Choose Wisely: iOS Programming or Ruby on Rails

Deciding between learning iOS programming or Ruby on Rails can be a tough choice, especially given the plethora of options available today. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal interests and career goals. If you’re unsure, I recommend starting with Ruby on Rails as it tends to yield better financial rewards. However, if the future of web apps is indeed more promising, this could also influence your choice.

The Future of Web Apps vs. Native Smartphone Applications

The debate rages on: is the future of app development primarily web-based, or do native smartphone applications still hold a strong position in the market? While some industry experts suggest that web apps will dominate, I must admit, I am not entirely convinced. As with any technological trend, the landscape is constantly evolving, and it's essential to stay adaptable.

Choosing the Right Path

Your choice should align with the path you wish to take in your career. If learning a new programming language looks overwhelming, start with what feels more approachable. My advice, based on personal experience, is to tackle simpler projects first. For instance, if you’re passionate about creating applications that are directly accessible on your phone, start with iOS development by building a simple calculator app. Stanford University offers an excellent course on iTunes University that you might find helpful.

Challenges of iOS App Development

Developing mobile apps involves a series of tasks that are not always straightforward. You need to design user interfaces (UI), connect user actions to your code, and ensure the app functions smoothly. These tasks can sometimes be more complex than they appear. However, don't let this deter you. Building a simple calculator app can serve as an excellent starting point and help you get comfortable with the process.

On the other hand, if you're more interested in web applications, storing data in a database, and managing a model-view-controller (MVC) paradigm, then Ruby on Rails is a great choice. Rails is known for its ability to get you up and running quickly, but don't dismiss other frameworks such as Django or Express.js, which are lighter alternatives. In my experience, not all paths lead to the same destination, and it's important to choose the one that resonates with you.

Picking the Right Tool

But what if you want to do both? Many developers can do both; they build native iOS apps while leveraging Ruby on Rails for the back-end. Objective-C is crucial for iOS development, but it is only useful for the Apple ecosystem. Ruby, on the other hand, might not be the best initial choice either, as it is too specific to one platform.

For beginners, learning something universal and versatile like Python is a better option. Once you've mastered one programming language, learning another becomes much more manageable, unless the language is a functional one, which requires a different approach.

Conclusion: Build Something

The most important advice I can offer is: build something. Don't just sit around wondering which path to take. Start small and work your way up the learning curve. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and in the world of programming, that step can be as simple as creating a calculator app.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose iOS programming or Ruby on Rails, the key is to find the path that aligns with your interests and career aspirations. Both options have their unique advantages, and with the right mindset and approach, you can excel in either field. Start small and build from there.