The Best Way to Learn Swift for Free in Short Amounts of Time
Having mastered Swift and iOS App Development and landing a high-paying job at IBMUS with a salary of $92,800, I can confidently state that iOS App Development is a relatively simple skill to acquire and can be effectively mastered in a period of 3-4 months when one dedicates about three hours a day to learning and practicing. However, there are certain caveats to consider.
Caveats and Challenges
Initially, as a beginner, much of the learner's interest is influenced by the tutor and the manner in which the course is delivered. Ineffective coaching can quickly lead to a loss of interest in the subject, especially in programming. In several resources, I found that authors often apply logic or techniques that haven't been introduced yet, frustrating the learner. This cycle of skipping to sections where the topic is introduced and then applying new logic that requires another concept can quickly become repetitive.
Furthermore, resources that claim to offer free courses or materials often suffer from issues of quality and effectiveness. A vast majority of such creators either offer a trial period before requiring a subscription or provide subpar content. However, it's worth noting that some big players in the online education industry do offer their courses at premium prices, which can still be a viable option.
Effective Learning Resources
To master iOS App Development effectively, one should choose a resource that makes the learning curve linear and progressively dives into more complex topics. The resource should consider that students are new to the domain and not well-versed with the iOS App Development environment. Additionally, the resource should offer in-course support in solving doubts or issues students face while practicing.
Initially, I relied on free video tutorials available online. However, I quickly realized that the community of these tutorials, being 'free and open for all,' attracts many creators making a quick buck. The content quality is often questionable, and one cannot prove their skills to potential employers without obtaining a certificate from such platforms. This lack of certification may hinder career progression, especially when hiring criteria include relevant degrees or certificates.
Conclusion and Personal Journey
Despite these challenges, expertise in iOS App Development is highly sought after in today's time. Those with these skills are highly preferred by recruiters, as people increasingly rely on their mobile phones for almost every purpose, from business to entertainment, socialization, and purchases. Every aspect of life now has an app, making the iOS App Development industry incredibly lucrative.
For those interested in learning Swift and iOS App Development, I highly recommend the following effective resource: My Preferred Swift and iOS App Development Learning Resource.
My Swift and iOS App Development Learning Journey
For those who wish to read more about my journey from a complete amateur to a successful iOS Developer, I have detailed it here: My Swift and iOS App Development Learning Journey.