Swift Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (Big Nerd Ranch Guides) 1st Edition

I am about 1/3rd of the way through the book so far and am really enjoying it. The authors clearly have experience in teaching. The chapters progress nicely, building from one to the next and don't overwhelm the reader (at least so far). The writing style is easy to understand and avoids throwing more esoteric concepts at you before you're ready. Although this book is beginning level, it gets into more advanced concepts than other beginning Swift materials I've studied. I've found it to be right at the level I need - not too simple and not way over my head.Another thing that I love about this book is it's very practical. It doesn't just say "here is what a (function, property, control statement, etc) is", it's more like "here is what that thing is; here are some examples of how use it, the best way being this..."In my opinion, the low-star ratings for this book are from people who thought they were getting something else when they ordered it (something more advanced). I don't think the low ratings reflect the actual quality of the book. There was definitely effort put in to make the concepts grasp-able and build on each other in a practical way. The Swift documentation is indispensable, but this book is more like have a teacher sit down with you to go through concepts and examples to solidify your understanding.

Great introduction to Swift Programming. It goes through many examples of how to use the features in swift. It wasn't my first language before going through this book as I come from CS background. Whether you programmed in the past or not, you still have to follow along by trying out the exercises they give or you will not learn quickly. The only thing that's wrong with this book is its plain text. I find it easier to follow along when the code is in color. Other than that, definitely a 5 star book for learning swift. Very comprehensive.

This is a very good introduction to Swift. It is well written and easy to read leading the learner through progressively difficult concepts. I already had the Kindle edition but like to have hard copies of academic texts so I can write in the margins and make tabbed bookmarks. However, the day after this book was purchased, I found that Apple has Swift three in beta test for distribution later this year. Just like Swift 2, the third version will not be totally compatible with Swift 2 (or 1). Supposedly, Swift 3 will be the last Swift version that Apple will break with a newer version. Again, this is an excellent text, just be aware that there will be a new version, not just a new edition, later this year or early next year.

I have every book that Big Nerd Ranch (BNR) publishes, and for most of them I have the past one or two editions as well. You just can't beat BNR for Mac programming training. Their Swift and iOS books are top rate, as are their in person training sessions in Georgia. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone for advanced technical training.

Great way to learn Swift over the dry Apple Swift iBooks edition. This is the BNR 1st edition for Swift, which is a follow-on to their Objective-C programming classic. If you are looking for iOS specific content, then you need to get the updated edition of their iOS Programming book (edition 5). There is a chapter dedicated to both OS X and iOS and a chapter around interoperability with Objective-C.Be sure to check out the book's companion forum:[BNR Website]Also, there is an errata page at:[BNR Website]

Great introduction to the language and coverage of advanced topics. There aren't many languages with the same style and idioms as swift. The BNR guide does a great job teaching these so you don't end up trying to write Objective-C in swift. The Apple guide won't give you those kinds of examples. Coupled with the free online resources, this is great for anybody. Makes some great efforts at humor too, but don't try telling the jokes to your friends who don't program.

I bought this book to self teach my self my first programming language Swift ... the book does not overwhelm you as it takes you step by step in bite size procedures explaining what things are ... now remember this is a print and Swift is constantly being updated so sometimes how something may be represented it might has change so it does required you to do some research .. am not done with the book yet but for the most part is a great learning tool........for anybody looking to learn programming I find it that Swift playgrounds and simply practicing the code over and over again to engrave it in your memory is a great way to come to an understanding with how and why things work that way

I'm a fan of the Big Nerd Ranch books. I use Cocoa Programming for OS X (5th Edition) as a constant reference. But this book, Swift Programming, is somewhat of a disappointment. I see it as mostly a re-hash of the Swift language that was well presented in the Cocoa Programming for OS X book. For iOS developers, get iOS Programming (5th Edition). Either of these two 5th Edition BNR books will give you enough Swift to meet your needs - plus you'll get the Cocoa and Cocoa Touch exposure.