How I Learned | Self-Taught iOS Developer | Tips & Resources to Learn iOS/Swift

Summary

In this video, Tiana shares her self-taught journey into iOS development, from her initial interest in programming to discovering Swift and building apps. She discusses the challenges of navigating tutorials and the moment she decided to move beyond them to start creating her own projects. Tiana emphasizes the importance of gaining foundational skills and then seeking targeted resources to fill knowledge gaps. She also invites viewers to share what content they'd like to see on her channel, offering valuable insights into the learning process and resources for aspiring developers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tiana's self-taught journey into iOS development began with an interest in programming but initially struggled with web development due to overwhelming content.
• 😀 She discovered the appeal of mobile development when she learned that iOS apps could be made directly for her phone, which seemed more personal and approachable.
• 😀 Tiana initially dabbled in web development, exploring languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript but found it overwhelming due to the abundance of resources available.
• 😀 She was introduced to Swift and iOS development through a Udemy course by Angela Yu, which provided a manageable entry point for beginners.
• 😀 Although she didn't finish the Udemy course, Tiana completed several smaller projects, such as a to-do app, which gave her a solid foundation in iOS development.
• 😀 Tiana recommends that after completing basic tutorials, learners should move away from following step-by-step guides and begin building their own projects, even if they are small or incomplete.
• 😀 Jumping off from tutorials exposes what you don't know and builds confidence as you tackle real-world problems independently.
• 😀 Tiana advises that learners focus on specific challenges they encounter while building apps and search for resources that address those particular gaps, such as YouTube videos or blogs.
• 😀 She emphasizes that tutorials are helpful for learning the process but should not be relied on exclusively. Real progress comes from experimenting and learning from mistakes.
• 😀 Tiana's approach to learning includes making practical applications, like a CNC speed calculator app and a game with SpriteKit, to solidify the knowledge gained from tutorials.
• 😀 On her new YouTube channel, Tiana encourages viewers to suggest content ideas related to iOS development, indie development, or general software development based on her experiences.

Q & A

What motivated you to start learning iOS development?

I was interested in programming, but when I discovered that you could create apps for your phone, I thought it was a great way to build something personal and accessible. The idea of creating something for my own device was exciting.

Why did you find web development overwhelming at first?

There was just so much content to process—different frameworks, tools, and languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript. The sheer volume of information made it difficult to know where to begin.

What was the turning point in your journey that led you to pursue iOS development?

When I learned that I could make apps for my phone, I realized that mobile development offered a more focused, self-contained environment. This personal connection to the apps I could build drove my interest in iOS development.

How did you get started with learning iOS development?

I searched for beginner-friendly resources and came across Angela Yu's iOS Development Bootcamp on Udemy. It was affordable and offered a structured approach to learning, which made it easier to dive in.

Did you complete the entire Udemy course? Why or why not?

I didn’t finish the course. I got about two-thirds of the way through. While I completed most of the projects, I eventually became bored and felt that I had learned the foundational skills I needed to go off on my own.

Why is it important to 'jump off' the tutorials after a certain point?

Following tutorials can give you a false sense of mastery because they guide you through every step. Once you have the basics down, it’s crucial to work independently. This exposes your knowledge gaps and forces you to problem-solve, which accelerates learning.

What advice would you give to others who are learning a programming language on their own?

After you’ve built up some foundational knowledge, start creating your own projects. Don’t just follow tutorials. If you get stuck, search for specific solutions to the problem at hand, rather than relying on full-course tutorials.

How did building your own projects help you learn more effectively?

Building my own projects, even small ones, revealed areas where I lacked knowledge and confidence. For example, I made a simple app to calculate CNC speeds, which helped me understand the practical side of coding and reinforced my learning.

What role do tutorials play in your learning process now?

I use tutorials occasionally to refresh my skills or learn how others approach building apps. I find it useful to understand the process they follow, from initial idea to final product, which gives me insights into improving my own workflow.

What additional resources do you recommend for aspiring iOS developers?

I recommend checking out links in the video description to various resources. These include helpful books, blogs, and videos, some of which I’ve used and others that have been highly recommended by others in the developer community.