I worked as a programmer, but have been away from it for several years. I see ten year old kids making apps, and I think "maybe I could..."

Keep in mind that money is tight and this will only be a "hobby" for me - I won't be cutting in to your market share - :D

I know there are loads of development tools in the app store, but since I don't know where to start, can you suggest some resources for me to explore?

I think the first thing I need to know is - can I develop an app and run it on my own iPad without going through the app store?

I know, I sound clueless, but I don't mind doing the heavy lifting if you can point me to the first rock that needs to be moved.

Thanks, Margaret

Hmm. No replies. Does that mean nobody here does app development? Nobody wants to get involved with a potential knowledge leech? Perhaps you all think that app development is not for the faint-hearted?

I did a search on Amazon for books and the descriptions of many of them described how to find a developer.

I have an idea for an app, but will put it on the back burner for now.

Just to note, The game app "Cut the rope" just reached their 60 millionth download.

I'd love to make some app's too, Just don't have the patience.

Just to note, The game app "Cut the rope" just reached their 60 millionth download.

I'd love to make some app's too, Just don't have the patience.

For that much money, maybe I can get the patience :D

You can sign up for a free developer account at:

https://developer.apple.com/

As it says:

iOS Dev Center
Find a wealth of technical resources for developing innovative apps for iOS.

Mac Dev Center
A complete set of resources for developing with the powerful technologies in OS X.

Safari Dev Center
Resources for designing and creating websites and extensions for Safari.


You can read a tremendous amount of stuff and decide if you need/want to pay for a membership.

Craig

You can sign up for a free developer account at:

https://developer.apple.com/

As it says:



You can read a tremendous amount of stuff and decide if you need/want to pay for a membership.

Craig

Thanks Craig. That sounds like the place to start.

Get Xcode from the App Store and check out the free courses in iTunes U. That is where I would start.

...
I think the first thing I need to know is - can I develop an app and run it on my own iPad without going through the app store?

I know, I sound clueless, but I don't mind doing the heavy lifting if you can point me to the first rock that needs to be moved.


Hi Margaret

As others have pointed out you can register for a free Apple Developer account and get Xcode installed. This will allow you to run any apps you build on the included iOS Simulator. If you'd like to be able to run them on an actual device such as your iPad you will need to get the join the $99/year iOS Developer Program (https://developer.apple.com/programs/ios/).

As far as just getting started, Apple has published a great guide to help you do exactly this called Start Developing iOS Apps Today (https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#referencelibrary/GettingStarted/RoadMapiOS/Introduction/Introduction.html). I highly recommend it. Have fun!

Apple's official site is best for properly development for any kind of language with appropriate form and best option to do right developing of web pages.