So I decided to try something new…iPhone application development. I’ve had an iPhone since the week after it was launched and I have an unnatural relationship with it. It is an amazing device and I would marry it if I were legalized in the state of Minnesota.
So, my first step was to find out if I could handle this. I am not a traditional software developer. I have built a pant-load of web sites and some pretty robust web-based applications, but traditional software development isn’t my bag. I started with signing up for the iPhone developer program, got some book recommendations and read tons of blogs. I picked up Beginning iPhone Development: Exploring the iPhone SDK
Another GREAT resource I have found is Dan Girgsby’s site Mobile Orchard. Dan and the crew over there have put together a fantastic site and amazing podcast. They interviewed the authors of the iPhone book mentioned above and I found it valuable to listen to multiple times. Next week, Dan is holding a 2 day workshop on beginning iPhone development. I was lucky enough to get a spot along with an old friend who is also learning along side me. From what I have picked up on Dan’s site and podcasts, this should be a great learning experience. I hope I have multiple “ah-ha” moments because I will need them.
Most people ask me if I have any ideas for a killer app. I do have an idea for some apps that aren’t so outrageously out of control that I would never be able to finish. I will start with those and most likely give them away for free. I didn’t start this with an app in mind. I started because I love to learn new things. If you have known me for any length of time, you know that I like to have multiple hobbies. Here are a few still active hobbies…
- Fly Fishing
- Photography
- Building Arcade Cabinets
- Web Development
- Video Editing
- Graphic Design
- Playing Music (guitar mostly)
- Geocaching
- Remote Control Aircraft (Planes and Helicopters)
- Golfing
So wish me luck and you never know, this hobby just may be what I stick with for years to come….or it may not, but it will be fun making mistakes and learning from them. I know..cheesy…but true!
