App Savvy

What You Need to Use This Book

This book assumes that you are a registered iOS developer and enrolled in Apple’s iOS Developer Program, which allows you to develop and distribute iPhone and iPad apps on the App Store. If you are not, refer to this book’s Appendix on how to register and enroll. Although you can begin developing your app without being part of the iOS Developer Program, you’ll want to enroll in it now and start the process early, especially if you want to distribute a paid app. There can be some back and forth between you and Apple to complete the contractual, tax, and banking information.

Unless you are the person who is doing the actual programming of your app, you don’t necessarily need to be working on a Mac. If you use a Windows-based PC, however, you’ll be missing out on some nifty tools developed by Apple and third parties that can help you through this process. This includes Apple’s freely available iOS SDK (software development kit) that has tools such as the iPhone Simulator and requires an Intel-based Mac for installation.

If you don’t have a Mac but you have some funds for one, consider looking for a used machine on eBay or Craigslist. You might also look at Apple’s lowest-priced Mac, the Mac mini, which is perfect if you already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Of course, if you are planning to invest in app development over the long haul, take a look at higher-end models too (http://www.apple.com/mac/).

Note

Refer to the Appendix to learn more about the iOS Developer Program, installing the iOS SDK, and which tools are available to you. Unless you are the one doing the programming and testing, the SDK and tools are not absolutely required. They are extremely helpful, however, as you become more familiar with building apps. At the expense of being a little more involved in the technical details, you’ll free yourself from relying on others, especially your developer, and generally will be more informed about what’s happening with your app.

I don’t want to overlook a more basic requirement, which is to have an actual Apple iOS device. You should have an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad. For the first two devices, I recommend at least a third-generation iPod touch or a third-generation iPhone (3GS). Although it is not required, if you have one of these devices for personal use, you may want to consider purchasing a separate one just for development purposes. That device will be useful if you plan to install the latest pre-release iOS software that Apple makes available to developers only. Chapter 2 covers the hardware differences among these devices.