Convert the JSON data to an NSDictionary

I believe you're looking for something like this.

let userCourseDictionary: NSDictionary = NSJSONSerialization.JSONObjectWithData(userCourseData, options: nil, error: nil) as NSDictionary

I have got exactly what you have with exception of '!' after userCourseData and it fails, this is the technique that worked in Xcode . Its seems in my novice opinion that they have also thrown in an optional as an after thought in the pre populated question code. Loosing faith in this course to keep up with changes in Xcode. Its leaving us mighty confused whether we are learning it right first time. I could be wrong though. Is the parser up to date in parsing changes in Xcode?!!!!!!

below is what the parser gives with optional like used in Xcode and parsed in Xcode

swift_lint.swift:10:96: error: operand of postfix '!' should have optional type; type is 'NSData' let userCourseDictionary : NSDictionary = NSJSONSerialization.JSONObjectWithData(userCourseData!, options: nil, error: nil) as NSDictionary

Now my answer to question worked when I removed optional after userCourseData. I am still not happy as I need clarification why similar example required optional in Xcode ( which wasn't cleared up in video). I have a big fat question mark was I and Xcode right or are you and your parser right or are you yet to catch up. If you guys aren't up to date i really need a months free of fees so I can twiddle my thumbs and wait until you catch up and I can guarantee what i am dealing with is accurate and up to date. No offence is intended, i need learning materials to be correct. Its hard enough learning new concepts without interference of errors.

Now the above could be the ravings of a frustrated learner and her assumptions could be wrong, but i second the sentiments of the original question asker "I'm confused" the clarity from my persective in questioning in general is poor. You only work out what is being asked by mirroring something from video and tweaking or the forum. I have generalised but it is frequent. You should not need to go to a forum to understand a question, you should go there if your stuck on the answer to gain knowledge to get answer. Email me if you need as it probably best I don't express course frustrations openly any more.

To have faith in what I am doing need to know when you have checked all your source material for currency with Xcode issues completely and noted correct as of date xx/xx/xxxx

I seem like a pain in the butt I'm ready to walk away from a good course through lack of course primacy.

Hmmmm. I am much more of a novice and I too have noticed issues with the code we are told works in the videos from the code that actually works.

Generously, I think it's fun to try and work out what has changed - but that's only because I have so far managed to (with help from here too).

I guess I might not be so forgiving if I come across something I cannot find the solution to...