14-Day Beginner App Development Challenge Lecture Notes by Chris - Code with Chris

Introduction

• Duration: 14-day beginner challenge.
• Focus: Introduction to app development.
• Main Topics: How apps are made, publishing to the App Store, Xcode, SwiftUI, and Swift programming basics.
• End Goal: Build confidence, create an app, and be motivated to continue learning app development.

Platforms and Tools

• Xcode: Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Apple platforms.
  • Used for writing Swift code, building user interfaces (UI), connecting with data.
• Swift: Programming language for logic and system commands.
• SwiftUI: UI framework for rapid app development across all Apple platforms (iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, macOS).

Distribution via App Store

• Apple Developer Program: Required for app distribution; includes benefits like App Store Connect, TestFlight, provisioning portal, etc.
• Provisioning Portal: Manages code signing and app identification.
• TestFlight: Beta testing and feedback collection.
• App Store Connect: Manages app listings, metadata, screenshots, and in-app purchases.
• App Review Process: Quality check by Apple’s certification team.

Getting Xcode

• Download: Available for free on the Mac App Store.
• System Requirements: Ensure sufficient hard drive space.

Starting a New Xcode Project

• Templates: Choose ‘App’ for iOS under the “iOS” category.
• Project Properties: Configure product name, team, organization identifier, interface (SwiftUI), lifecycle (SwiftUI App), and language (Swift).
• File Structure:
  • Root Node/Project File: Main configuration.
  • Folders: Separate project files and compiled app outputs.
  • Code Files: App.swift, ContentView.swift, asset libraries (Assets.xcassets), and Info.plist.

Xcode Interface Overview

• Navigator Area: Lists all project files.
• Editor Area: Editing files based on file type (code, UI, assets).
• Inspector Area: Shows supplemental info or allows configuration.
• Toolbar: Buttons to run/stop project, navigate, access library/code snippets.
• Simulator: Virtual device for testing apps.

Navigating and Editing in Xcode

• Navigate Files: Back/forward arrows, multiple tabs, split editors (option-click).
• Editing: Code breadcrumb navigation, documentation comments, mini map.
• Managing Editor Areas: Split screens for concurrent file editing.

Building User Interfaces

• Previewing: Use iOS simulator or Xcode canvas for real-time UI preview.
• SwiftUI Elements: Build UI components using code (Text, Image, Spacer) and modifiers (.padding, .background), or visually via inspector.
• Containers: Use stacks (VStack, HStack, ZStack) to organize UI elements.

Swift Programming Basics

• Data Types: String, Int, Double, Bool.
• Variables and Constants:
  • Variables: Declared with var; can change value.
  • Constants: Declared with let; value cannot change post-assignment.
• Functions: Grouping code for common tasks.
  • Declaration: func keyword, function name, parameters, return type.
  • Calling Functions: Executes the code within.
  • Parameters and Return Types: Passing data to and from functions.
• Structures (Structs):
  • Purpose: Group related properties and methods.
  • Declaration: struct keyword, name, properties, and methods.
  • Examples: Modeling data or app components.
  • Computed Properties: Dynamically generated properties using closures.
• Instances and Dot Notation: Creating instances of structs, accessing properties and methods.
• Access Levels: private keyword to restrict access to properties and methods.

Handling User Interaction

• Buttons: Created using Button structure with closures for action.
• State and UI Updates:
  • State Properties: Properties that can trigger UI updates when changed (@State property wrapper).
  • Linking Data to UI: Binds data properties to UI elements for real-time updates.
  • Immutable Context: Use state properties to enable changes within SwiftUI views.

Project - War Card Game

• Overview: Simple card game demonstrating randomized card dealings and score updates.
• Handling Logic and UI: Button actions to update cards, conditionally update scores.
• Conditional Statements: if-else logic to compare card values and determine winner.

Final Lessons

• New Challenges: Projects to build and reinforce knowledge.
• Further Learning: Encouraged continuation with advanced concepts, app designs, and pro-level features.
• Community and Feedback: Encouragement to participate in forums and share progress.
• Next Steps: Exploring additional SwiftUI views, more complex apps, deeper Swift and Xcode concepts, MVVM architecture, and Apple frameworks.