Languages that let you code
across platforms
If you want start developing apps that can run across multiple platforms like iOS and Android, you would need to code in a language that isn’t native and has little overhead. iOS uses Swift and Objective-C while Android uses Java. So you need a language that can work on both platforms.
RoboVm
RoboVm enables programmers to code iOS apps using Java language. So you can code once and get your app working on both platforms. The folks behind RoboVm came under the scanner when they said they’ll be moving away from the open-source philosophy for all future versions.
Native iOS apps in JAVA made easy
RubyMotion
RubyMotion is an established tool used by thousands of businesses to create iOS, Mac OS X and Android apps using the Ruby programming language RubyMotion claims to be essentially the same as native languages since they run atop the same runtime technologies.
Making apps feel right at home
Xamarin
Xamarin is another big name in the cross-platform app development business. It comes with a good feature set to test your apps across 2,000 real devices on their cloud. Xamarin acquired RoboVm in late 2015.
Practice Resources
After you get used to the programming language that you’ve opted for, you need to practice and hone your skills and what better way to do that than to sign-up for a competitive service like the ones we are going to be speaking of.
1. CodeChef
CodeChef is global is competitive programming platform that hosts competition in 35 programming languages for students and soft software developers. If you feel that you are not yet ready to compete, go through the Practice section and brush up your skills. Like all other platforms, they have problems across varying difficulty levels.
CodeChef’s monthly cook-offs are to die for
2. TopCoder
TopCoder holds an array of competitions for coders which are actually real world problems faced by Topcoder’s clients. You can get individual attention of the TopCoder review board for every submission. Their annual tournament – TopCoder Open – is quite popular and is conducted in multiple stages across multiple countries
because of its massive scale. Did we mention that you can make a lot of money also?
Solve real world issues on TopCoder
Learn code while gaming?
Some services have done a pretty good job of gamifying the entire learning process. Here are some good services that have caught our eye.
1. CodeCombat
There is nothing in this world that cannot be made into a game, and CodeCombat is one such service which has made it really easy to learn programming through playing a game. CodeCombat is essentially a role playing game in which you control your character by typing in code. Each stage teaches you a new aspect of whatever language you’re currently learning. As the game progresses, newer elements are introduced and the complexity scales accordingly. All basic beginner level syntaxes and algorithms are covered.
2. CodeWars
CodeWars differs from CodeCombat as users are given different tasks with some reference or the other to a Japanese martial art called Kata. Tasks include determining the output of a code, entering the right input code to get a certain output result, creating a function to get desired output and some more. This approach is more challenging and all the more fun since it makes you think of multiple ways towards solving a problem. Even when you Sign Up for the first time, you’ll be tested.
Simple projects to practice
So what should you do after learning a new language? Why practise more by making some cool project. Start working on your ‘ideas’ which are much better than currently existing solutions. Here are some basic projects that are not only easy to implement and debug but will help you strengthen your concepts as well. You should definitely work towards implementing sorting algorithms since they end up being used a lot. Start with simple sorting programs and scale the amount of data you are working with. You should even go ahead and try creating a personal website and squeeze in as much of your newly acquired programming skills into bringing the site to life. If at all things don’t go your way, you can always drop in on of the many programming centric forums and initiate a conversation. There you go, you’ve taken your first step into the programming world, Bleed Binary!
