Newsletter Signup is an XCode project which illustrates the versatility of utilizing NSMutableURLRequest object to perform GET /POST transactions against a URL in order to allow for the user to signup for your newsletter directly within your application. Utilizing this function we are then able to integrate web forms previous used only in a web context through an internet browser, into applications on our mobile devices without having the user leave the application to be redirected to a URL .
This particular application has been designed to be as compatible as possible with any of the major email marketing providers such as MailChimp or AWeber Communications. The specific example setup within the applications project files covers using the MailChimp system, AWeber Communications system, and your own custom self-hosted PHP script option. It currently contains active information for The Neezio Group’s own marketing list setup specifically for the testing of this application. This means that right out of the gate, this application is ready to be built and executed and will run as expected. However, while also having this live example provides a template for you to implement your own specific provider’s information into the code, the duration for which we keep these accounts live is subject to change as some of them are free while others are at a premium. The code has been expanded to detail the steps needed for custom setups utilizing a self-hosted intermediary script to handle the information being processed by the application, and is included in the “register.php” file.
The layout and arrangement of the source code in the PHP file, .h and .m files, as well as the .xib file makes it very easy to integrate the view based project directly into your own project, or even migrating the code and components over to your existing project. You even have a base layer of graphics available for modification, inspiration, or at least reference when specifying the various icons required for cross-device compatibility. The .plist file has been updated to include the icon array used to specify the available icons which the Apple devices will then choose from based on which icon is needed by the device be it the iPhone/iTouch, including Retina display, or the iPad.
What is Included
Contained within the ZIP file downloaded from the Envato Marketplace / CodeCanyon website, you will find four (4) different directories; Project, Documentation, Graphics, Screenshots.
1) The Project directory contains all of the source code files and XCode project file needed to load and build the Newsletter Signup application on your own machine, and integrate the necessary files with your own projects. It also includes the “register.php” script as a template to help assist you in setting up your own custom script to handle the form submission from the application.
2) The Documention directory contains the Help document.
3) The Graphics folder contains the PNG versions of each Apple device icon such as the standard icon for iPhone 3/3GS, higher resolution Retina version, and icon for iPad size. It also includes the AppStore icon as well as the Source PNG file designed within Adobe Fireworks.
4) The Screenshots folder contains various reference screenshots of the application on the home screen, after initial load, and while being used.
PNG Icon Files Included
I’ve included five (5) PNG Icon files with this project:
1) Application Icon for Apple AppStore
2) Application Icon for iPad devices
3) Application Icon for Retina devices
4) Application Icon for Standard iPhone/iTouch devices
5) Source PNG file used to generate the aforementioned Icon files
Each respective Icon file was formatted according to Apple’s Icon and Image standards and specified in their developer guides and documentation.
Application Versions
This XCode project was built using the following application and framework versions:
1) XCode Version 3.2.5
2) Interface Builder Version 3.2.5
3) iOS Simulator Version 4.25 (235)
4) Active SDK iOS Version 4.2
The self-hosted PHP intermediary script included with this project requires a hosting environment capable of hosting PHP files with access to the “mail()” function.
Release Versions
Version 1.2 (current)
* Custom Script Integration Instructions Included
* Custom PHP Script Included as Demo Template
Version 1.1
* AWeber Communications Integration Instructions Included
Version 1.0
* Core Application
* MailChimp Integration Instructions Included