How do I learn to write apps for a living?

3 points by eyeforgotmyname 15y ago ↗ HN

I'm 53 and unemployed. I have a background in the hard sciences but have little experience in computer programing. I'd like to learn how to write Android/iPad/other apps for a living essentially from scratch. What steps do I take? What sites have the best instructions? Where do I find the best examples?

9 comments

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nostrademons 15y ago ↗

http://developer.apple.com/devcenter/ios/index.action

http://developer.android.com/index.html

eyeforgotmyname 15y ago ↗

Thank you! Are there any specific sections I should focus on?

nostrademons 15y ago ↗

I would start with the "Getting Started" sample application:

http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#referencelibrary/Get...

Probably also a good idea to learn the Objective-C programming language:

http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/Cocoa/...

(This is also available as a free e-book on the iPad.)

For Android, I'd start with the Tutorials:

http://developer.android.com/resources/browser.html?tag=tuto...

alicia_lew 15y ago ↗

Well you have to start somewhere! If you've never coded and come from a non-traditional background. You can start learning using a simple, open source, language called Processing. Processing can be downloaded for free.

www.processing.org

The best part of it, in my opinion is the associated learning community. When you're beginning it integral to have a support system to help you trouble shoot. Processing also has amazing reference material and sample code. Super necessary.

If you're like most ambitious people, you probably itching to dive into developing iPhone apps immediately. Baby-steps. The Pyramids weren't build overnight.

You'll get there. It just takes time and dedication.

alicia_lew 15y ago ↗

Also: My family bought my Dad (a retired molecular biologist) a macbook and he can do this. Trust me, this is saying a lot. Fear Not.

eyeforgotmyname 15y ago ↗

Thanks Alicia! Can you recommend a specific starting point at www.processing.org that you feel will be the most helpful?

alicia_lew 15y ago ↗

A really great introduction would be to just download the software and go through the list of tutorials. If you set aside a couple hours everyday you should be cooking with gasoline in a week.

davidw 15y ago ↗

This book has a lot of concrete steps to take:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YH9MMI?ie=UTF8&tag=...

That said... it might take a while to get one off the ground that's really making much money. Maybe you should look for work with someone who's already doing that successfully to learn a bit?

eyeforgotmyname 15y ago ↗

Thanks davidw. I'll get a copy of that book. I expect to have to put in a couple of years of work to make this successful. So small steps are exactly what I'm looking for. I only know one person who has written an app. I'll try to contact him.