Mobile Programming - Key Concepts for Non Programmers

We'll get into how are lives are so dependant on technology, and how programming is an essential part of this world.

We'll explore the fundamentals of technology, and understand the different types of technologies and their use cases.

We'll get into the early days of the Internet through to today, and explore concepts like HTTP, HTML and URLs...right through to the current paradigm of the Metaverse.

2007 may be a long time ago, but the ripple effect from what was launched in 2007 is still being felt today, which we'll explore in this lecture.

Most of us use them everyday, but how much do you know about the underlying technology that makes them work? We'll explore the technology and inner workings of mobile devices.

How are mobile devices used to provide value to customers and users? Let's explore a range of use cases for mobile technology and how these are providing utility in the World today.

We all know how functional our smartphones are today...but that wasn't always the case. We'll explore how mobile devices have evolved from being bricks into highly functional and complex pieces of technology that are indispensable in our lives.

What are mobile apps? What do they do? Why are they so popular? What types of mobile apps are there?  Let's get into the details of mobile apps and help answer some of those questions.

What are programming languages? How do you use programming languages?  What types of programming languages are there? From procedural languages through to object oriented languages, let's get into understanding what programming languages do.

There's a lot to get your head around...but being clear on where to start when it comes to programming, is important. We'll explore how to get into programming, and what you need to think about before you start rolling up your sleeves and learning more.

What do you know about architecture? Not the kind that involves skyscrapers, but mobile technology? We'll explore the fundamentals of mobile architecture, and why having an architecture is important and the key components of a good architecture.

Taking the basics from Mobile Architecture, we'll explore in more depth how mobile front ends work.

Let's get further into the architecture for mobile front ends, and explore the languages that are commonly used when building front ends.

Just as it's important to have a solid front end for a mobile app, you need to consider whether you need a back end too, which we'll explore here.

What are your options for a mobile back end and what programming languages are used to build and maintain back ends? We'll cover that off to give you a complete view of the full stack.

CMS...What are they? Constant Maturity Swaps? Cash Management Services? None of these! Short for Content Management System in technology, we'll explore how CMS work and why you made need one when you build a mobile app.

Mobile apps are very attractive to hackers and criminals because of the amount of information we share and obtain from mobile devices. Let's explore common risks and vulnerabilities in mobile technology and how these are dealt with.

APIs are one of key enablers for successful mobile apps, and creating rich functional experiences for users. Let's get into the nuts and bolts of APIs, how they work, and how they can make a big difference to the utility of mobile apps.

Microservices take monolithic applications and turns them on their head to create discrete packages of data and services. Sounds like tech jibberish? Well I'll break this down for you and take you through why microservices can help reduce complexity and create scalability in mobile apps.

Analytics...it's fun and it's informative...and you definitely need it when you build mobile apps. Let's explore what analytics is all about, what it can tell you and why it should be a part of any mobile app you build.

This is where we start to pick up pace now, and get into the key concepts that are invaluable to understand when it comes to programming.

Abstraction is a fundamental concept in programming, and ensures you approach how you develop programs with the right mindset - both in terms of code but also User Experience (UX). Let's explore more about abstraction here.

Sequencing, Selection and Iteration are considered to be the building blocks of algorithms in computer programming. Let's discover more about them in this lecture.

Stop!! Before you start coding you need to do something first...it's called planning, and we'll explore this in more detail along with how to write pseudo code.

If you want an edge when it comes to creating top notch programs, then it's time to learn the 7 steps of programming!

More tech speak...functional vs object oriented! What's the difference and when do you use these two approaches to coding? Find out more in this lecture.

As we continue our exploration of mobile programming concepts, let's get into the role of data structures and how they can help you create great programs.

Next up, we get into data types - from strings, to integers - learn the range of data types available to use when creating programs.

Variables are super important in programming, and allow you to define and store information for your algorithms in a program. Let's explore this in more depth so you can understand how we use variables.

When you write code, it's important there's a logical and structure approach to writing logic in your program. Find out more as we explore how control structures work and how you apply them.

Want to learn what functions, methods and procedures are all about and how they do the processing in a program? Find out more in this lecture.

