What You'll Build
GratitudeTree
A daily journal app where every entry is a moment worth keeping. Write a thought or snap a photo. Shake the jar to rediscover a random past memory.
- Text and photo journal entries
- Real-time sync across devices
- Camera integration with native iOS
- Shake-to-discover random memories
- Streak tracking with fire animations
- Full authentication flow
What You'll Learn
18 chapters covering the complete journey — no steps skipped, no hand-waving.
Start with an Idea
Learn how to scope an MVP, sketch wireframes, and design your data model before writing a single line of code.
Build with React
Create a beautiful, mobile-first web app using React 19, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS v4, and Vite.
Power it with Firebase
Add real authentication, a Firestore database, and cloud storage for photos — a real backend, not mock data.
Go Native with Capacitor
Wrap your web app in a native iOS shell. Use the camera, haptic feedback, and shake detection.
Accelerate with Claude Code
Use AI-assisted development at every step — scaffolding, debugging, iterating, and reviewing your code.
Ship to TestFlight
Navigate certificates, provisioning profiles, and App Store Connect. Get your app on real iPhones.
The Journey
6 parts, 18 chapters, one complete iOS app.
The Idea
Chapter 1Foundation
Chapters 2–3Building the Web App
Chapters 4–9Going Mobile
Chapters 10–13TestFlight
Chapters 14–16Next Steps
Chapters 17–18The Stack
Modern, well-documented technologies with large communities. When you get stuck, answers exist.
Before You Start
You Need
- A Mac (required for iOS development)
- Basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript knowledge
- A free GitHub account
- Apple Developer account ($99/year — sign up early)
You Don't Need
- Prior React experience (we'll teach you)
- Mobile development experience
- Firebase knowledge
- An iPhone (Simulator works for most chapters)
Ready to build your first iOS app?
Start with Chapter 1 and work your way to TestFlight. Every step is explained. Every code block is tested.
Start the Tutorial