iOS app development has been a promising sector for aspiring developers across the globe. iOS as a mobile platform is highly appreciated for its enhanced security framework which has made it the most preferred choice of developers creating enterprise-grade solutions.

To cope with the growing market demands for iOS apps, multiple companies are hiring iOS app developers of all levels- juniors, interns as well as experts. However, if you are a beginner, you need to have a clear idea about all concepts and technologies related to iOS app development to crack the interview at first go.

Mastering iOS basics are quite difficult because there is so much breadth to the subject. There are fewer devices variable at play in iOS than in Android, it takes a lot of time for an aspiring iOS app developer to know which skills to be nurtured first. Besides, before hiring any iOS developer, companies do make a point to thoroughly evaluate their knowledge of core iOS competencies and how they impact the bigger picture of app programming and design.

Thinking how to make the cut?

Here is the outline of the must-know concepts that you should focus on before joining any app development project.

MVC is one of the core principles of iOS app development where the development model is categorized into three main functionalities:

Model or data objects

View or User Interfaces

(The) Controller or any app that interacts with these two functions

No iOS app can be developed without building blocks or objects, each of which is allocated to one of these functions by MVC. In order to learn this central design pattern, you need to have good knowledge of several iOS development basics such as Foundation framework, APIs, Core Data Framework, Cocoa Touch and Interface Builder.

Objective-C falls into the category of Object Oriented Programming Language which leverages the primitive types and flows control statements of C and adds syntax only when defining classes are used. If one of the depending subclasses of iOS app design, such as UIKit, memory management or code designing patterns, is deactivated, it might affect the functionality of the entire app.

As a novice iOS app developer, it is better than you get acquainted with Swift that will soon replace Objective-C with its simpler and more flexible coding requirements. Unlike Objective-C where right symbols need to be used to enter new keywords, Swift unifies the keywords for improving readability. Besides, it requires fewer lines of coding, without the requirement of stating the type explicitly.

There is an Apple-facilitated guide on Swift language available in the market which can help you understand the nitty-gritty of the language better. While the experience of app development really counts, in this case, companies prefer hiring iOS app developers who have good knowledge on the classes, pointers, variables, and loops of these programming languages.

Xcode is the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for iOS-based apps which follows the MVC approach and determines how the app interacts with the selected mobile device Operating System (OS). when used properly, Xcode can help you have a simplified approach to code management. Its functionality, however, depends on several other sub-categories:

Interface Builder: Completely integrated with the Xcode IDE, this tool breaks down the User Interface (UI) into different functional prototypes without the need of writing any code. It can help you lay the interface into the code found in Xcode editor and accommodates sliders and buttons to develop a fully functional UI for iPad, iPhone or Mac.

Assistant Editor: This tool breaks down the Xcode editor in two sections where the Assistant Editor pane on the right highlights files that you might need to complete the job in the primary work document located in the left. It also automatically monitors the code you are working on via new test-specific views, thus continually keeping a sync between your test and code.

You can perform several jobs in Xcode, such as code writing and editing, drawing storyboards and debugging. It's no wonder that several companies demand familiarity with Xcode in candidates while hire iOS developers.

Apart from having a solid understanding of software architecture design, you might need to develop knowledge of low-level graphics creation frameworks, such as Core Audio, Cora Animation, and Core Data. For companies hiring iOS app developers, understanding of other platforms like StackViews, MapKit, and MessageUI, is an added bonus.

If you find some concepts too difficult to grasp, you can take help of how-to tutorials. Websites such as AppCoda and Ray Wenderlich contain massive databases loaded with iOS app development tutorials. Those can be your first step in comprehending what it takes to be an iOS app developer.

Before you knock on that interview door, remember that app development is a continuous process and no matter how much you learn, there will still be some unexplored areas. Focus on exhibiting critical thinking skills and a collaborative spirit which all companies hiring iOS developers will inevitably look for. Showcase more of the personality of a developer instead of just blurting out what you have learned. This will surely land you in your dream job.