Hi, I’m Talon Brown, and I’m a software developer!

Developing the Soundboard app marked my debut in complete app programming. Tailored to capture the internet culture of 2017, this app offers users the ability to trigger sound clips with a simple button effortlessly. As a beginner iOS developer, crafting this application presented numerous challenges, from becoming familiar with UIKit components to integrating the array of audio content effectively using AVKit. Overcoming these hurdles proved my capabilities and cemented my foundation in iOS development. This project was a stepping stone and a significant leap forward in my career, fueling my determination and confidence in future projects.

My alarm app venture leveraged YouTube’s API to create a personalized wake-up experience, allowing users to awaken to a video of their choice. This innovative concept introduced unique challenges, notably requiring the app to remain open to function effectively. My journey into problem-solving is detailed on my developer journey page, where I describe implementing creative but temporary solutions to enhance usability. One such workaround involved using the phone’s photosensor to turn off the screen when placed face down, inspired by similar mechanics I observed in apps that used AM/FM radio signals. This project not only required me to master new skills such as making REST API calls, handling UserDefaults, and managing local databases, but it also pushed the boundaries of my technical knowledge at the time. Reflecting on this from the perspective of 2024, my confidence has transformed from uncertainty to certainty—I don’t just think I can tackle such challenges; I know I can.

Although short-lived, programming this recipe-sharing application was a delightful experience. Inspired by my mother’s

search for new and interesting recipes, the app was designed to allow easy sharing and browsing of different culinary ideas. Despite its brief development period, the project was a significant learning opportunity. I mastered the implementation of Deep Links,

which function like typical URLs but are uniquely tied to your app—tapping one would either launch your app or direct you to its download page in the app store, along with passing specific content like a particular recipe directly into the app. Additionally, I delved into cloud storage solutions, enabling users to upload and retrieve images of dishes. Perhaps most excitingly, I explored Optical Character Recognition (OCR) through a Machine Learning API, which allowed the app to convert text from a photo of one of my mother’s recipe cards directly into editable text within the app. This project, though brief, was an invaluable and fun learning experience.

This project is a monumental achievement in my iOS and software development career. The scope and impact of this accomplishment, along with the myriad challenges I navigated and overcame, are too vast to be condensed into a summary. I invite you to explore the detailed account on my DeveloperJourney page, where I delve into the complexities and triumphs of this pivotal experience. You’ll fully appreciate why this work represents a defining moment in my professional path there.