Exceptions and errors...sound similar, but they're different. It's important that they're both dealt with appropriately in a program to ensure the best possible user experience possible. Find out more about the differences and how we approach managing exceptions and errors in programs.

When you create programs, you need to invest the time not only in creating code, but ensuring it's top quality code. That's when testing and debugging comes in. Let's explore how how to apply quality assurance when you create programs.

Get ready for more tech speak...this time it's IDEs and SDKs...what are they?  They're an important part of a software engineer's toolkit, and we'll explore them as a part of this lecture.

What language is the best programming language to work with in mobile? Hard to answer...but you'll find out more in this lecture.

Before we get into programming languages, let's explore the world of low code which allows you to use GUIs to build apps.

Let's explore the very usable and popular language: Python!

Time to get into the syntax with Python and understand how to create code.

Time to try your Python skills in this fun activity! Check out the resources for this lecture for the activity.

Let's explore that awesome language called Swift which you can use to build killer iOS apps with!

Time to get into the syntax with Swift and understand how to create code.

Although less in the headlines these days, compared to its much more esteemed iOS colleague Swift, Objective C is still in demand. Learn more about it in this lecture.

The World loves Android apps, and one of the best ways to create them is Kotlin. Let's get into Kotlin and find out more.

Time to get into the syntax with Kotlin and understand how to create code.

Time to try your Kotlin skills in this fun activity! Check out the resources for this lecture for the activity.

Kotlin steals the limelight these days when it comes to Android apps...but I want to let you in on a little secret. Java is also an excellent way to create Android apps. Let's get into Java and find out more.

Time to get into the syntax with Kotlin and understand how to create code.

When it comes to creating mobile apps, there's only one way to go - Native. But hold a second...is that actually true? What about using Javascript instead and creating a bridge into native devices? Sounds complex, right? Actually it's not that complex. Find out in this lecture why native isn't your only option for building mobile apps.

Frameworks and libraries are a software engineer's best friend. Learn about frameworks, and how they enable software engineers to do great work - faster.

So you understand frameworks, now it's time to understand how libraries work with programs and frameworks to help software engineers cut code faster and build quality programs.

I introduced APIs earlier in the course. Now it's time to take that knowledge and grow it as we cover the range of APIs you can work with (there are heaps of public and partner APIs out there!),  and why APIs can make a HUGE difference to both how you build apps, and the user experience (UX).

You know a bit about microservices, not we need to stretch your knowledge of microservices further to understand their pro's and con's, as well as the steps you need to consider when designing microservices.

Dev Ops, or Development Operations is an enabler for great software engineering and something you need to get across if you want to understand what it takes to build great mobile apps.

Picking up where we left off, let's explore the key processes that Dev Ops execute and how these enable great software engineering.

Dev Ops involves a number of parallel activities and processes that if done well, can create a great software engineering culture and support high quality mobile apps. Dev Ops tools are a key foundation in making this a reality...let's get into it!

Great mobile apps begin with great ideas. Learn how to find those great ideas.

Once you have a great idea for a mobile app, it's time to turn your attention to understanding the feature your users want and how you capture you these to inform software engineers.

Let's explore the secret sauce of customer centric mobile app creators - design thinking.

With any great idea, it's just an idea until you get it down onto paper (or virtual paper!). In mobile apps the best way to to do this through UX wireframes.

Got your UX wireframes and about to code your app?  STOP! Before you go headlong into coding up your mobile app, you need to understand whether you've really nailed your idea. Enter...Prototypes and Testing.

You've put the hard work into ideation, design, and testing out your idea. Now it's time to unleash your software engineers and build the mobile app! Let's get into building a mobile app!!

If you think just because you've built your mobile app that the hard work is over...think again! It's just starting. Let's explore what's involved with releasing and running a mobile app.

So you want to progress your skills and learn how to upskill in a programming language like Swift or Kotlin? Then check out these free resources that will help you with that goal.

What's it like working as a software engineer? Whether you are looking to become a software engineer, or you want to work with them, you'll be fascinated by how they work and what they do everyday.

Getting together with a group of talented software engineers, I've pulled together their advice to anyone working as a software engineer or working with them on how to succeed.

The happy (but equally sad...for me at least!) part of the course has arrived. You've finished! Let's celebrate your success before I say goodbye.