Learn to Make iPhone Apps with Objective C for iOS7 Course

Editorial Take

Paul Solt's course targets complete beginners aiming to break into iOS development using the classic Objective C language. While the platform is outdated, the foundational concepts remain valuable for understanding modern app architecture. The course delivers a no-fluff, hands-on introduction to coding logic and Xcode workflows.

Standout Strengths

• Beginner Onboarding: The course assumes zero knowledge, walking learners through installing Xcode and creating their first project. This lowers the barrier to entry for non-technical users.
• Hands-on Xcode Training: Learners gain real experience designing UIs directly in Xcode’s interface builder. This practical skill remains relevant even in modern iOS development environments.
• Objective C Fundamentals: The course thoroughly covers syntax, data types, and control structures in Objective C. These concepts build strong programming intuition transferable to other languages.
• Problem-Solving Focus: Decision-making and functions are taught with real coding exercises. This cultivates logical thinking essential for any developer role.
• Paper Prototyping: Encouraging learners to sketch app ideas on paper first fosters better design thinking. This pre-coding step improves planning and reduces development time.
• Memory Management Clarity: Topics like object ownership and memory leaks are often confusing. The course breaks them down with practical examples, enhancing code efficiency understanding.

Honest Limitations

Outdated Technology: iOS7 and Objective C are no longer industry standards. Modern developers use Swift and iOS17+. This limits direct job applicability without further learning.
• Limited Project Scope: The course focuses on small coding exercises rather than full app builds. Learners won’t graduate with a polished portfolio piece.
• No Community Support: Udemy’s Q&A may be inactive due to course age. Learners might struggle without instructor or peer feedback.
• No Mobile Testing: The course doesn’t cover deploying apps to physical devices. This limits real-world testing and user experience understanding.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Dedicate 1-2 hours daily to absorb concepts and practice code. Consistency beats cramming for skill retention.
• Parallel project: Build a simple app alongside the course. Apply each new concept to reinforce learning and create a portfolio piece.
• Note-taking: Write down syntax rules and code patterns. A personal reference log speeds up debugging and future projects.
• Community: Join iOS developer forums to ask questions. Engaging with others helps overcome roadblocks from outdated course materials.
• Practice: Re-code examples from scratch. Typing code manually improves muscle memory and understanding.
• Consistency: Stick to a schedule. Even 30 minutes daily ensures steady progress through the modules.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: 'iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide' updates concepts in Swift. It bridges the gap between this course and modern development.
• Tool: Use Apple’s latest Xcode version for practice. It’s free and includes updated templates and debugging tools.
• Follow-up: Enroll in a Swift-focused course next. This builds on the logic learned here with current syntax.
• Reference: Apple’s official Swift documentation offers real-time learning. It’s essential for staying current in iOS development.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Skipping paper prototyping leads to poor app design. Always sketch first to visualize user flow and features clearly.
• Pitfall: Copying code without understanding causes confusion. Always type manually and test each line.
• Pitfall: Ignoring memory leaks creates unstable apps. Pay close attention to object ownership and cleanup practices.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: Expect 15-20 hours to complete. The focused modules make it efficient for skill-building despite the outdated platform.
• Cost-to-value: The paid price is justified for beginners. It offers structured learning, though free Swift tutorials now exist.
• Certificate: The completion credential has limited job value. It’s best used to demonstrate initiative in personal projects.
• Alternative: Free Apple Swift courses may be more practical. But this course’s guided path benefits absolute beginners needing structure.

Editorial Verdict

This course serves as a solid, if dated, foundation in iOS development fundamentals. Paul Solt’s teaching style is clear and methodical, making complex topics like object ownership and memory management accessible to beginners. The emphasis on Xcode and hands-on coding ensures learners gain practical experience, even if the platform is outdated. While Objective C is no longer the standard, the core programming logic, problem-solving techniques, and UI design principles taught here remain highly relevant. These skills are transferable to modern Swift development, making this a valuable stepping stone for complete novices.

However, learners should be aware of the course’s limitations. The focus on iOS7 and lack of Swift integration means additional learning is required for job readiness. The absence of full app projects and community support may hinder deeper engagement. For those seeking a structured, beginner-first approach to coding logic and Xcode navigation, this course delivers. But it should be paired with modern resources to stay competitive. Ultimately, it’s a worthwhile investment for absolute beginners willing to bridge the gap to current technologies on their own.