Learning Code On The Go

Learning to code is becoming easier as time passes but there can still be some bumps along the way. First and foremost, I want to let you all know that there is no one true way to learn a programming language. Also, you may have finished that course in java or swift, but it doesn’t mean you’re finished learning. Whether it’s getting the language to stick into your brain or learning about new updates, you have to continue learning.

With all of that being said, I’d like to introduce you all to TapCoding! TapCoding is an app for iPhone and iPad that challenges the norm of reading books based on learning swift. It does this by explaining to the user/student various functions of swift and then immediately allowing them to perform the functions through a tap and drop model. This creates a different learning method that forces users to engage and immediately apply what they have read. There are also further sections that allow the user to type in code in order to give them the feel of typing things in.

The Good

Let’s start with the good! This is a great supplement to a course. If you keep up with what you’re learning in your course or if you’re trying to brush up on past lessons, this can be a very helpful asset/supplement. The UI is very clean and each chapter explains functions far clearer than most books do. You even have the ability to set daily reminders to check back in and complete a section. Before I forget, each section is only 10–15 minutes long, so it’s definitely perfect for when you’re traveling. Last, but not least, there is an award system for completing each daily challenge and section. As you all must already know award systems help users feel like they are accomplishing something, even though learning a programming language is an accomplishment in itself, so it helps users to keep returning to the app.

The Bad

Everyone learns and teaches a programming language differently. When using TapCoding you will notice that there maybe some differences in techniques. Of course this is a minor issue but it can also slip you up if you are taking a course. Carrying on with teaching differently, TapCoding forces users to place all their code into one continuous line (at least in the beginning of the course). This can cause further slip ups with actual courses as other teachers like to seperate most code so that you can go back and read it easily. So, although I said this can be a good supplement to a course, this can also prove to be a deterrent to your education.

Final Verdict

TapCoding is pretty fun. It’s great that a developer had this in mind while trying to teach cause we all know learning programming could be boring. However, this is not a single learning course. What I mean by this is that this should not be your sole way of learning swift. Although TapCoding may be a fun way to learn, I only consider it to be a supplement or refresher course for those who are already actively learning. It wont hurt to play around with this app but definitely do not use it as your sole learning tool. As a last note, it is worth mentioning that this app is only available for iOS devices. If you missed the link above simply click here to check the app out in the apple app store. Have fun!

Originally published at The Rantula.