Building an iPhone App
Thinking of building an iPhone app, but not sure where to begin? While it isn’t exactly a simple task, it isn’t as difficult as you might think. There are lots of app developers out there who have launched a successful app and made money…without even knowing the way to code! If you have a great idea for an app but do not know how to get it on the market, read on.
Start your project by refining your plan. Draw it out on paper, so you can see exactly how you wish it to appear and function. A flow chart is helpful for seeing how your buttons and screens all link to one another. Once you’ve got your app on paper, show it around to several people and obtain their opinion. Would they buy this app? Does it seem useful? Does it look fun? Does the layout and flow make sense? Does it seem easy to use?
Before you start building your app, you should apply to the Web developer Program so that you can sell your app within the App Store. It can take a few months to get accepted, so it’s good to do this in plenty of time.
If you’re going to write the code yourself, you also need to download the iPhone SDK 3.0 and delve in! But what if you can’t write, or even understand code? Don’t worry! You have numerous options.
If building an iPhone app is something you really need to complete yourself, there are several resources written for beginners which could help you understand how to make use of Objective-C, Cocoa-Touch and other programming languages to develop your app.
If you’d rather not learn any code and you wish to start right away, it is possible to go online and look for companies specializing in iPhone app development. Many have online development tools and templates you can use to create your app, and others will actually build your app for you. Fees for these services can be a one-time payment for the use of their app building tools, a monthly fee, or a profit sharing arrangement.
The benefit of working with a specialist company is they’ve got the experience to make sure that your app is a success. Some developers also have a close link with a creative graphic design company, so you will make sure that your app looks great in addition to works well.
Alternatively, it is possible to place a job on odesk.com or elance.com and take bids from freelancers. In either case, check references and ask to see samples of their previous work before you give them any money.
Regardless of how you decide to create it, make sure you test your app…and then test it again! You want to be certain all of the bugs are out and it works the way it is supposed to before you submit it to Apple. Once it’s App Store worthy, submit it to Apple and also to iPhone app review sites. Building an iPhone app is simply the very first step…if you want it to sell, you must get the word out and promote it!
