Now that Swift has been around for several years there’s no shortage of teaching material to help you learn it quickly and efficiently. Even better, there are some high-quality books, blogs, and video resources that are available free of charge, so if you want to dive in. Swift Playgrounds is a revolutionary app for iPad and Mac that makes learning Swift interactive and fun. It requires no coding knowledge, so it’s perfect for students just starting out. Solve puzzles to master the basics using Swift — a powerful programming language created by Apple and used by the pros to build today’s most popular apps.

Swift is a powerful and easy to learn programming language for iOS, macOS, and more. Learning how to code Swift is simple, a lot of fun, and you can build awesome apps with it! In this tutorial, we’ll discuss simple approaches to learn Swift coding.

Here’s what we’ll get into:

• How to get started with Swift – what do you need?
• Learning techniques that best fit your style of learning
• Beginner topics that are smart to master first
• Resources that can help you: tutorials, courses, books, guides
• Helpful approaches for learning, like practicing an hour a day
• Next level topics and principles, if you’re up for the challenge

Ready? Let’s go.

Getting Started With Swift

The Swift Programming Language was initially created by Apple, and released in 2014. The language is being actively developed, and the most recent version is Swift 5.1. You can code Swift for iOS, macOS, tvOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and even server-side Swift. In 2019, Apple launched an awesome new technology to build UIs called SwiftUI.

The most straightforward way to code Swift is with a Mac and Xcode. You’ll need a Mac computer to install Xcode, like a MacBook, or you can try to install macOS on PC. You can download and install Xcode on your Mac via the App Store. You can also download Xcode via developer.apple.com.

Another exciting way you can learn to code Swift is via the Swift Playgrounds app for iPad. It’s a gamified, playful and fun way to get started with Swift programming. And it’s not just for kids!

Now that you’ve got Xcode installed, building an entire app sure is a daunting challenge. Thankfully, Xcode has a built-in Playground, that you can use to code Swift without needing to build an entire app. You can just try out some Swift code to get your bearings, or practice with a hands-on example (see below).

You can also use the Swift Programming Language to code server-side apps. These apps don’t live on an iPhone or iPad, but they live on a webserver somewhere, in the cloud. Serverside Swift is perfect for creating web apps, or app back-ends, or webservices that power other apps. The best way to get started with serverside Swift is via the Swift CLI for Linux, or through Vapor or Kitura.

Here’s a quick summary of what we’ve discussed so far:

• Getting started with Swift is as easy as installing Xcode on your Mac
• You can code Swift in an Xcode Playground, or via the Playgrounds iPad app
• Interested in server-side Swift? Check out Vapor or Kitura!

Many of the tutorials on LearnAppMaking.com have on-page Swift sandboxes. You can use them to try out example code, to practice, and to play around — without leaving the page.

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Learn With Tutorials, Projects, Videos?

When you’re learning Swift, it’s important to find your ideal learning style.

Some people learn better with hands-on videos, and others have more success by reading a guide or tutorial. You might want a pro iOS developer on speed dial, for questions and support. What about a community of Swift learners? And some of us simply learn best by trial-and-error, and building lots of Swift projects.

Let’s figure out a few learning styles, and resources that can help you learn Swift more effectively.

Learning via a bootcamp

A bootcamp is a completely immersive classroom environment, where you learn Swift programming and iOS development from one or more tutors. Most bootcamps have high success rates, but they can also be expensive. Many bootcamps offer a job guarantee, or help you find work as a professional Swift developer.

A few popular bootcamps include Big Nerd Ranch, DevMountain and General Assembly. It’s worth it to find a local bootcamp near you.

Learning via videos and screencasts

Screencasts are a simple audiovisual way to convey what’s happening on screen, while teaching important Swift programming topics. It’s like being in a classroom with a teacher, while not being in a classroom with a teacher. Learning by video is effective, but there are disadvantages: poor video quality, needing to pause the video to code, and outdated tutorials.

You can find plenty of Swift videos on YouTube, like Sean Allen, Lets Build That App and CodeWithChris. It’s worth it to find a teacher you like, because that helps you learn more easily.

Learning from tutorials, books and guides

Reading a book and following some exercises, is as straightforward as it is effective. Tutorials, articles and guides are a proven way to learn more about Swift programming. You can take a deep dive into a specific Swift topic, or follow a complete hands-on tutorial, to build something cool.

Learning by reading has lots of advantages, like keeping your own pace, making notes in the margin, and mixing-and-matching your own learning path. Books about Swift can be outdated when they’re released, but that shouldn’t be a problem. A downside of finding your own learning materials is that tutorials often lack structure, which means you could develop “gaps” in your knowledge.

