Sep 16, 2015 You can access the OS X Developer Library from the Apple Developer website or from Xcode. In Xcode, choose Help Documentation and API Reference to view documents and other resources in the Organizer window. In addition to the OS X Developer Library, there are other sources of information on developing different types of software for Mac. Mac or Linux. Running docker is a pain on Win10. WSL exists but is slow and not as full featured as the real deal. I think Mac OS is the best mix of being able to run Adobe and other graphics programs, while still having access to a ton of open source tools and a similar environment as.
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Limiting any list to ten is difficult − especially when it lists indispensable websites about your trusted Mac. But even though this Mac website list isn’t comprehensive, it does include some pretty useful websites that every Mac user should get to know.
Apple Insider
As with many other comprehensive sites devoted to the Cupertino crowd (including some in this list), you’ll find lots of news, forums, and reviews concerning all things Apple. But Apple Insider also wants to solicit your help. You’re invited to submit rumors and information to the site − and may even do so anonymously.
Cult of Mac
This well-regarded daily news site is also on top of the latest out of Apple-land, with forums on the Mac that cover vintage computers to the latest models. Cult of Mac will also happily accept a news tip from you.
MacFixIt
When something has gone wrong and you’re seeking answers, check out MacFixIt, now part of CNET. This troubleshooting site tackles a gaggle of issues, with help from your Mac brethren. And because of the CNET acquisition, you no longer have to fork over $24.95 a year for a Pro version with tutorials, full access to more than a decade of content, and more.
MacRumors
Apple is one of the most secretive outfits on the planet. Seldom does the company spill the beans on new products in advance; the notable exception is features for the next iteration of OS X. That doesn’t prevent numerous Apple watchers from speculating on what might be coming out of Cupertino.
Besides, who doesn’t love a juicy rumor now and then? Is Apple merging with Nintendo? (Don’t count on it.) Is Apple going to add a subscription music plan to iTunes? (Don’t count on that either.) Head to MacRumors for the latest dirt, some of which might even turn out to be true.
MacSurfer
MacSurfer is a wonderful resource for the Apple news junkie. MacSurfer’s Headline News sports links to articles on all things Apple, including traditional media, websites, Apple itself, and bloggers. Links are segregated by Apple, OS X, General Interest, Hardware/Software, How-To/Reviews, Op/Ed, Press Releases, Computer Industry, and Finances.
Macworld
It’s all here at Macworld: news, how-tos, product reviews, discussion forums, and current and past articles from Macworld magazine. And one of the places that used to make this top-ten list as a stand-alone site is part of Macworld, too: Mac OS X Hints.
Other World Computing
Need more RAM for your computer? Or an extra hard drive, perhaps? Maybe even an add-on that would let you watch TV on your Mac? Other World Computing (OWC) has been specializing in sales of Mac accessories since the first Bush administration. The online retailer has earned a stellar reputation for prompt delivery and reliability.
This list was supposed to mention only ten sites, but if you promise not to tell, other online retailers worth checking out include MacMall and Small Dog Electronics.
The Unofficial Apple Weblog
The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW, for short) is an enthusiast’s blog that lets people comment on Apple articles and reviews.
VersionTracker
VersionTracker is a repository for downloadable shareware, freeware, and updates to Mac software. Click a name to discover more about what a program does and to eyeball ratings and feedback. It, too, is now part of the CNET empire, specifically the Mac Software area of Download.com.
Apple.com
Apple may seem like an obvious place to go. Heck, you probably already landed there just by opening Safari the first time. And you may not love the full blitz of Mac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad advertising and promotions, even if you already drank Apple’s Kool-Aid. But presumably most of you already have sweet feelings for the company’s products.
This website is full of helpful resources, especially for, but not limited to, newbies. You can download software updates and manuals, view video tutorials, post questions in discussion forums, read press releases, and consult the knowledge base. Mostly, you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of goodwill for the company responsible for the computer that most of you fancy so much.
The OS X operating system combines a stable core with advanced technologies to help you deliver world-class products on the Mac platform. Knowing what these technologies are, and how to use them, can help streamline your development process, while giving you access to key OS X features.
At a Glance
This guide introduces you to the range of possibilities for developing Mac software, describes the many technologies you can use for software development, and points you to sources of information about those technologies. It does not describe user-level system features or features that have no impact on software development.
