iOS What book for book-app iPhone programming?

[MentalFabric]

Hi All,

I'm the sys admin at a publishing company, I manage the network and do end-user support. Also built a new website based on an open-source CMS.

We have had third party companies turn some of our gift book titles in to interactive iPhone applications. The interactivity doesn't go too far

As someone whose knowledge of 'programming' doesn't go any further than HTML/CSS, basic and limited remembrance of '10 Hello World 20 return to 10' and some knowledge of what process does what on mac os, what book would I be best advised to start with for the creation of simple interactive book applications?

Also, are there any web resources perfect for what I'm trying to do? Should be focused on the total newbie...

 

[StevenHu]

If you are starting from scratch, then you can be expected to create a finished app after about a year of study.

You may want to have a developer create code that you can use over and over for different books (I did this for my books. Now I'm swapping out html pages, making a few code changes to reflect the new edition, and publishing.)

You won't find a book specific to book-app making. iPhone development books on app creation usually give steps on how to create the individual aspects, then it is up to you to put them together for your particular scenario.

Regards,
Steve

 

[bbowie]

I was in a similar situation about a year ago, and I mashed together a basic application or two that made it onto the app store, but I was using code I could glean from online forums, etc. and I didn't fully understand what I was doing. I decided about a month ago that I needed to update my app's, but that I wanted to do it right (using correct coding methods, etc.) so I convinced my boss to let me go to Big Nerd Ranch for their training. I just got back, and it was a GREAT experience. I am not fluent in iPhone development, and I certainly struggled (my background is more in the web world as well) a bit while I was there, but I learned a LOT. Leading up to the training I worked through a couple of books that I think could be a great benefit to those that are wanting to look into this kind of development, and they are definitely something that should be reviewed prior to getting training of any kind.

These are the books I would recommend:

http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Objective-C-2-0-Stephen-Kochan/dp/0321566157/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269537525&sr=8-4

and

http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-iPhone-Development-Exploring-SDK/dp/1430224592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269537525&sr=8-1

 

[MentalFabric]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll definitely pick up the Kochan book...

Would you be able to recommend a software author to write a 'template' app I can switch HTML pages out of for future titles? Sounds like a good way to get to grips with the concepts over a year or so before trying anything too advanced myself.... and very suitable for series of books... pm me if you'd prefer!

 

[StevenHu]

The person I used does Christian book apps. See my Delicious site for several links for contacting other developers:
http://delicious.com/iPhoneWebs/developers

There is a list for books on the site as well. My favorite is Sams Teach Yourself iPhone Application Development. The other two books mentioned above are good, too.

Regards,
Steve