Starting your journey as an app developer can feel overwhelming.. Let’s explore what you need to get started!
You basically need two things: an Apple developer account and XCode.
Apple developer account
Free Apple developer account
You can sign up for a free Apple developer account with your Apple ID. It allows you to
- Install your apps on physical devices: You can develop and test your apps on physical devices like iPhones, iPads, or Apple Watches.
- Expiration: The apps you deploy to your device will expire after 7 days. To continue using the app, you’ll need to re-sign and re-install it.
- Access to tools: You gain access to Xcode, Swift Playgrounds, and various SDKs to start developing apps.
- Limited access to advanced features: Some features like advanced debugging tools, and access to app distribution on the App Store are restricted to paid accounts.
This is great for beginners who want to explore development without committing to the $99/year Apple Developer Program fee.
You can sign up for a free developer account on Apple’s Developer website:
- Go to developer.apple.com.
- Sign In with Your Apple ID: Click on the “Account” option in the top-right corner and sign in using your Apple ID. If you don’t have an Apple ID, you’ll need to create one first, please see here.
- Agree to the Terms: Once signed in, you’ll need to agree to the Apple Developer Agreement.
Paid Apple Developer Program
Once you’re ready to publish your app to the App Store or take advantage of additional features (like TestFlight or more advanced provisioning profiles), enrolling in the paid program is required. It’s $99/year and includes:
- App Store distribution.
- Access to advanced capabilities like push notifications, CloudKit, and more.
- TestFlight for beta testing.
- Unlimited app installation on devices without the 7-day expiration.
Congratulations! You can start building your own apps. Happy coding!
Xcode: your development environment
Xcode is Apple’s official integrated development environment (IDE) and the cornerstone of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS development. Here’s why it’s indispensable:
- Interface Builder: Visually design your app’s user interface.
- Simulator: Test your app on virtual devices without needing physical hardware.
- Debugger: Identify and fix issues in your code efficiently.
You can download Xcode here for free from the Mac App Store.