<p>Published on <a href="https://blog.prototypr.io/junior-ios-developer-tool-kit-6070a1654ab?source=rss----eb297ea1161a---4">| Prototyping: From UX to Front End &mdash; Medium</a> Gary <img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*tEjsT84xQoaQX5riBWccJg.jpeg">Photo By William Iven</p>
<p>A strong toolkit when developing iOS apps can help big time, especially when you&#8217;re new to the game. I started learning iOS development about five months ago and I have been hooked ever since. After a rocky start, I am finally figuring out how to solve problems and to find resources to help me through the battle. Long story long, here is the list of several resources I use daily when developing apps.</p>
<h4>Design</h4>
<p>Design can be the most challenging aspect for new developers. I try to approach the process with gusto and creativity.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.ios.uplabs.com/?ref=producthunt">iOSUp</a> — Before developing an application I like to create a mental model of what the application is going to look like and function. Other times my mind draws a blank and I need some inspiration.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.sketchapp.com">Sketch</a> — Design the layout of the application, there are endless plugins and assets to help design the layout of the views (P.S. Sketch offers student discounts).</li>
<li><a href="https://thenounproject.com">The Noun Project</a> — Stop stressing over icons and other assets during development. The Noun Project has what you are looking for (pro tip: Download the Mac App and drag and drop straight into Sketch).</li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/romannurik/MaterialColorsApp">Material Colors</a> — What colors should I go with? Says no one ever 😉.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.invisionapp.com">Invision App</a> — Before I begin coding I like to send a prototype to my friends and Invision makes that easier than ever. Import your finished Sketch project and link up the views.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Development</h4>
<p>I use a handful of plugins to increase my productivity during development. Also, I recommend going through Xcode preferences and editing your development environment to automate some trivial tasks for you.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.jetbrains.com/objc/">App Code</a> — An alternative IDE which offers smarter completion and project navigation. If Xcode is not your cup of tea, check out App Code (Note: you still need Xcode).</li>
<li><a href="http://www.paintcodeapp.com">Paint Code</a> — Convert image assets and colors into Swift or Objective-C code.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.git-tower.com">Git Tower</a> — I personally find the command line annoying when it comes to source control. Git-Tower is a smart alternative with a list of features to0 long to write.</li>
<li><a href="https://smilesoftware.com">Text Expander</a> —DRY! Let text expander autocomplete your most common typed functions, comments, etc.</li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/alcatraz/Alcatraz">Alcatraz</a> — A package manager that holds the 🔑 to plugins and color schemes for Xcode. Simply install Alcatraz, restart Xcode, and navigate to Window&gt;Package Manager (Shift CMD 9). Here is a list of the ones I am currently using.</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://github.com/chaingarden/DBSmartPanels/">DBSmartPanels</a> — Auto-hide the navigation area and utility area.</li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/ksuther/KSImageNamed-Xcode">KSImageNamed</a> — Stop misspelling your assets names during development.</li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/k0nserv/luft">Luft</a> — Warns you when your view controller gets to0 long.</li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/rickytan/RTImageAssets">RTImageAssets</a> — Generates app icon sizes.</li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/stefanceriu/SCXcodeMiniMap">SCXcodeMinimap</a> — A sublime minimap that lives on the right side of your views.</li>
</ol>
<h4>Books and Tutorials</h4>
<p>I try to do about three hours of tutorials a day. Normally, I switch between video tutorials and books to keep my mind fresh and not rely on one Medium (no pun intended).</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.raywenderlich.com/store">Ray Wenderlich</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bignerdranch.com/we-write/">Big Nerd Ranch</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.safaribooksonline.com">Safari Books</a></li>
<li><a href="https://teamtreehouse.com">TeamTreehouse</a></li>
<li><a href="https://developer.apple.com/videos/">WWDC</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>Websites</h4>
<p>When I am not browsing articles on Medium, I go to serval websites to stay on top of iOS news. If you have time to lean you have time to read iOS articles (cough sign up for the newsletters cough cough).</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/swift-by-jerometonnelier">Scoop.it</a> — A curated list of Github libraries, articles, and tutorials.</li>
<li><a href="http://artsy.github.io">Artsy.github.io</a> — Overall helpful articles for iOS developers.</li>
<li><a href="http://dev.iachieved.it/iachievedit/">iAchieved.it</a> — iOS development tips and tricks.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.natashatherobot.com">Natasha The Robot</a> — iOS tutorials and development tips.</li>
<li><a href="https://iosdevweekly.com">iOS Dev Weekly</a> — iOS news and articles.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Bonus</h4>
<p>Staying productive can be challenging when developing apps. I use two apps to help me block out distractions and keep my 👀 on the prize.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.forestapp.cc">Forest</a> — A Pomodoro style application for your mobile phone. Simply stay focused and help the environment in the process (I’m close to planting my first real tree 🌴).</li>
<li><a href="https://heyfocus.com">Focus</a> — A Mac application that blocks distracting websites. I personally set a work schedule and turn on hardcore mode.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>When it comes to developing apps having a strong toolkit can improve workflow. I know tools are not everything when it comes to development, but they can help with the obstacles that are thrown at us.</p>
<p><em>If you found these resources helpful or you&#8217;re an awesome person hit the 💚.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://garytokman.me"><em>garytokman.me</em></a><em> </em>🤘😜</p>
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<p><a href="https://blog.prototypr.io/junior-ios-developer-tool-kit-6070a1654ab">Junior iOS Developer Tool Kit</a> was originally published in <a href="https://blog.prototypr.io">prototypr</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>


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