Apple lets programmers build apps on the iPad

iPad tablets have evolved a lot in previous years. With accessories such as keyboard and mouse support, they are able to replace PC hardware in many ways. The strength of Apple's tablets was demonstrated with the announcement of the new iPad Pro.

And the device started to rely on the flagship M1 chip. And it offers performance comparable to and superior to other laptops. Apple has announced support for Swift Playgrounds 4 in the new iPad, opening new horizons for this device.

Swift Playgrounds 4 is not a new app and has been around for years. The application is related to the Swift programming language used in programming iPhone and iPad applications. The app was usually used for educational purposes.

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Programming applications on the iPad

The fourth version of Swift Playgrounds will offer a different user experience than the previous versions. The application will be able to function as a standalone application development tool.

The application provides useful tools for application developers. Including the ability to view the application directly while writing the code, and the application can be opened in full screen mode to test it as if it were an application on the iPhone or iPad.

These factors contribute to transforming Swift Playgrounds 4 into an all-in-one app development and editing tool. But Apple has bigger plans than we expect. It is planning a new update at the end of the year that will allow developers to add the app directly to the App Store after its development.

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This point is the most important with regard to the application of Swift Playgrounds 4 in particular and the programming process via the iPad in general. It may allow app developers to avoid the long and tedious process of launching apps on the App Store.

And the process of programming iPhone and iPad applications is not actually done on this application. Rather, it is done on the Xcode platform. It is Apple's own application programming platform that only works on Mac computers, and is notoriously difficult to learn.

After the application process is completed based on Xcode, the stage of listing the application in the store begins. It is a difficult process and consists of complex steps. And you need the user to also provide a large amount of visual elements such as screenshots, designs, videos to be inserted on the application page.

These files are uploaded to an Apple platform known as App Store Connect, which app developers and even professionals describe as complex and difficult to navigate or use.

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Matt Weinberg, co-founder of digital agency Happy Cog described Xocde as powerful and complete, yet very difficult to use. The situation describes that there are dozens of developers with great ideas, who know programming, but who avoid dealing with the Apple coding environment from Xcode to the App Store Connect.

Simpler programming experience for Apple products

Programmers have been calling for an alternative to Xcode on the iPad for years. The reasons here are clear, which is ease of use and ease of entry for new developers.

On the other hand, iPads are cheaper than Mac computers and are easy to acquire. While Xcode is a huge program, it needs not only a Mac or MacBook, but a modern, high-spec version of them.

Professional developers describe the new Swift Playgrounds 4 app as a great way to modify and develop software on the iPad. However, on the other hand, it lacks dozens of basic features to complete the large application development process. It is sufficient to develop only simple applications and games, such as task management applications or games such as Angry Birds.

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