So it begins

So, I've decided to try my novice hand developing applications and games for mobile phones.

It's an idea I've had for some time but never thought I'd actually follow it through. I've basic knowledge of computer programming, mainly altering other people's code to see different outcomes and creating small basic games, but never anything on a large scale have I created.

I always thought in my life I'd create something. I wasn't sure what it would be and I'm still not sure this is it but, hey, it could be and it's worth a shot, right?

I like my iPhone, it's the best phone I've ever had (not counting my indestructible Nokia 3210) I decided to purchase one after owning a iPod Touch and realising I'd be lost without it's great selection of useful, entertaining apps and games. So, to me, it was a sound decision.

Having said all the above and taking it all into account, I've decided to try my hand at developing apps and games for the iOS (the iPhone and iPads Operating System - such like 'Windows' is to the PC).

So, where to start, what should I need for this new endeavour and will it cost me a lot of money?
All these questions, and more, I asked myself. After some research on my Windows 7 based PC, it became apparent to me that, without messing about a lot and possibly buying new PC components, I'd need to purchase a Apple Macintosh computer. I've never used a "Mac" before so I wasn't sure at first what I was looking for, yet alone if I could find one for a reasonable price!

I proceeded with some digging through Mac forums and reading the apple developers website (which was free to sign up for). I found out that I need a Mac with a Intel Dual Core processor and possibly running the Macs operating system and version called Mac OS X, Snow Leopard. This required a purchase but I just couldn't afford a brand new Apple Mac. So, not being too fussy if I'm using new or used tech, I opted to search eBay for a used Mac.

During my research up to this point, people had recommended to me that the Apple Mac Mini was a good option for development and, if I looked for one that was released from early 2006 to 2008, I could even upgrade it - even the processor, so I wouldn't initially need to spend a fortune on the latest, state of the art version. Nice!

Searching on eBay is never a easy thing when looking for something so specific that you end up wading through countless items related to your product but not exactly what you want to see. I found a few that had the minimum requirements to develop on, Intel dual core with at least 1Gb of ram. But most of them ended out if my price range. I even attempted to contact numerous sellers pleading my case, that I'd had enough of my crashing Windows based PC and wanted to move to Macs (which by this time was actually true). Some people where understanding but unable to help, some just didn't bother to reply at all and others just mocked me or seemed to laugh and think I was joking with my price offer.

This wasn't going well so far. I'd found items for sale I wanted, at minimum spec but as the weeks passed while I tried to save more money for this purchase, the ending auction prices seemed to be getting higher.

You know, sometimes I could swear blind that I was on some thing like The Trueman Show (funny movie staring Jim Carry, were hidden cameras are watching his oblivious, every move since childhood, for the millions of viewing watchers - BigBrother anyone?).

So reluctantly I decided to sell my PC too. This was not an easy decision to make as I knew I'd be with out a computer until I finally purchased the Mac.

Now, here us were I am at currently with my little adventure, supported by my spouse who is all for me to do this and to see if it turns out nicely.

The reason I created this blog was to share with you (if anyone decides to follow my adventure) from the beginning to the release of my first app and possibly beyond. Hopefully it will inspire others to try there hand at creating apps or, if anything, it may make for an interesting read at least. :-)

Next step is to find a decent Mac Mini that I can develop on for £250. I may have to sell more things, the way prices seems to keep going up. Crazy!

Keep checking back for updates on my progress.

- N.A.D.