Monday, December 21, 2015

Xcode Tips for the Expert iOS Developer

2:10 AM anna harris No comments

Get the most comprehensive list of Xcode tips crafted by expert iOS to enhance iOS development proficiency, improve accuracy and save time.

We all know that Xcode isn't just all about coding. And especially for skilled iOS developers, Xcode is infused into everyday duties – be it coding, debugging, viewing source control differences to measuring app performance.

Check out this comprehensive list of Xcode tips crafted by expert iOS developer that besides enhancing your iOS development proficiency, will improve accuracy and save time as well.

Use Xcode's Open Quickly Shortcut to FIND YOUR FILES

One of the mandatory shortcut to be memorized before starting in Xcode is Open Quickly. Just like Spotlight Search feature in Mac OS X that is used to find files and apps, in Xcode the similar feature is called Open Quickly. But this shortcut works the best, if you know the filename or the name of a method/public variable in the file. At the same time, searching for a method or property with Open Quickly can be slow considering it has to do a project-wide index and search.

Use, Edit, and Add Actions to BREAKPOINTS

If you are an expert Xcode developer, Breakpoints is the feature that works best for you, especially when coders go through grueling debugging phase. Here using exception/error breakpoints helps debugger hit a breakpoint every time an error or exception is thrown in. Moreover, breakpoints can be transcended to the next level by editing – so as to add an action to them that can vary from debugger commands to log messages.

Use Xcode's Assistant Editor to DEVELOP WITH CONTEXT

Essentially one of the most useful tool in Xcode, the Assistant Editor helps open the next file you plan to edit, even though it might not always be completely accurate; however, the super intuitive menu system design ensures you almost always find a related file. Moreover, you can also tweak the Assistant Editor to display files based on common filters or navigate to a file manually.

Get BETTER CODE REVIEWS with Version Editor

Harness the power of Xcode's Version Editor to get better codes courtesy, its 2 powerful code reviewing features – Blame mode (for codes that are difficult to comprehend) and Compare mode (that helps identify what's changed exactly in the code before you upload it).

Use Xcode Shortcuts and Code Snippets to CODE FASTER

Studies have shown that using keyboard shortcuts while coding using Xcode saves a lot of time and efforts; besides maintaining a logical flow of the code with least distraction. Check out this list of compiled shortcuts for your Xcode programming:

⌘ 0: Show/hide Navigator region
⌘ 1 through ⌘ n: Switch Navigator tabs
⌘ ⌥ J: Filter Navigator results
⌘ ⇧ Y: Show/hide Debug region
⌘ ⌥ 0: Show/hide Utility region
⌘ ⌥ 1 through ⌘ ⌥ n: Switch Utility tabs
⌃ 6: Jump menu for methods
⌃ 1: Magic Menu
⌃ ⌘ Up and ⌃ ⌘ Down: File counterpart navigation
⌃ ⌘ E: Rename symbol within scope (Note: No support for properties)
⌃ ⌘ Left and ⌃ ⌘ Right: Navigate file history
⌃ ⌘ J: View source of symbol
⌥ Selection: Vertical selection
⌘ ↵: Show/hide Assistant Editor (as mentioned above)
⌥ as modifier: Execute shortcut in Assistant Editor (as mentioned above)
⌘ ⇧ ] and ⌘ ⇧ [: Move to next/previous tab
⌘ ⌥ ] and ⌘ ⌥ [: Move line up / down
⌘ R: Run app
⌘ B: Build app
⌃ .: Stop app while running
⌃ i: Format code (code needs to be highlighted)

AUGMENT XCODE FUNCTIONALITY with Extensions

Missing any features you’d love to have in Xcode? Well, you can seamless add new or missing features to Xcode using Extensions, even though the extension ecosystem isn’t as robust or well known as other IDEs. The only notable point is that while most IDEs have an extension gallery built-in, Xcode doesn’t even document their extension APIs.

But these are not the last tips on the block. Have any more expert Xcode developer tips that the iOS developer community would benefit from? Do share with us.

About Anna Harris:
Anna Harris working as web content writer and a strategist for a major IT firm, providing hire web developer services for iOS, Android, Windows Phone and other operating systems.

Follow Anna Harris On

Tips to Build a Successful iPhone App

5:39 AM anna harris No comments

You are ready to take a plunge into the world of apps. Many people think that apps are all about technology and tools available out there. Well, you are sadly mistaken; technical knowledge alone will not take you a long way in the app world. There are several other important pointers that you should keep in mind. These important things will help you avoid mistakes in the iOS app development process.

Rise Above the Clutter, Stay Focused

Screen real estate is considered premium in an iPhone application. Everything boils down to reducing clutter and staying focused. Your app needs to stay simple without sacrificing on user friendliness. It does not need to be complex. Remember, in iPhone application success depends a lot on user experience. You can maximize your success rate by experimenting with different approaches to your user interface. Just work on the approach that allows you to conduct one task at a time, rather than doing multiple tasks to achieve goals.

Get Inspired, Improve Existing Apps

There are millions of apps out there. Your app idea needs to rise above the already existing apps. If you are just planning on creating an app that already exists, you are in for a tough ride. There is no harm in staying inspired from existing apps. Blindly copying other apps will not generate results. Instead you need to wonder how you could improve upon existing apps. Download all competitor apps and notice lack of functionality. This will allow you to improve your apps.

While staying passionate about your app idea will help you navigate through the iPhone app development process, however blind faith in your idea is not a good sign. You need to conduct an in-depth analysis of the market and make sure that the idea is worth building an app. Think objectively and look for reasons why the app might be a bad idea.

