Wanting to program FOSS apps for iPod/iPhone

[UniverseA7X]

The question is, where do I start? I know I need to learn a language, but which one? I've started on python so far, but I'm still doing simple stuff. I was hoping this could help me learn, and eventually, I could create useful apps for free on iTunes. :) With an alternate link in the description to download the source code. Methinks it would be fun.

Opinions/Help?

[zmjjmz]

There was an article on linux.com about why the App Store is incompatible with the GPL.

Best bet is to go Jailbroken, for which Python should be fine.

[UniverseA7X]

I found out on apple's website that you use Objective-C. I guess this is the one I have to learn. I also am downloading the free SDK.

[UniverseA7X]

There was an article on linux.com about why the App Store is incompatible with the GPL.

Best bet is to go Jailbroken, for which Python should be fine.

I'll look into that. My iPod is jailbroken as of right now. I'll look into creating apps with python too. If you have any information, please post. :)

[zmjjmz]

Well I know that you can install python through Cydia if you add the http://apptapp.saurik.com repo into Installer (then install Cydia, which installs apt) and from there you can install a bunch of utils like Java and Python and such.

[UniverseA7X]

There was an article on linux.com about why the App Store is incompatible with the GPL.

Best bet is to go Jailbroken, for which Python should be fine.

Do you have a link to that article, I can't seem to find it.

[zmjjmz]

http://www.linux.com/feature/131752

[Catharina]

The question is, where do I start? I know I need to learn a language, but which one? I've started on python so far, but I'm still doing simple stuff. I was hoping this could help me learn, and eventually, I could create useful apps for free on iTunes. :) With an alternate link in the description to download the source code. Methinks it would be fun.

Opinions/Help?

http://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/5-reasons-to-avoid-iphone-3g

[fatality_uk]

I know it's locked down, I know Apple want a 40% or thereabouts cut from AppStore, but I they have made a desirable product. I love the look of it. Never buy one, but i like it none the less.

[th3james]

Instead of developing for a horribly closed environment such as the default installs of the ipod and iphone, consider developing for some teams who actually want open source software, have you seen Rockbox (http://www.rockbox.org/)for the ipod for instance?
The fact that there is no JRE for the iPhone is a real pain

[hackmeister]

My recommendation is to program on an open platform. I'd go with the Openmoko:
http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/Main_Page

Or the Nokia N800/N810:
http://maemo.org/


Unlike Apple those ARE open and don't charge developers to distribute their work. As far as I know Nokia or FIC won't brick your device for hacking on it.

I just picked up a used N800 and absolutely love the thing. One of my co-workers spent nearly $400 for an iPod Touch and honestly the Nokia is way better (at least to me).

Some comparisons:
http://tabletblog.com/2007/09/ipod-touch-vs-nokia-n800-filling-other.html

[hessiess]

If you want the most performance use a compiled languige like C. With python and outher interpreted languages thay are compiled 'just in time', compiled just before it is run. On newish PC's you are unlickly to notice. but on platforms with limited processing power i.e. handhelds, it could be a problem.