The easiest way to find tutorials is to use Google, or to read from your most favorite authors, such as Swift By Sundell, AppCoda, or Hacking With Swift. You can also find more beginner tutorials, below.

Screen darkening app mac. Learning by doing

Learning Swift coding by building something, should be part of every Swift learner’s approach. You only learn so much from reading; you gotta do stuff at some point. What about putting into practice what you’ve learned?

A great approach to learn-by-doing is to keep track of principles, topics and techniques you’ve read about (or watched). You then commit to trying each of them in a Swift project yourself. You could, for example, read about delegation and then practice working with delegates in an iOS app project.

Another smart technique is to learn by checking out sample projects. You can find plenty of example code on GitHub. It’s also a great idea to actually read the source code of open source libraries you’re using — you can learn a great deal from those. Another good resource to keep an eye on are Awesome lists, like this one about Swift.

Learning from (paid) courses

When you’re learning Swift, you can go it alone, or you can learn with a proven, high quality resource, such as a course on iOS development.

A good course has the added benefit of helping you organize your learning trajectory, so you don’t have to figure out what you’re going to learn next. Just follow the course, and if it’s well written, it’ll expose you to the different Swift and iOS topics you need to learn more about. And when the course helps you build real-world projects — even better!

Most courses are also actively kept up-to-date, which is important if you’re learning Swift. The Swift language changes often (about twice a year), so it’s smart to make sure you’re working with the latest materials.

Here’s a quick summary of what we’ve discussed so far:

• You can choose from a few alternative learning methods, including videos, tutorials, bootcamps, courses, and more
• It’s smart to figure out which approach suits your needs and wishes best
• Whatever you do, build stuff yourself — don’t just watch tutorials!

Looking for a complete, immersive course about iOS development and Swift programming? Check out LearnAppMaking’s courses! » Learn more

Start With These Swift Topics

Don’t know where to start learning Swift programming? The following list of topics includes must-know principles, syntax and techniques. You can complete these topics in a few hours, and it the ground running!

Beginner

• Arrays, Dictionaries and Sets

Intermediate

Learn Swift Mac App Free

• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Advanced

Cool tutorials about algorithms:

Quick Tip: At which level of skill should you practice? First, revisit what you already know. Then, pick a topic that you haven’t mastered yet. Not too easy, not too hard. That way you stay inspired, don’t slack, but don’t get frustrated either. Wax on, wax off.

Practice Coding One Hour Every Day

So far, we’ve discussed Swift topics to learn, different resources you can use, learning styles, but what about learning technique? How do you actually learn all this stuff!? It’s the most important question of this tutorial, really.

The answer is simple: Practice coding Swift for one hour a day, for a year.

Differently said:

1. Code.
2. Code more.
3. Code even more.
4. Code even more than that.
5. Code when you don’t want to.
6. Code when you do.
7. Code when you feel inspired.
8. Code when you don’t.
9. Code every day.
10. Keep coding.

Inspired by 10 Steps to Becoming a Better Writer.

Getting good at Swift coding isn’t a matter of smarts or intelligence, but a matter of exposure: How many hours are you investing in exposing yourself to Swift code and code practice? Combine that with the right resources, and the right approach, and you’ve got a recipe for success.

I’ve taught iOS development and Swift programming for a few years, and I keep seeing beginner coders make the same mistake. They focus intensely on Swift coding for a day, and then forget about it for a week. When they get back at it, frustration creeps in, because most of their progress has been lost.

Learn Swift Xcode

The most popular Coursera course, Learning How To Learn, talks about a technique called spaced repetition. It’s quite simple, really. You just get into the habit of exercising, and you find a balance between learning and relaxation. You learn on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and you give your mind rest in between. You space out the repetitions and exercises, so to speak. And the effectiveness of this technique is backed up by science!

So, learn for an hour every day, for a year. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Practice makes perfect – and permanent! You’ll miss a day or two, and that’s alright. Just pick it up again the next day. Before you know it, you’ve build a habit, and that’s powerful momentum towards reaching your goal: mastering Swift coding.

Here’s a quick summary of what we’ve discussed so far:

• Practice coding Swift for one hour a day, for a year
• Use spaced repetition to increase comprehension and recall
• Practice makes permanent – you build a habit, and what you learn sticks

Don’t know what to practice? Start with the different topics listed on this page (see above).

Next Level Topics & Challenges

What’s next? Swift in and of itself is incredibly fun to learn, and to master, and to play with. But what can you do now that you’ve learned Swift? Let’s discuss a few possible next steps.

Build your own iOS apps:

Become a professional iOS developer:

Have more fun with iOS development and Swift:

Further Reading

Awesome! In this tutorial, we’ve discussed how you can learn Swift. We’ve talked about learning techniques, topics you’ll need to master, and what learning style suits you best. There’s plenty of resources on this page to get started, so dig in!

