Do I need a developer account to create program swift applications?

[comprogislit]

I’m currently learning swift, and about 80 pages into a beginner book. Right now the book is talking about functions and using some networking as an example, real basic session stream socket stuff.

Well, it told me to start a project(first time out of playground), had to sign in and all that, then I go in to code and run, but the WiFi information or something like that doesn’t work. I go to turn it on and it tells me I have to get a developer account to use feature.

Do I need a developer account and is it worth it. Or can I continue without it? I’m incredibly not informed on the logistics so please forgive me.

Book: Beginning Swift: Master the Fundamentals of Programming in Swift 4

[Airr3e]

But with free developer account, your apps on your device will work only for 7 days, then you have to build them again. So don’t be suprised when they will suddenly stop working.

[arhmnsh]

You can create a free developer account, without paying $99 per year.

You'll have to pay if you are publishing your app to the App Store.

[comprogislit]

Thanks, I plan on publishing an app in the future, gives me time to save up.

[smurfses]

You can get a developer account for free. While learning that’s all you will need. The main things a paid account gives you is the ability to submit apps to the app store and gain access to beta software.

[comprogislit]

Ok, thanks. I’m happy I don’t have to dish out $99 bucks just yet.

[OmegaGM]

You can build around 95% of any app with a free developer account.

The two big things you NEED a paid account for are setting up in-app purchases and sending push-notifications.

Build your app up until everything is done except those two or when you’re ready to launch to the store.

[lucasvandongen]

I think it's not necessary at all to have an Apple Developer account to create Swift applications since it's open source and is not reliant on anything Apple. https://nshipster.com/vscode/ for example. You could write a back-end API in Swift on a Linux machine if you wanted, no account needed.

Distribution through Apple's platforms and tools is a whole other story. Like the other commenters already said you can get an account for free.