Consider the Platform-FIRST

iOS, Android, Windows or Blackberry: Which approach works the best for you? This is the most important question that any app developer will face. Don’t base your platform choice on sterotypes. If you are developing app for iOS, just because your key goal is monetization you are mistaken. Think about your target audience. While iOS rules the charts when it comes to USA, Android rules on a global scale and often in a higher margin compared to USA. So if you intend on publishing your app in multiple countries, consider Android over iOS. Whenever you make any decision relating to platform, think about different permutations and combinations. Keep in mind each and every alternative. If you adopt a one-sided approach, you are running the risk of severely reducing your app’s potential audience size.

Prioritize Design

Both Google Play and App Store are inundated with apps. The key factor is to design a compelling experience. Focus on simplicity and ease of use. Avoid fancy animations and graphics that don’t add any purpose to the overall functionality. Study how users interact with app and iterate as necessary.

Make Loading Fast

Remember, performance is the most crucial element of success in the mobile world. Not all users have high-speed internet access all the times. Don’t give them heavy apps that take excruciatingly long to download. Just like web sites, the rule of enhancing performance applies to the mobile app world also.

Finally

It’s not just the bugs or tech glitches that matter -- some of these tips can be crucial for making your app user-friendly. One of the most important aspects is to spend extra time testing your application before publishing it early. You don’t need to gain a bad reputation right from the word start.

How to Make an iPhone App
The 20 Best iPhone Apps to Download Now

About Anna Harris:
Anna Harris working as web content writer and a strategist for a major IT firm specialized in iPhone app development services for all the major iOS versions.

Follow Anna Harris On

iOS App Developers: New World of Opportunities

4:21 AM anna harris No comments

The demand of mobile applications is on a constant rise. Now a day, each and every business is jumping on the mobile bandwagon. There is frenzy among companies to launch mobile apps and stand tall among competitors.

While the war between iOS apps and Android continues, Apple seems to be winning the battle. But there are several reasons behind Apple’s dominance over Android in the app world. Focus on quality control continues to be the key reason. Apple maintains a tight control over both smartphone hardware and operating system. It filters out apps before gaining entry into the store.

Whether it is enterprises and startups, most organization are adapting their products or services to the biggest name in mobile technology: iOS. In just six years, the iOS ecosystem has helped create 627,000 jobs in the US alone. According to Apple, a recent APPNATION study projects that the “overall app economy will exceed $150 billion worldwide within three years, with the industry continuing to create more job openings than can be filled.” Undoubtedly, the demand for iOS developers is increasing at a phenomenal pace.

The launch of Swift empowered iOS developers to create great apps easily like never before. iOS 8 also introduced frameworks HealthKit and HomeKit. HealthKit allows health and fitness developers share data with the Health app while HomeKit is a framework allowing developers to create software that controls devices for home automation.

It is clear that learning these skills can open up great career opportunities. Here are few things that companies lookout before they hire iPhone app developer.

Sample Apps & Client References

Companies are always on a lookout for qualified iOS developers who can provide with a list of apps they created or played a key role in developing with links to each in Apple's iOS App Store. This way you can assess whether or not they have the skills, vision and the much needed experience to bring your app ideas to life.

But there is a catch. There is no way of confirming whether a developer actually worked on the app. Well, after all there is no system of credit in iTunes. In such cases, speaking directly to clients will help in verifying the claims. Furthermore, speaking to the client will allow you to gauge developer’s ability to deliver app on deadline and within budget.

Understand what works for users

App developers need to understand how app will streamline process or make user’s life easy. It is important to understand how iOS app will improve business possibilities and simplify workflow processes. Remember, you need to show how your work impacts the company's bottom line. Developers who are able to understand value are most successful.

Eye for Monetization

Developer capability is not just limited to coding prowess. Ultimately, everything boils down to generating revenue with the app. Whether you opt for pay-per download model or free app, developers need to know exactly which features will entice customers to pay. Developer needs to be experienced with integration of mobile display ads, in-app purchases or paid subscription models.

Communication skills

You got it right. iOS app development is a collaborative process that requires communication with stakeholders, both technical and non-technical. It is important that a developer comes out of their technical boundaries to communicate effectively with non-technical decision makers.

Finally

Developers need to think about larger picture and connect the dots. It is important not just to know about current technology, rather future trends. After all, iOS app development is not just about building a mobile application, rather creating scalable apps that can grow over time.

iPhone 6S review: a very good phone ruined by rubbish battery life
Gasp! Apple Sold a Record Number of iPhones This Weekend

About Anna Harris:
Anna Harris working as web content writer and a strategist for a major IT firm specialized in iPhone application development services for all the major iOS versions.

Follow Anna Harris On

The Most Downloaded Android Apps In The World

11:51 PM anna harris No comments

The Google Play app store has an immense collection of apps providing everything that you need, but you can't have all of them in your Android phone. Today, we have listed the most downloaded and top rated Android app in the world.

Skype

Skype allows easy voice, video calls & instant messaging. Currently millions of people across the world use Skype to stay in touch with their loved ones.

Features:

Find all your friends and family in an instant - With over 250 million people using Skype, you’re bound to bump into someone you know.
Talk with your fingers - No matter where you are, your friends are always at your fingertips with free instant messaging.
Call your world from Skype - Talk to your heart’s content with free voice and video calls to all your friends and family on Skype.
Low cost calls to mobiles and landlines too - Keep in touch, even if they’re not on Skype, with low cost calls and SMS to mobiles and landlines on the other side of town or the world.