Why You Should Learn To Create iOS Applications4225944
I'm certain you're aware of the explosion in recognition of iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad applications. Even if you don't own 1 of these devices, you've probably seen 1 of Apple's commercials displaying how amazingly fun or helpful all their apps are.
Companies are getting into the app craze by the thousands. Not only are new companies being formed to develop apps, but many existing companies are developing their personal apps, either as an additional revenue stream or just as a way to build their brand.
In reality, a lot of businesses are beginning to believe of apps as the new website: each business should have one!
Here's something to believe about: who's actually developing all these apps?
There's presently a massive disparity between supply and demand when it comes to iOS development. The iOS platform didn't even exist 3 years ago, and suddenly there are tens of thousands of businesses and people desperately looking for people to build their apps.
It's a fantastic time to be an iOS developer. Obviously new app businesses have a require for developers, but even the large established businesses need people. You don't have to look far to find locations looking to hire, and you can also do fantastic operating as a consultant or freelancer. Many companies aren't searching to develop an app in-house if app development isn't a core component of their business.
In addition, no matter where you're located in the world, there probably isn't a lot of outsourcing for iOS development. It's just too new a platform. Off-shore development shops like to concentrate on large, established platforms for which certifications are accessible. This is why.NET and other Microsoft platforms are so massive in the outsourcing world, while open source platforms are comparatively limited. The iOS platform is nonetheless only a few years old, and Apple has however to produce an official certification plan.
I expect this demand is only going to continue, at least in the short term of the next few years. The iPhone is nonetheless hugely popular, and is continuing to be added to new carriers, which means new customers. The iPad's development has been enormous even in the fairly short time it's been accessible.
Another aspect not to discount is the Mac App Store. I expect it to only get much more popular as it becomes further integrated with Mac OS X Lion. If you're an iOS developer, it's only a very short jump to building Mac apps.
Learning to develop apps doesn't have to be hard -- although the language, Objective-C, is new to most, there's lots of documentation available, whether or not it be from Apple's website, books, courses, or on-line tutorials. Even if you're currently employed, it's a great ability to have in your back pocket.
