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iOS

What hardware is needed to get started?

Hello:

It appears a mac computer is used in the iOS development videos. Is a mac necessary or can you just code and run your iOS apps directly on an iPad? I own neither a mac nor iPad, and would like to minimize unnecessary hardware purchases.

Thanks for your help.

2 Answers

You will want a Mac computer running OSX. MacBook, iMac, Mac mini etc. You can't develop on an iPad since Xcode (the IDE used to create apps) only runs on OSX. The Mac mini would be the least expensive option (about $500). There are other options such as Macincloud which let you "rent" a mac if you don't want to drop that kind of money for something you might not stick with. They are good computers though and I love developing on mine.

Looking at the macincloud pricing the monthly plan costs about $20 a month, which would be a good idea to do. You could do a few (if not all) of the iOS projects in that one month and if you want to keep developing go get your own mac, if not, you are only out 20 dollars.

Thank you, Stone.