How do I learn to write apps for a living?

[eyeforgotmyname]

I'm 53 and unemployed. I have a background in the hard sciences but have little experience in computer programing. I'd like to learn how to write Android/iPad/other apps for a living essentially from scratch. What steps do I take? What sites have the best instructions? Where do I find the best examples?

[davidw]

This book has a lot of concrete steps to take:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YH9MMI?ie=UTF8&tag=...

That said... it might take a while to get one off the ground that's really making much money. Maybe you should look for work with someone who's already doing that successfully to learn a bit?

[eyeforgotmyname]

Thanks davidw. I'll get a copy of that book. I expect to have to put in a couple of years of work to make this successful. So small steps are exactly what I'm looking for. I only know one person who has written an app. I'll try to contact him.

[alicia_lew]

Well you have to start somewhere! If you've never coded and come from a non-traditional background. You can start learning using a simple, open source, language called Processing. Processing can be downloaded for free.

www.processing.org

The best part of it, in my opinion is the associated learning community. When you're beginning it integral to have a support system to help you trouble shoot. Processing also has amazing reference material and sample code. Super necessary.

If you're like most ambitious people, you probably itching to dive into developing iPhone apps immediately. Baby-steps. The Pyramids weren't build overnight.

You'll get there. It just takes time and dedication.

[alicia_lew]

Also: My family bought my Dad (a retired molecular biologist) a macbook and he can do this. Trust me, this is saying a lot. Fear Not.

[eyeforgotmyname]

Thanks Alicia! Can you recommend a specific starting point at www.processing.org that you feel will be the most helpful?

[nostrademons]

http://developer.apple.com/devcenter/ios/index.action

http://developer.android.com/index.html

[eyeforgotmyname]

Thank you! Are there any specific sections I should focus on?