Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1:Introducing Xcode
4
In This Chapter
Understanding the history of Mac development tools
Developing Xcode
Moving to Xcode 4
Comparing iOS and OS X development
Xcode is Apple's free suite of developer tools; it is used to create applications for iOS mobile devices and for Mac
OS X. Xcode 4, shown in Figure 1.1, is the most recent version and is a radical update with many new features.
Developer tools are complex, and Xcode has always tried to hide much of that complexity from novice deve-
lopers. You can use Xcode in a very simple click-to-build way, but this simplicity can be misleading. Many deve-
lopers never explore Xcode's more advanced features and never discover how they can use them to save time,
solve problems, or extend their projects with original and creative features.
Xcode also includes an unexpectedly enormous selection of helper applications and developer tools. A complete
guide to every element in Xcode would require a shelf of topics. This topic concentrates on beginner- and
intermediate-level features, but also includes hints and pointers for advanced developers.
FIGURE 1.1
Xcode 4's simplified interface hides familiar old features and some unexpected new ones.
