In brief
You can learn app development from home by starting with CS50's fundamentals, exploring iOS development through Udemy and practising with Codecademy. The article presents these resources against the backdrop of growing app revenue and strong demand for Hong Kong IT talent in 2017.
App usage continues to increase, while annual net revenue also shows a sustained upward trend. In 2016, global app annual net revenue reached US$80 billion and was forecast to exceed US$100 billion in 2020, indicating that the market value of developing and designing apps still has room for continued growth.
With the market value of app development continuing to rise, people entering this industry can expect considerable opportunities for career growth. According to the 2017 Greater China Salary Guide, Hong Kong's information technology market is developing rapidly, with very strong demand for professionals in related fields, including mobile app development. A market research firm's survey forecast that Hong Kong's IT spending would approach HK$175 billion in 2017, up 2.2% from 2016. With demand for mobile app development particularly high, many companies are attracting talent with higher salaries and benefits such as free shuttle transport and flexible working hours.
With such promising prospects, are you interested in pursuing app development but unsure where to start? There are plenty of online resources for beginners, including courses that teach app development and platforms where learners can exchange ideas.
CS50: Learn the Fundamentals
Want to develop apps but have no experience in computer science? If you are new to programming, you can start with basic computer knowledge and learn it in just 12 weeks! CS50 (Introduction to Computer Science) is an introductory computer science course offered by Harvard University in the United States. It is available online and open to anyone.
The course covers a broad range of topics, from the basics of binary, algorithms, pseudocode, C syntax and applications, and sorting methods to network security, software engineering and web development. It also introduces C, Python, SQL, JavaScript, CSS and HTML. Engaging video lessons help you build a solid foundation in a short time.
CS50 also offers many supplementary learning resources, such as 90-minute supplementary sessions and short videos made by teaching assistants to explain concepts touched on briefly in class. Upon completing the course, you can receive a free statement of completion or pay for a university-verified certificate.
Website: https://cs50.harvard.edu/
Udemy: Choose Your Programming Language
Once you have a basic understanding of computer science, you can choose the programming language that interests you most and study it in greater depth. Udemy's “This Is How You Make iPhone Apps – iOS Development Course” is a free course that provides an accessible guide to app development, helping you develop iOS apps. It offers 4.5 hours of video instruction. If you find it difficult to learn from text alone, try using videos alongside your learning and practice; visual demonstrations may make the material easier to understand.
Website: https://cs50.harvard.edu/
Codecademy: Strengthen Your Skills Further
Codecademy is a free tool that uses interactive learning to strengthen your app programming skills. Its lessons cover HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, PHP, jQuery, APIs and more. Users must complete the exercises in each section and submit correct answers before moving on to the next. Codecademy also compiles the types of mistakes users make to help reinforce what they have learned. It has a “Q&A Forum” where users can ask questions if they encounter difficulties while learning.
Website: https://www.codecademy.com/
Make good use of these practical online learning resources to master the fundamentals in a short time, then use the platforms for more advanced practice and exchanges with other learners. This will help you find the programming language that best suits your strengths and put your talents to use.