When looking at the varied types and costs of iPhone app developer training classes, it is important to find the method that will benefit you the most. As with any training classes, they are offered via several options: on your own, online or in a class setting.

Before going it alone, you must consider a few points:

• Many sources of information about being an iPhone developer can be found online, however they vary in format. If you are new to app developing and programming languages in general, some sources may not be easy to understand. The information found may be better understood by those who already have significant computer knowledge rather than someone who is a novice or may not be as knowledgeable.

• Any books or materials that you buy may not have the most current information with the latest techniques needed for iPhone app developers. Also, depending on the cost and the amount of the books or materials you buy, it may be less expensive to do an online course.

• If you have questions, who can you ask? Going it alone means you are on your own! There are online forums where you can post questions, but asking your question to a real person sometimes cannot be beat. It helps to get your answers from the instructor leading the class who is well versed in the field. Often an online course will feature tutorials or recorded sessions that you can refer to for answers or in a live webinar type format; you can ask the instructor conducting the session.

• If you go it alone rather than taking a course, you do not have the same opportunities for hands on training exercises offered online or in a class setting. As they say, “practice makes perfect”. Also, when training on your own, you do not get any feedback as to if you are doing things in the correct and/or best way.

• What about credentials? It is one thing if you intend to write iPhone apps that you create, but what if you are looking for a job? What do you want employers to see on your resume? Some businesses have created jobs that are expressly for creating iPhone apps. They may also look to hire you on a consultant basis. These savvy employers are looking for expertise in building the right app for their business that best suits their needs. The benefit of being able to say that you attended iPhone app developer training classes or took an online course that many Fortune 500 companies use could prove more valuable over being self taught.

When you choose how to conduct your training, it is important to keep all of these points in mind. While iPhone developer classes or online course costs may initially be more than you want to spend, it may be better in the long run. And, you may be able to create more opportunities for yourself in this field with formal class training to back you up.