iPhone Game Development - Chris Craft [160]
One of our first goals was to write 31 iPhone applications in 31 days. By doing so we thought we could prove to everyone that it's not as hard as they might have first thought to create an iPhone app. The month just flew by, and before we knew it, we were done. All 31 apps were completed in record time.
This was a tough challenge, and we really had to push ourselves to accomplish our goal. Along the way we learned a lot, and we know from all the e-mails we've received that many of you have, as well. What follows are the 31 applications that we created. For each app we have included a description, technical details, a source code link, and the splash screen image.
We hope that with all of these applications—and with this book—you will learn even more and go even further in your goals for iPhone game development.
Day 1: Minutes to Midnight
Minutes to Midnight counts down the minutes from the current time until 12 a.m. This simple-to-use application is particularly helpful to anyone who must meet a deadline before the day is over. We created this first application on Friday, October 1, 2008, the very first day that Apple released the NDA that was preventing developers from discussing and sharing code. We have always been proud of being there for iPhone developers since that very first day. For the first app we noticed that the iPhone had a digital-looking font available on it, and decided we could create an iPhone clock around that easily enough. From there we created the clock application. It worked well and gave us a chance to share the code and knowledge with other developers.
Minutes to Midnight covers working with fonts and how to use timers. You can also learn how to access the current date and time on the device.
Tip
You can find the source code for Minutes to Midnight at http://appsamuck.com/day1.html.
Day 2: Bonfire
With day 2 we decided to heat things up and created our Bonfire application, which gives you an instant campfire on your phone. The campfire is not just an image, but a video on a loop. The loop allows the flames to be shown as realistically as possible. The loop also keeps the video of the flames from pausing, thus making it appear more realistic. This application has many uses. It is stronger than an ordinary flame when it appears on the screen. Also, its infinite loop allows it to last longer than a regular match or even candles. And finally, it's great for concert-goers who would love to hold up a flame at a concert but don't want to carry matches or a lighter.
This app teaches developers how to create animations and work with lots of images.
Tip
You can find the source code for Bonfire at http://appsamuck.com/day2.html.
Day 3: openURL
openURL helps you launch Maps, SMS, Browser, Phone, and other applications. A developer can look at the source code and learn everything he wants to know about opening URLs on the iPhone. openURL's purpose in life is to open other applications for people. It is the butler of applications, if you will. If you need to make a call, it will open the Phone Dialer application. If you need to see a Web site, it will open Safari on the iPhone, and so on.
This is a great application for developers since it shows them how to do common features like make a phone call, send a text message, or send an e-mail. Many applications could be improved easily by adding this kind of functionality to them.
Tip
You can find the source code for openURL at http://appsamuck.com/day3.html.
Day 4: What Is My IP?
Have you ever had trouble finding what IP address your phone is using? You may work with a friend or family member and typically you