OS X Has a Layered Architecture with Key Technologies in Each Layer
It’s helpful to view the implementation of OS X as a set of layers. The lower layers of the system provide the fundamental services on which all software relies. Subsequent layers contain more sophisticated services and technologies that build on (or complement) the layers below.
The lower the layer a technology is in, the more specialized are the services it provides. Generally, technologies in higher layers incorporate lower-level technologies to provide common app behaviors. A good rule of thumb is to use the highest-level programming interface that meets the goals of your app. Here is a brief summary of the layers of OS X.
- The Cocoa (Application) layer includes technologies for building an app’s user interface, for responding to user events, and for managing app behavior.
- The Media layer encompasses specialized technologies for playing, recording, and editing audiovisual media and for rendering and animating 2D and 3D graphics.
- The Core Services layer contains many fundamental services and technologies that range from Automatic Reference Counting and low-level network communication to string manipulation and data formatting.
- The Core OS layer defines programming interfaces that are related to hardware and networking, including interfaces for running high-performance computation tasks on a computer’s CPU and GPU.
- The Kernel and Device Drivers layer consists of the Mach kernel environment, device drivers, BSD library functions (
libSystem
), and other low-level components. The layer includes support for file systems, networking, security, interprocess communication, programming languages, device drivers, and extensions to the kernel.
Relevant Chapters:Cocoa Application Layer, Media Layer, Core Services Layer, Core OS Layer, Kernel and Device Drivers Layer
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You Can Create Many Different Kinds of Software for Mac
Using the developer tools and system frameworks, you can develop a wide variety of software for Mac, including the following:
- Apps. Apps help users accomplish tasks that range from creating content and managing data to connecting with others and having fun. OS X provides a wealth of system technologies such as app extensions and handoff, that you use to extend the capabilities of your apps and enhance the experience of your users.
- Frameworks and libraries. Frameworks and libraries enable code sharing among apps.
- Command-line tools and daemons. Command-line tools allow sophisticated users to manipulate data in the command-line environment of the Terminal app. Daemons typically run continuously and act as servers for processing client requests.
- App plug-ins and loadable bundles. Plug-ins extend the capabilities of other apps; bundles contain code and resources that apps can dynamically load at runtime.
- System plug-ins. System plug-ins, such as audio units, kernel extensions, I/O Kit device drivers, preference panes, Spotlight importers, and screen savers, extend the capabilities of the system.
Relevant Chapter:Creating Software Products for the Mac Platform
When Porting a Cocoa Touch App, Be Aware of API Similarities and Differences
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The technology stacks on which Cocoa and Cocoa Touch apps are based have many similarities. Some system frameworks are identical (or nearly identical) in each platform, including Foundation, Core Data, and AV Foundation. This commonality of API makes some migration tasks—for example, porting the data model of your Cocoa Touch app—easy.
Other migration tasks are more challenging because they depend on frameworks that reflect the differences between the platforms. For example, porting controller objects and revising the user interface are more demanding tasks because they depend on AppKit and UIKit, which are the primary app frameworks in the Cocoa and CocoaTouch layers, respectively.
See Also
Apple provides developer tools and additional information that support your development efforts.
Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment, helps you design, create, debug, and optimize your software. You can download Xcode from the Mac App Store.
For an overview of the developer tools for OS X, see the Xcode Apple Developer webpage. For an overview Xcode functionality, read Xcode Overview.
The OS X Developer Library contains the documentation, sample code, tutorials, and other information you need to write OS X apps. You can access the OS X Developer Library from the Apple Developer website or from Xcode. In Xcode, choose Help > Documentation and API Reference to view documents and other resources in the Organizer window.
In addition to the OS X Developer Library, there are other sources of information on developing different types of software for Mac:
- Apple Open Source. Apple makes major components of OS X—including the UNIX core—available to the developer community. To learn about Apple’s commitment to Open Source development, visit Open Source Development Resources. To learn more about some specific Open Source projects, such as Bonjour and WebKit, visit Mac OS Forge.
- BSD. Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) is an essential UNIX-based part of the OS X kernel environment. Several excellent books on BSD and UNIX are available in bookstores. But you can also find additional information on any of the websites that cover BSD variants—for example, The FreeBSD Project.
- Third-party books. Several excellent books on Mac app development can be found online and in the technical sections of bookstores.
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