In the last couple of months, I published my first app to the app store. A Bill Reminder app, it was a bit complex, and it took me some time to implement the features I wanted. I had to use core data and learn about notifications. I was building it for my own needs, which kept me motivated even when things were getting tough.
I have a friend in design that helped me with the UI, nothing fancy, but still very good. There are still things I like to improve on, like design and following Apple’s standards.
I’m currently working on a Code Snippet bookmark app for developers to save their commonly used code snippets to access later.
Side Note: I’ve been using the famous ChatGPT AI to come up with app ideas for my next app. I got specific and generated some idea’s in the productivity category, along with taglines to match and keywords I could use when it was time to publish. (wow it’s amazing)
Lastly, during my MVP stages, I find myself implementing all the features and designs upfront. Then, I would publish it to the App Store. I guess coming from a web development background, that’s how I did my side projects. I do it all, publish it, and be done lol. At that point, I’m ready to work on something else. I know that’s not the way to do MVPs, and maybe I haven’t been doing MVPs as I thought. I think I’m just building an app.
Nonetheless, I feel good about how far I’ve come, and I plan to continue. That’s all for now.
In the last few days, I managed to implement all the main features of my app that I wanted; creating, deleting snippets, and marking them as favorites.
I have still been using the great ChatGTP AI for any misunderstandings. My designs look okay for now. I might use Figma for some design inspirations. I’m currently taking Chris’s Design Course to implement common UI styles. I want my app to feel Apple-friendly.
Well, that’s where I’m at at the moment. Later, once I have the design looking more decent, I’ll start making an icon on Canva. Lastly, I’ll test it on my phone to see how I like things.
Since my last post, I made some changes to the UI. I wanted it to be more simple and easier to navigate so I went to what I had before. Here’s the new look.
UPDATE 1/9/23: Hey Folks! since my last post, I was able to get the desired look for my cards using LazyVGrid and the Geometry Reader. Thanks for the guidance on that one @Chris_Parker
As of now, everything (so far lol) is working as expected. There are a few things I still want to do before I dogfood this app(use it myself).
Sync data through multiple devices (I want data to sync from iPhone and iPad)
Add accessibility
Convert it to MacOS app
I really want to use this app on my Mac, that’s why I’m waiting to dogfood until I can convert it. Well, that’s where I’m at right now I’ll keep you guys updated as I work through my list mentioned above.
UPDATE 1/14/23: Hey Folks! since my last post I was able to;
Sync my data amongst other devices using iCloud I tested it on both my iPhone 7 an iPad and it works perfectly.
With a bit of aggravation lol I converted it to a macOS app! it really was a pain in the butt though. However, I got it working, and at least I know how to do it in the future
I simplified the ItemGridView UI view so it’s back to listing the items in a 2 column grid, instead of using the Geometry Reader to make it dynamic sizes. It didn’t look so swell on macOS tbh.
Created my app icon using Canva
What’s next?
Still need to work on accessibility
Fix the color scheme (mostly on MacOS)
Make a 3 column grid layouts on iPad’s since there’s more room to fill
iOS and MacOS of App (ignore the weird BG colors, it’s not permanent lol)
(Syncing data across devices) It was surprisingly simpler than I thought! I just added iCloud to the project (for both iOS and MacOS targets) then lastly linked it with Core Data in the code, and I was good to go
Added iCloud to project from Signing & Capabilities
UPDATE 1/23/23: Hey Folks! since my last post a bit has changed lol but not to much, I’m pretty much ready to start using it myself (testing it). So far I have;
Improved the look on macOS by 100
Adjusted layout to have 3 columns for iPad
Changed UI on the forms on both iOS and macOS.
Decided to stick with one main color throughout, which is Gold. I tried to have it look similar to the Notes app.
Changed app icon color based on main color used throughout app.
One suggestion I would have would be having keywords highlighted similar to an IDE. I feel like it would be a pain in the ass to program, but would be super cool!
Great question, I had to set the language manually to swift. It doesn’t auto detect. However! cool thing I just noticed, it comes with lot of different languages you can choose from.
The picker I created showing all possible languages (there’s more BTW, when scrolling)
UPDATE 2/06/23: iOS version of Code Stash (Code Snippet name was taken) is now published to the App Store! Code Stash on the App Store
I’ve built a couple apps previously, but tbh this one I’m most proud of. For those that try it out, I hope it makes your development process a bit easier, enjoy
The macOS version will be available after the review is approved
It’s great to see your progress! I wish I knew what apps I wanted to create… anything I think of, I feel is an exhausted area… Keep up the great work! What do you want to do in the future? Create more apps? Freelance? Get an office or remote job?
Thanks I appreciate it! :D. I definitely want to continue making more apps (leaning towards the gaming category now). As for jobs I thought I would want to get a remote job in the future, but I don’t want it to take the fun out of things, building apps that interest me keeps my attention.
That’s all for now.
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this working on the tab bar btw.
I tested it on both my iPhone 7 an iPad and it works perfectly.
I just added iCloud to the project (for both iOS and MacOS targets) then lastly linked it with Core Data in the code, and I was good to go 
I thought I would want to get a remote job in the future, but I don’t want it to take the fun out of things, building apps that interest me keeps my attention.