iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (2nd Edition) (Big Nerd Ranch Guides) [Paperback]

Joe Conway (Author), Aaron Hillegass (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2, 2011 | ISBN-10: 0321773772 | ISBN-13: 978-0321773777 | Edition: 2

In this book, the world's leading Apple platform development trainers offer a complete, practical, hands-on introduction to iPhone and iPad programming. The authors walk through all the Apple tools and technologies needed to build successful iPhone/iPad/iPod touch apps, including the iOS 4.3 SDK, the Objective-C language, Xcode 4, Foundation framework, and the classes that make up the iOS UI framework. The many topics covered in this book include:

• Easily setting up elegant, efficient user interfaces with UIKit
• Creating effective visuals, animation, and effects with Core Graphics and Core Animation
• Making the most of the iOS multi-touch event handling and accelerometer data
• Building location-aware iOS applications utilizing Core Location and MapKit
• Localizing applications for international use
• Creating applications that capture audio and play media
• Storing data in files or with Core Data

New chapters added to this edition include:

• iPad-friendly interfaces, including UIPopoverController and UISplitViewController
• Blocks and Categories
• Instruments and Xcode’s static analyzer
• UIWebView and connecting with web servers
• Push Notifications

iOS Programming also includes a handy Xcode Quick Reference Card that lists Xcode 4's most commonly used keyboard shortcuts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Pick up this book and turn yourself into an iPhone developer."
— Dietrich Kappe, CTO Pathfinder Development

From the Back Cover

Updated and expanded to cover iOS 4, Xcode 4, and iPad development, iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide leads you through the essential tools and techniques for developing iOS applications.

The guide is based on Big Nerd Ranch's popular iOS Bootcamp course and its well-tested teaching methodology. Concepts and coding are taught in tandem, and the result is instruction that is relevant and useful.

After completing this book, you will have the knowledge, the experience, and the confidence you need to tackle iOS projects of your own.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 590 pages
• Publisher: Big Nerd Ranch Guides; 2 edition (July 2, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321773772
• ISBN-13: 978-0321773777
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 1.3 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #384,195 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Computers & Technology > Apple > Development & Programming > OSX Development
  • #69 in Books > Computers & Technology > Apple > Development & Programming > iOS & App Development

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Bought the second edition, even though I've already finished the first one July 13, 2011

By Friedrich Markgraf

Format:Paperback

The first edition of this book was already superb.

One of the very few programming books that are both easy to read, have interesting, fun and useful exercises, and lead one to understand not only the language and frameworks, but also the underlying reasoning and concepts.

Maybe the best programming book I've ever read. I just bought the second edition, even though I don't really need it anymore: I've finished the first book and know how to solve my problems in objective-c, where to find further information, and what questions to ask. But I wanted it as an eBook, I was curious how much has changed, and I wanted to show my gratitude.

If you're wondering whether to buy it as an ebook or on paper, I'd suggest the paper edition. I think it has better layout, and the index is good enough that you don't really need the search feature an ebook provides.

Note: This book is much more suited for working through from the beginning than just looking stuff up. Do yourself a favor, start at the beginning, and do the quick exercises, even if you've already hacked together your first "Hello World" in Objective-C. There is a lot of very useful background information you'd otherwise miss, that will make your life much easier later on.

NOTE: iOS 5 is due to be released in the fall (or so). Some may think they should wait and then get books about iOS 5, because this one might be obsolete by then. Let me tell you, don't bother waiting. All the information in this book is still going to be helpful (even the stuff on retain and release; it's good to know a little background), and this book will prepare you to deal with the new stuff in iOS 5 on your own.

Do yourself a favor and get this book before you burn your fingers on other ones.

(Sorry for my english; I'm not a native speaker)

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Do they have 6 - Stars July 4, 2011

By iphone Fan

Format:Paperback

I have purchased a many books on iOS programming and can say that this book is the top of the heap. I have both the first and second edition; the expanded coverage in this book places it well above other publications. This book uses the latest development environment Xcode 4 and is allows readers to create complete applications as well as providing explanations of concepts and theory.

Although there are many tutorials available online, these resources provide minimal explanations on how the code actually works. This book provides clear and concise examples and explanations of how the code actually works. It will prepare you to write your own applications.

The authors support their publications by providing forums for readers to ask questions and the authors are actively involved in providing answers. It shows their level of commitment and involvement in helping developers master the content.

I feel I hit the jackpot by reading this book and look forward to other publications by the Big Nerd Ranch.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A lot more detail than the previous version ... June 28, 2011

By Jose L. Rivera

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

So far this is what I like:

1. A lot more detail than the previous version, but still straight to the point.
2. It has better figures (e.g.. MVC Pattern, Preprocessing, Redrawing views, Lifecycle of a view controller, etc ).
3. Use of activity and other flow diagrams.
4. Added legend to some of the objects diagrams.
5. The source in-line comments has better detail.
6. Better detail on using Apple's documentation section (pp. 103).
7. XCode 4 updated.
8. includes a handy Xcode Quick Reference Card.
9. The book binding it seems to be stronger (On my previous book, I have to use marine glue to keep it together).
...

Still no OpenGl. But I think this topic will need a book on itself.