Python to Objective C (Expected Learning Curve)

Question

I'm a self-taught programmer who jumped into Python as my first language about 7-8 months ago. I'm fairly solid at making things work, though my foundational knowledge is limited thanks to my questionable choice in college to not study computer science.

Beyond Python, I'm not really familiar with C or other lower level languages.

I would like to teach myself Objective C as a foray into programming iPhone apps (as a hobby initially). I initially want to create relatively simple utility apps (I think they are relatively simple, at least).

Could any one give me a guess as to how long it might take me to pick up Objective C and actually produce a semi-decent app? If time is of the essence, should I just scrap it and go with HTML5?

I pick things up fairly fast but, again, my background in Comp Sci is really limited.

Sorry if this question is a bit too general and thanks for any insight!

Answer 1

You may take some time once you do not have experience with C. The "C way" is very important to understand Objective-C. You can learn Objective-C without C as well but you will find a lot of C pitfalls in your way.

Said that, I started a project in Objective-C some time ago after giving up Python with Cocoa. I find Objective-C pretty easy to learn - in one month I had made most of my application. I bet you will take a bit more of time because you are not used to C but it is not impossible to learn Objective-C in a relatively short time - let us say, two or three months.

If you have a very restrictive time, you may try HTML5, however. HTML5 uses JavaScript, whose semantics is closer to Python. At least you'll not get segmentation faults with HTML5 :) Also, JavaScript syntax is closer to C so it can be of a little help to learn Objective-C.

Anyway, I have found this great book, Become an XCoder, which seems to be focused on non-C programmers learning Objective-C. You can start by it.

Answer 2

I really can't tell you how long it will take you to produce a decent app, but I can definitely recommend Stanford's iOS Development class on iTunes U for learning Objective-C. Once you finished all lessons, you are pretty good to go for your first app. It is really good.

Answer 3

You should learn both, Objective-C and HTML5. HTML5 isn't very difficult to grasp even if you don't have any experience.