Answer 2

I have no prior programming experience and I got into Objective-C about 9 months ago by picking up Steve Kochan's programming in Objective-C 2.0. This book unequivocally baptized me into the world of programming from an OBJECTIVE programming perspective.

Since learning a programming language is a non-trivial endeavor, I urge you to take your time with the Kochan book, working through the examples, experimenting, and yes.. even playing with the code until you begin to get a feel for it.

My next step was beginning iPhone dev by mark/laMarche. I just released an app in the iTunes app store.

Answer 3

If you're leaning towards iPhone programming in particular, I picked up The iPhone Developer's Cookbook and have been quite pleased with it. Lots of practical examples and the example code can be downloaded from the author's website.

The best way to learn a new language is to take on a project that's over your head.

Answer 4

If you're a visual learner, the Stanford iPhone lectures on iTunes U are hard to beat. They bring you through the whole process of making an iPhone app in great detail, and they're usually very clear.

For books, I'd definitely also recommend Aaron Hillegass' book, and (once you know what you're doing a little bit) Cocoa Design Patterns.

Answer 5

For me getting into Objective-C was more a case of just jumping into it.

I had a fairly complex project for an internship and just went in on the first day and had at it. I realise now that I made a lot of mistakes in those 8 weeks but I think the fact I can recognise them means I've learnt a lot and now I find myself feeling very comfortable with it.

The other thing I did a lot of was look at other peoples code, if its good code it'll be commented up and you'll find that you can learn a lot from it.

Answer 6

I already had experience with C and dynamic languages, so I found the Apple documentation adequate:

• The Objective-C Programming Language
• Cocoa Fundamentals Guide
• Application Architecture Overview
• Cocoa Event Handling Guide
• View Programming Guide for Cocoa
• Cocoa Drawing Guide
• etc.

Answer 7

A combination of Apple documentation and iTunes U's Stanford CS193P program. Check it out, very accessible (and free!)