Chapter 1. Get ready to build apps with Swift!

 

Do you want to build an app but don’t know where to start?

This chapter covers

  • What is an app?
  • What is Swift?
  • What do you need to use this book?
  • How do you install Xcode?
  • What is the playground?

Every single day, you use computers. From doing homework to chatting with friends online, listening to music, and playing games, you spend lots of your time on computers and mobile devices.

So why can’t you create programs that people will want to use? The only thing stopping you is taking the time to learn how. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Your “I can do it!” journey begins

When I was nine years old, I phoned my dad while he was at work. I had to tell him my news. I was screaming with joy because my app, tTables (figure 1.1), an app that helps you learn your multiplication tables, made it to the App Store!

Figure 1.1. Screenshots from my first app in the App Store

This book is about how you can experience this joy yourself. In these pages, you’ll be going on a journey to the land of app development. When you start reading this book, as you travel through Xcode tools, the Swift language, and the iOS platform, you too will want to shout “Yes, I can do it!”

What is Swift?

Prepping your app toolbox

Write code and see it work in the Swift Playground

Check your app knowledge

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