In the world of technology, everyone has ideas. But turning those ideas into functioning apps? That’s where many hit a wall. For one Michael Olson, that wall finally came tumbling down, transforming years of false starts into two published apps and a whole new future.
A Technophile’s Unfulfilled Dream
Michael had always been fascinated by how technology works beneath the surface. Throughout his life, he’d used countless programs and constantly found himself thinking: “This could be better if…”
“I’ve always been drawn to technology and how things work under the hood,” he explains. “I tried learning to code several times but found it difficult to stick with.”
His education took him to college three times—twice for Electrical Engineering and once for Music Business. But his career path was even more unexpected. He toured arenas with kid shows like “Walking with Dinosaurs: The Live Experience” and “How to Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular” before transitioning into the music industry as an automation programmer and operator.
Despite his technical mind, coding remained an elusive skill. He had downloaded Xcode years ago, but the learning resources available at that time weren’t beginner-friendly. His journey was stalled before it truly began.
The Perfect Opportunity
When COVID changed everyone’s lives, Michael’s path also shifted. He moved south to be closer to family and started working at a Final Assembly Line. The consistent schedule of his new job provided something he hadn’t had before: time to focus on learning.
“That’s when I discovered CodeWithChris,” he says, “and it completely changed the game for me.”
Unlike other coding resources that simply presented syntax, CodeWithChris offered a hands-on approach that resonated with Michael’s visual learning style.
“CWC was different because it provided a hands-on approach. Suddenly, concepts like functions, arrays, and if-statements clicked for me.”
He had finally found the mentor he needed for his coding journey.
Overcoming Frustrations and Technical Hurdles
Learning to code wasn’t without challenges. When Michael started building more complex apps, he hit roadblocks that tested his resolve.
“I struggled with making API calls. I attempted multiple NASA-related apps that required special JSON parsing, but I had no idea how to do it,” he recalls. “It was frustrating and discouraging.”
This is where many would-be developers give up. The technical challenges can seem insurmountable, especially when you’re learning alone. But Michael’s journey took another turn when Chris released a video about Cursor, an AI-powered coding tool.
Instead of using AI to generate entire code sections, Michael used it as a debugging assistant. This approach taught him how to check API responses and implement the right code.
“Suddenly, all my broken apps started working! AI is an incredible tool, but having a solid coding foundation first is key.”
Building Solutions That Make Life Better
Michael’s perseverance paid off. He successfully developed two apps that solved real problems in his life.
The first, Life Tracker, evolved from a simple spreadsheet he had created years earlier to keep track of his extensive family’s birthdays and bills—affectionately dubbed “2B’s” (Bills & Birthdays).
His second creation, Butterfly AI Stories, emerged from a visit with his brother’s young children. Noticing how parents often read the same stories repeatedly, he built an app that uses AI to generate unique stories from photos.
“I thought, wouldn’t it be cool if you could take a picture of anything and have AI turn it into a story? That way, you’re not stuck reading the same books over and over—there’s an endless supply of new, unique stories.”
These accomplishments represent more than just apps in the store—they symbolize a transformation. Michael now has the skills to bring his ideas to life, and his horizons continue to expand.
“Learning how to build apps has opened so many doors for me. Right now, I’m learning Kotlin to create Android versions of my apps.”
Advice for Fellow Coding Dreamers
Now that he’s experienced success, Michael has wisdom to share with others starting their coding journey:
“Go through the CWC ‘Launch Your First App’ program! It teaches you everything you need to know and more. Don’t rush—rewatch the videos as many times as needed. My approach was to watch each video once to get the big picture, then rewatch and pause constantly to follow along while coding.”
And for those who are struggling and considering giving up:
“I get it—learning to code is tough. But don’t give up!”
Looking Forward
Michael’s story doesn’t end with these apps. He has set his sights on new horizons, combining his newfound skills with his passion for emerging technology.
“I want to keep learning and eventually land a remote job with a startup, helping build the next generation of apps. At the same time, I plan to continue developing my own projects. I love emerging technology, and AI is helping me explore things that aren’t traditionally taught.”
For Michael, coding has finally come into focus. What was once a frustrating series of false starts has transformed into a clear path forward—a path illuminated by the structured, hands-on approach of CodeWithChris.
His journey from spectator to creator serves as inspiration for anyone who has ever looked at an app and thought, “I wish I could build that”, because with the right guidance and persistence, you can.
Download Life Tracker and Butterfly AI Stories from the App Store today!
Ready to start your own app development journey? Check out CodeWithChris and CWC+ and discover how you can make the step toward your iOS app development goals!