Moving right along. It’s not as if I don’t already compose software in enough different languages already. I’m taking on a new one. And a new platform. And in my spare time.
Sheesh.
For my current job I code in HTML, JavaScript, VBScript, VB6, ASP.NET, C# and toss in a little SQL. All on Microsoft and Oracle platforms. Previous jobs have had me coding in Python, PHP, ANSI C, Assembly Language, CList, SAS, Cobol, PL/1 and others, on platforms ranging from IBM mainframes and Prime, Wang and Amdahl computers to various flavors of Unix boxes.
Now I’m adding Objective-C and the Mac/iPhone/iTouch/iPad platform.
I must be crazy… or compulsive… or perhaps just antsy.
What started as a desire to write the next iFart application and make a million dollars has progressed to something quite different. I’ve really become enamored with the platform. And not just the delivery vehicle(s) but the prospect of being part of something that is becoming ubiquitous. I know I used that word in a previous article about the iPad, but I think portable computing is coming of age, and can really be put to use as something to improve the user’s quality of life, and more importantly, capability as a professional or a hobbyist.
I’ve got a good grip of programming fundamentals, so I’m hoping to master the new language syntax with a thorough reading of a few books I’ve picked up. I’m exploring the XCode interface and the iPhone SDK in parallel to my reading to observe the potential of the platform.
I’ve downloaded the development software and obtained a certificate for signing my code as an Apple certified developer. I’ve written a few Hello World applications and feel comfortable with the development environment. I’ve begun to understand the language syntax and know how to get detailed help when I need to learn more. I’ve started developing sample projects to explore the extensive features of the iPhone class libraries. I’ve got a couple personal projects on my ToDo list, and I’m concentrating on the libraries that provide the functions I’ll be needing for those.
As a professional programmer, I’ve gone through this process a lot. If it’s not a new language or platform, it’s a new version, which can sometimes be nearly as challenging. Consider it part of the job, if you want to keep up with the market. It’s what keeps me, and others like me, at the front of the herd. This time though, I’m feeling a little anxious, as if there’s more to it than just the status quo. It’s as if something’s changing. I’m excited about it. I wonder what I’ll be doing a year from now?