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Learn serious code. In a seriously fun way.

Swift Playgrounds is a revolutionary app for iPad and Mac that makes learning Swift interactive and fun. It requires no coding knowledge, so it’s perfect for students just starting out. Solve puzzles to master the basics using Swift — a powerful programming language created by Apple and used by the pros to build today’s most popular apps. Then take on a series of challenges and step up to more advanced playgrounds designed by Apple and other leading developers.

Robots and drones await your commands.
Now you can make robots do incredible things with code you write yourself. Learn to program connected devices like the Sphero SPRK+, LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3, and drones by Parrot, and watch them come alive right before your eyes.

Real Swift code.
Real simple. Real playful.

Learning to code with Swift Playgrounds is incredibly engaging. The app comes with a complete set of Apple-designed lessons. Play your way through the basics in “Fundamentals of Swift” using real code to guide a character through a 3D world. Then move on to more advanced concepts.

What you see is what you code: Create code on the left side of your screen and instantly see the results on the right — with just a tap.

Conquer levels, puzzles, and coding concepts.

Starting with the “Fundamentals of Swift” lesson, you’ll tackle goals using the same code professional developers use every day. As you move along, more advanced concepts come into play. You’ll continually build on what you’ve learned and create even more complex code.

Fundamentals of Swift.

You’ll start out by learning the important concepts you need to understand code.

• Commands

• Functions

• Loops

• Parameters

• Conditional Code

• Variables

• Operators

• Types

• Initialization

• Bug Fixing

Master the basics,
then step up to more challenges.

In addition to the built-in library of lessons, Swift Playgrounds includes a collection of extra challenges — with new ones added over time. Go deeper on a topic you’ve already studied or try your hand at something new. You’re not just building fun creations, you’re building your skills, too.

A big world of playgrounds from a big community of developers.

Discover dozens of channels with fun new challenges created by leading developers and publishers. Subscribe to your favorites and you’ll receive their latest creations right in the app. Now there are no bounds to your playgrounds.

A new way to create code.
On the best device for learning.

Easily drag braces around code, wrap existing code in a loop, or choose from dozens of drag-and-drop snippets included in Swift Playgrounds — right from your iPad or Mac. Take full advantage of powerful Multi-Touch, multitasking, and split view capabilities on iPad. Also, enjoy the view from your Mac. The larger screen makes room for a new sidebar with a complete table of contents and quick access to other Swift files. Just tap, drag, or type text and numbers. Then interact with what you’ve created.

QuickType and coding keyboard.

Write an entire line of code with just a tap. With QuickType for code, the Shortcut Bar automatically and intelligently suggests commands as you go. When typing is the best option, iPad has an innovative keyboard designed for coding. Simply touch a key to access multiple characters, then drag to choose the one you want. Experience similar code suggestions on Mac, which comes with even more help to complete your code.

Snippets Library.

Quickly drag commonly used pieces of code from the Snippets Library to minimize typing.

Touch to edit.

Conveniently drag the boundaries of a statement around existing code.

Help is just a tap away.

If you come across a command that’s hard to understand, simply tap it and hold. A menu of options will appear. Choose the most relevant one and get the answer you need.

Jump-start your creativity with Starting Points.

Use what you’ve learned to create something brand new. With Starting Points, you can get a head start on more advanced coding, add multiple files to your playground at once, and use iPad features such as Multi-Touch interactions, accelerometer, and gyroscope. Personalize your project by adding graphics, audio, and more. Then easily share with friends, family, or the world. Students can also share code with classmates when teachers use Starting Points to create lessons.

Explore your creations in full screen.

Immerse yourself by using the vivid Retina displays of iPad or Mac. Simply tap the center divider, then drag to view your code or live project on the full screen. You can also customize built-in games like Battleship and Brick Breaker, then immerse yourself by letting them take up the whole screen.

See your code crawl, roll, or fly through the sky.

Watch your code spring to life by programming real robots, musical instruments, and drones. The Accessories channel is filled with engaging playgrounds that let you configure and control popular educational toys like LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3. And that’s just the beginning.

Sphero playgrounds let you guide this spherical robot through tricky courses, accelerate over jumps, and change colors.

Dash playgrounds challenge you to make it sing, dance and respond to sensor inputs to react to their environment.

MeeBot playgrounds guide you through coding Jimu Robot Meebot’s six robotic servo motors to make him move in lifelike ways. Or even dance.

Tello EDU playgrounds let you command multiple Tello drones to fly in a swarm, perform flips and other acrobatic movements, and push the limits of your creativity.

Explore robots, drones, and many other connected devices that support Swift Playgrounds.