Rediscovering a Passion for Coding
For Brian, the start of a new year wasn’t just about resolutions—it was about rekindling a long-lost passion. At 50 years old, with a career spanning decades in product development for a major IT manufacturer, he decided to dive into iOS app development. It wasn’t a decision made lightly. With an engineering degree and years of experience in technology, Brian had a strong foundation, but his coding experience was another story.
“I hadn’t touched coding since university, and that was over 30 years ago,” he says. It wasn’t just nostalgia driving him, though. Brian wanted to explore a creative outlet and challenge himself. Learning to build apps felt like the perfect way to combine his love for technology and his desire to try something new.
Facing the First Hurdles
As enthusiastic as he was, Brian quickly realized that learning app development on his own was more challenging than he anticipated. His first steps involved watching YouTube tutorials and reading stuff on Apple Developer Documentation, but the sheer volume of information felt overwhelming. Tools like Xcode and SwiftUI seemed incredibly complex, and he struggled to figure out where to even begin.
“I didn’t know where to start, and it quickly became frustrating,” Brian admits. The excitement of his resolution started to waver, but he wasn’t ready to give up. That’s when he stumbled upon CodeWithChris and its membership program, CWC+, to learn the basics of publishing his first app.
A Roadmap to Success
With CodeWithChris, Brian found the structured learning path he desperately needed. The program broke down intimidating concepts into easy-to-follow lessons, teaching him how to use tools like Xcode and SwiftUI step by step. For Brian, this approach was a game-changer. “CWC+ demystified the process,” he explains.
What stood out to Brian was how well-organized and engaging the lessons were. The ability to track his progress and tackle challenges after each session kept him motivated. The course also introduced him to valuable resources like Figma for designing app interfaces, Proxyman for debugging, and even ChatGPT, which he found helpful for brainstorming solutions.
Beyond the technical aspects, CWC+ helped Brian develop the confidence to tackle complex problems. “The course helped drive self-belief,” he says. “It gave me a solid foundation to build on and the hunger to improve further.”
Creating a Simple but Impactful App
Equipped with new skills, Brian set out to create his first app, Club Fee Tracker. Inspired by his child’s sports club, he developed a tool to help clubs easily track member payments. Unlike many feature-heavy apps on the market, Brian’s app focused on simplicity and ease of use.
“The idea was to make something accessible with minimal setup,” Brian explains. While other apps offered more features, they often felt too complicated for smaller clubs with basic needs. Brian’s app aimed to fill that gap by prioritizing user-friendly functionality.
Publishing his app was a significant milestone, but for Brian, the real reward was the process of building it. Each step, from brainstorming ideas to debugging code, reignited his passion for creating and problem-solving.
Learning as a Lifelong Hobby
Unlike many app developers who see programming as a career path, Brian views it as a fulfilling hobby. While he doesn’t plan to shift careers, he’s excited about developing more apps in his free time. His goal? To continue experimenting and improving, perhaps even creating a portfolio of apps that serve different niches.
For Brian, the journey isn’t just about building apps; it’s about learning something new and challenging himself. “Programming is a journey of continuous learning,” he says. “It’s not about reaching a final destination but enjoying the process of getting there.”
Brian’s experience has also taught him valuable lessons that he’s eager to share with others. For beginners, his advice is simple: start with the basics and take it one step at a time. “The topic is vast, so don’t let it overwhelm you,” he says. “Experiment with what you learn, and you’ll find yourself growing quickly.”
For those who feel like giving up, Brian emphasizes persistence. “There will be roadblocks—both mental and technical,” he says. “But with determination, you can overcome them, and the sense of accomplishment is worth it.” Setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories can also make the journey more enjoyable.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on his journey, Brian credits CodeWithChris for making app development accessible and enjoyable. From feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon to publishing a functional app, he’s come a long way. The structured lessons and supportive challenges not only taught him how to code but also gave him the confidence to tackle problems head-on.
Brian’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the right guidance. Whether you’re starting from scratch or revisiting a skill from decades ago, resources like CodeWithChris can turn a daunting task into an achievable goal.
Club Fee Tracker is available for iPhone devices through the iOS App Store. Visit it here.
Your Journey Awaits
Brian’s success shows that it’s never too late to learn something new. Whether you’re exploring a potential career or diving into a creative hobby, iOS app development offers endless possibilities. With the right tools and support, you too can turn your ideas into reality.
Ready to start your own app development journey? Check out CodeWithChris and CWC+ and discover where your curiosity can take you.