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Mikaela Caron

My name is Mikaela Caron. I began studying iOS/Swift in 2019. I landed my first iOS dev job in January 2021. I published 2 apps on the App Store. I share my developer journey on Instagram/Twitter in hopes to inspire others in the field. I can be found at mikaelacaron.com/links

Twitter

How and when did you get into programming? And into iOS?

I dabbled in programming with HTML/CSS, and some Python in high school. I really started to get into it when I was a freshman in college, after taking an intro to C class.

I initially took a Udemy course on iOS development in college, I think around iOS 11. I didn’t seriously get into it until January 2019.

What resources were most beneficial when you were learning iOS in 2019?

I began learning with Code With Chris tutorials and later Let's Build That App (Brian Voong). Also Sean Allen and Kilo Loco. These are all YouTubers.

Do you remember what was challenging to grasp when learning iOS/Swift in the beginning?

I think the most challenging part is figuring out how it all works together. A lot of tutorials teach you specific things, like how do delegates/protocols work, but then figuring out how to use that in your own apps feels completely different.

You started your first iOS job this January. Congratz! Is there a topic you would recommend other aspiring devs to definitely learn before starting their first iOS job?

I think aspiring devs should definitely know the basics of git. You don't need to know everything, but being familiar with how it works and how to use it is important. You can begin by using it in personal projects.

What was your first Apple product?

iPod nano I think. The colorful ones before they put a tiny camera on them.

You have a magic wand... and can change one thing about iOS development. What?

Xcode. I wish there was a better IDE. Xcode is good, but there are better ones out there.

I am quite curious about your keyboard.. What brand is it and why did you pick it?

This is the Moonlander by ZSA. I was looking for an ergonomic keyboard that is a mechanical keyboard, but also Mac compatible.

Mikaela's keyboard, the Moonlander by ZSA

To step back from code.. What do you do to relax?

I enjoy working out and watching TV.

Thanks so much for taking the time! Do you want to give someone or something a shoutout?

Shout out to CodeWithChris he was one of the first resources I used. All the people on Twitter who are always encouraging me.

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