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iOS 7 programming cookbook (2nd ed.)
Nahavandipoor V., O’Reilly Media, Inc., Sebastopol, CA, 2013. 1056 pp. Type: Book (978-1-449372-42-2)
Date Reviewed: Mar 26 2014

As of February 2014, Apple strongly recommends that all iOS mobile application programmers write their applications so they are optimized to run on iOS 7. Consequently, the submission of optimized iOS 7 mobile applications will become the norm for acceptance in the iTunes App Store. This means that ambitious programmers can simply familiarize themselves with Apple’s official material pertaining to the iOS 7 software development kit (SDK), as the SDK material contains the latest on frameworks, classes, and samples for mobile application development. Alternatively, experienced programmers might consider more of a cookbook-type approach, given that they are probably already very familiar with iOS 6 and the Xcode 4 development environment. These programmers probably already have at least one mobile application published for either the iPhone or iPad.

In this exceptional iOS 7 programming cookbook, Nahavandipoor took great pains to package a significant amount of very relevant iOS 7 and Xcode 5 information into what could be thought of as “recipes,” containing detailed code snippets associated with clear and concise explanations presented in 23 informative chapters. Chapters 1 through 21 cover the new iOS 7 capabilities for a variety of familiar topics., Of most interest, however, are chapters 22 and 23, which deal with iCloud (Apple’s cloud infrastructure) and Pass Kit (Apple’s digitally signed passes).

Chapters 1 to 5 cover the foundational programmatic activities somewhat familiar to previous iOS versions,, but with a new twist related to implementing controllers and views, creating dynamic and interactive user interfaces, auto layout, visual format language, constructing and using table views, and building complex layouts with collection views.

Chapter 6 demonstrates the new capabilities, such as a new way to define connections associated with Xcode 5 storyboards. Storyboarding has been around since Xcode 4 and stands out when compared to other development environments for mobile operating systems, such as Android from Google, Windows Phone from Microsoft, and Blackberry 10 from Blackberry.

Chapters 7 to 21 build on a number of preexisting concepts, frameworks, and application programming interfaces (APIs) related to the following: concurrency, security, core location, maps, gestures, networking, JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), Extensible Markup Language (XML), sharing, audio, video, address book, files, folders, camera, photos, multitasking, notification, core data, dates, calendars, events, graphics animation, and core motion. Of special interest is the concept and use of block objects in chapter 16.

Chapters 22 and 23 outline the transactions and proper usage of Apple’s iCloud and Pass Kit. Apple’s iCloud service extends Apple’s ecosystem so that users can leverage shared data across multiple devices in order to provide a seamless experience from one device to another. Apple’s Pass Kit is represented as a Passbook or virtual wallet that is capable of managing various coupons, boarding passes, car rentals, parking, and transportation (such as rail and bus) tickets.

I strongly recommend this book to the experienced iOS programmer who is looking to quickly come up to speed with all of the new and enhanced features found in the iOS 7 SDK and application programming interfaces (APIs). For the experienced iOS programmer, a cookbook filled with insightful programming recipes is an excellent approach to learning iOS 7 and Xcode 5. In contrast, picking up iOS 7 can be a daunting task for an inexperienced programmer, so I recommend that novice programmers start with a different book. Once the novice programmer becomes familiar with objective-C fundamentals, programming concepts, and Apple user interface (UI) guidelines, he or she may be prepared to understand and appreciate the robust set of capabilities found in iOS 7 and the features of Xcode 5.

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Reviewer:  Eric W. Yocam Review #: CR142112 (1406-0401)
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