iPhone Application Development: A Beginner’s Guide

So you think you’ve got what it takes to join the ranks of iPhone app developers? Visions of becoming the go-to guy for Android app development dancing in your head? If the answer is yes, but you don’t know where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. Follow these steps for creating a killer app. rnDevelop your idearnWhat makes those great apps so successful? Study what app developers are doing right, and look for apps that do it wrong. What is appealing about your favorite apps? Why did you delete the ones you didn’t like? Look at the trends. Currently, games and social networking apps are high in demand, but if you have a strong utility app or one that is funny, serves a unique niche, or requires a lot of user interaction, chances are you have a strong idea.rnGather SuppliesrnMake sure you have everything you need. If you need an iPhone application development, a developer account with Apple is a must. If you are interested in Android app development, check out the Android app developer checklist. You will need access to the phone you are developing for, a Mac computer with an Intel processor, the iPhone SDK, and old fashioned pencil and paper. If you are working for a client, get your contracts and nondisclosure agreements together as applicable.rnGather a TeamrnIt takes more than one person to develop a terrific app. At minimum, you need a designer, programmer, and marketing person. You need someone familiar with current trends in apps, programming, platforms, GUI design, and creating sitemaps. Get your team together before you try to do it all yourself and save time, money, and headaches. rnDevelop a marketing planrnGreat app development comes not only with the app itself, but with its marketing. Figure out how to market your app before you release it. Do some research on current trends and what your target users want (and don’t want!). Begin building excitement about your app before it’s released. Tweet, post updates, use whatever platform you have available to get the word out.rnUnderstand User Interface of Your PlatformrnIf you don’t know the iPhone or Android user interface (UI), you have some homework to do. Familiarize yourself with the Apple Guidelines for UI design. While you don’t need to memorize them, you do need to make sure you understand how to organize and design.rnFigure Out the Purpose of the ApprnDoes your app solve a problem? Make social connections? Entertain? Figure out the purpose of the app, then determine how the app will fit the needs of the end user. Make sure you understand what the users need and want, and know how your app differs from competing apps. Download the top apps in the category you are developing and play around. Strengthen their weaknesses in your own app and use that in your marketing.rnDesignrnGood design starts with sketching each page of information onto paper. Doodle, brainstorm, let your imagination soar. Make sure your design is clean and easy to read—the design should always add to the app, never detract via clutter or lack of imagination.rnProgrammingrnAfter you complete the above steps, it’s finally time to complete the step most people think of when they hear “iPhone application development”. Bring your app developer in charge of programming on board the same time the designer is working to complete their role in the project. Time to dust off Xcode and get to work! rnTestrnWork out the bugs, fix any programming or design flaws, request feedback from beta testers, and perfect the details.rnSubmissionrnIf you are an iPhone app developer, apply to the Apple Store. If you are an Android app developer, submit to Android Marketplace. That’s it! Wait for confirmation and you are ready to begin selling! rnImplement Post-Release Marketing PlanrnNotice “post-release” marketing plan infers you’ve already begun marketing! At this stage, it’s time to kick it up a notch to rev up excitement and sales. Use a combination of social, print, and virtual media to reach your target users. rnNow you’re ready to join the world of app development. If you need help, forums are great sources of information for new developers. With a myriad of Internet and real-life groups to choose from, you aren’t alone! Get out there and show the world what you can do.