Hacking with Swift+: is this $20 stack worth it for Software Development?
If you already know the basics of Swift but keep hitting the same wall—your app works, but the architecture feels improvised, the SwiftUI code feels brittle, and you don’t know what a senior iOS developer would do differently—Hacking with Swift+ is a useful next step. It packages Paul Hudson’s advanced Swift, SwiftUI, algorithms, and app-architecture teaching into one subscription, with each lesson available as a 4K video, a readable article, and copy-pasteable source code. That matters because most developers don’t stall at Swift syntax; they stall when they need production-minded habits, reusable components, and a clear path from tutorial to portfolio piece. At $20 a month, the Hacking with Swift+ membership is worth considering if you want structured, hands-on practice rather than another scattered playlist.
Quick answer
| Best for | iOS/Swift developers who want advanced Hacking with Swift+ content with SwiftUI, algorithms, and a portfolio app. |
| Skip if | You only need beginner Swift syntax, want a one-time file download, or don’t want a subscription. |
| Price | $20 |
| Format | Subscription: articles, 4K videos, source code, portfolio app, and Unwrap Live ticket perk |
| One-line take | A strong fit if you want Hacking with Swift+ to turn your Swift practice into more senior-level app building. |
What you’re actually buying
The core value is not just another tutorial folder; it is a learning system that keeps your Swift skills moving in one direction. You get access to all articles, all videos, complete source code, and the Ultimate Portfolio App, which is designed to teach architecture, accessibility, testing, documentation, and cross-platform thinking across iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. That mix is useful because it pushes you past “I can make a screen” into “I can ship an app that feels maintained.” If you want to practice the kind of decisions that show up in code reviews, the Ultimate Portfolio App gives you a concrete project to follow instead of a vague list of best practices.
The teaching format is also practical. Each article comes with 4K Ultra HD video showing the techniques with live commentary, plus a text version you can read and code you can copy and paste. That dual format matters when you’re learning advanced Swift or custom SwiftUI components: you can watch the reasoning, then open the code and break it in your own project. For developers who learn by doing, the article-plus-video format removes the usual friction of trying to reverse-engineer a polished example from a video alone.
One reviewer describes a return to app development after years as a systems analyst/programmer on mainframe computers, which suggests the material can help developers re-enter iOS work without feeling lost. That is a stronger signal than generic praise because it points to a real career pivot and a learning style that values intuition. A Gumroad review says: “I wanted to learn about app development since I used to be a systems analyst/programmer on mainframe computers. Hacking with Swift+ is easy to follow, very intuitive and really satisfying. Great Job.”
Why it’s on our radar
What makes Hacking with Swift+ worth a look is the combination of an advanced curriculum and a portfolio project that forces best practices into one build. It is less a content library and more a structured path through Swift, SwiftUI, algorithms, data structures, and custom components. A Gumroad review from an iOS developer frames the value plainly: “Totally recommend it! Paul creates a super value for the price! The knowledge that you get here is worth the price. BR, iOS Developer.”
What actually matters
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Check whether you want a monthly or longer commitment: the offer describes a $20 monthly option, a yearly option at 12 months for the price of 10, and a 2-year option that unlocks immediate access to the Swift Career Accelerator and Hacking with Swift reading library. If you’re serious about leveling up, the longer Hacking with Swift+ tiers are worth comparing before checkout.
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Look at the course focus, not just the word “advanced”: the offer highlights Ultimate Portfolio App, Advanced Swift, Algorithms, Custom SwiftUI Components, and Data Structures. That is a useful spread if your goal is to become more employable, not just to finish one tutorial. The course lineup should match the gap you actually want to close.
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Confirm how you want to learn: every article is paired with 4K video and copy-pasteable code, so you can choose watching, reading, or hands-on practice. If you’re the type who needs to inspect the implementation, the complete source code is one of the strongest parts of the offer.
Mid-check
FAQ
Is Hacking with Swift+ a one-time purchase or a subscription?
It is presented as a subscription, with a $20 monthly option and longer-term choices described in the offer. If you prefer to commit for longer, the yearly and 2-year Hacking with Swift+ options are the ones to compare.
Can I use it if I already know Swift?
Yes, the emphasis is on advanced Swift, SwiftUI components, algorithms, data structures, and a portfolio app built around best practices. That makes Hacking with Swift+ more useful for developers who want to sharpen architecture, testing, accessibility, and production habits than for someone learning variables for the first time.
Does it include code I can inspect?
The offer includes complete source code, articles, and 4K video for the tutorials. If your learning style depends on reading the implementation, the source-code access is a major reason to take the membership seriously.
Bottom line
If your goal is to move from competent Swift to more senior iOS work, Hacking with Swift+ is a strong option because it combines advanced tutorials, a portfolio app, source code, video, and article-based learning in one place. At $20 a month, it is easiest to justify when you want a structured path and are willing to commit to the work. View on Gumroad