Programming in Windows for iOS Apps – How and Why

If you love working on Windows and you’re a Windows based developer, programming an iOS app in Windows seems like the natural thing to do.
And it does have its advantages for those who really love Windows and already know Windows programming languages well. You can program for iOS in Windows using a cross-platform framework – see below for your options. Read more and find out if programming in Windows for iOS is for you.
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Why Program in Windows for iOS Apps?

  1. Program in a language you already know – JavaScript, C++, C#, etc
  2. Use an operating system that you’re familiar with
  3. Produce a simple app quickly on multiple platforms
  4. Save money by not having to buy a Mac or hire an iPhone developer
Your choice to use iOS or Windows depends on your app, your needs, and your resources. Apple fans might tell you that you can’t do what you want to do using cross-platform frameworks, but with these frameworks constantly improving what was true yesterday might not be true today.

How to Get Started Programming in Windows for iOS Apps

The first thing you need to do is plan your app from top to bottom. Be sure to decide what features are must-haves and which are nice to have, but optional. Knowing your app’s exact needs can help you select the best cross-platform framework for you.
Choose a framework that uses the language(s) you prefer (see below) and review its capabilities. Look at the apps that that were made with the framework; find one similar to yours and see if you like it.
Many of the frameworks offer a free trial, so try them out before you buy. Again, don’t be discouraged by what you hear about these platforms’ abilities; they’re getting better every day.
Some of the more popular frameworks are:
  • Appcelerator: Use XML, CSS-like code, JavaScript
  • Xamarin: Code in C# or .NET
  • Adobe Air: Use Flash, Dreamweaver, JavaScript
  • Marmalade: Code in C++. Gives the option to develop in Visual Studio or Xcode
  • Unity: Use a GUI to design your app. Unity focuses on game development and can deploy to mobile and game consoles
  • PhoneGap: Code in CSS, HTML, or JavaScript
You have the how, you have the why, but what about the why not?
It goes without saying that the developing in iOS for iOS has its advantages; however those advantages can be mitigated by a really good cross-platform framework and a talented Windows programmer.
As always, I’d love hearing your thoughts
Happy coding!
-Ofer

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