iOS sample projects to learn from

Question

I am just starting iOS development. I read some tutorials, watched stuff on iTunes U and wrote some sample code myself. Now I want to take the next step. I want to learn about best practices for iOS development in XCode.

Are there any well written and well organized iOS projects that one could take a look at?

(As I see it, iOS is not exactly the place for open source enthusiasts, however.)

Thanks
Mike.

Answer 1

I agree with several of the other answers that state that looking at many, many projects for mini-examples of what you want to do in your own app is the way to go.

However, you asked for an example of an app demonstrating best practices.

You could do worse than to read Matt Gallagher's blog, Cocoa with Love from beginning to end. However, the app example you asked for is right here.

Not only will it show a variety of techniques, some novel design and best-practices, but also he points out where he feels that he might have done something better.

It's a great read.

Answer 2

I would suggest the following process: (it worked for me)

1. Think of an advanced app. that you eventually want to be proficient enough to create.
2. Make a top-down problem-solving tree containing the necessary skills required to build your final app.
3. Use this tree to divide your final app. into 'sub apps'. Start at the bottom of the tree, find a tutorial specifically for that skill, and make a "Hello World" app. that uses that skill.
4. Keep progressing upwards, creating 'sub apps' as you go.
5. When you are finally ready to make your final app. (it will take a while), you will have a good handle on how iOS development works. It will also be a great test of your knowledge via direct application!

Getting the hang of iOS development can be tricky; it really does require a top-down approach, and every online resource I've found takes a linear one. The only way that I think a linear approach to learning iOS development would be manageable, is to take it one small task at a time.

As for specific resources, I always google "[what I want to do] iPhone SDK" and browse the tutorials and forum posts that come up.

Here are some open source iOS apps. However, they aren't very well documented and are also very advanced.

• TKAWebView - A subclass of UIWebView that handles authentication and downloading.
• Welcome to your Mac - An iOS app. to VNC into a PC/Mac and do some cool stuff.
• InAppSettingsKit - A settings screen creator for your apps.

Good luck!