Want to write iOS apps or desktop Mac applications? This introduction to programming and the Objective-C language is your first step on the journey from someone who uses apps to someone who writes them. Based on Big Nerd Ranch's popular Objective-C Bootcamp, Objective-C Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide covers C, Objective-C, and the common programming idioms that enable developers to make the most of Apple technologies. Compatible with Xcode 5, iOS 7, and OS X Mavericks (10.9), this guide features short chapters and an engaging style to keep you motivated and moving forward. At the same time, it encourages you to think critically as a programmer. Here are some of the topics covered: Using Xcode, Apple's documentation, and other tools Programming basics: variables, loops, functions, etc. Objects, classes, methods, and messages Pointers, addresses, and memory management with ARC Properties and Key-Value Coding (KVC) Class extensions Categories Classes from the Foundation framework Blocks Delegation, target-action, and notification design patterns Key-Value Observing (KVO) Runtime basics

Through the authors' carefully constructed explanations and examples, you will develop an understanding of Swift grammar and the elements of effective Swift style. Throughout the book, the authors share their insights into Swift to ensure that you understand the hows and whys of Swift and can put that understanding to use in different contexts. After working through the book, you will have the knowledge and confidence to develop your own solutions to a wide range of programming challenges using Swift.