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Leopard Guides: Carbon
The Human Interface Toolbox is an object-oriented C API for implementing user interfaces, available in Mac OS X v10.2 and later. Controls, windows, and menus are subclassed from the HIObject base class or the HIView subclass; the HIObject object acts as the data store (instance), and Carbon event handlers are the methods. The standard toolbox managers (Window Manager, Control Manager, and so on) work seamlessly with this new model, while its object-oriented nature makes it much easier to create custom user interface elements.

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HIView Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes view-based controls and how to implement them in Carbon applications.
2007-10-31
Data Browser Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to present data in lists similar to the list and column views in the Finder.
2007-08-07
HIArchive Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to store data objects using HIArchive. Also includes information to make custom HIObjects archivable.
2005-08-11
Handling Carbon Windows and Controls (HTML) (PDF)
A guidebook for implementing windows and controls in Carbon applications.
2005-07-07
HIToolbar Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create toolbars in Carbon applications.
2005-07-07
Upgrading to the Mac OS X HIToolbox (HTML) (PDF)
A porting guide for Carbon developers seeking to adopt Mac OS X HIToolbox features such as nib-based windows and HIViews.
2004-06-28
Creating Carbon Menus (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to create menus in Carbon applications.
2004-02-23
Obtaining and Using Icons With Icon Services (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to obtain and display icons for a Carbon application or extension.
2003-02-01
Programming with the Appearance Manager (HTML)
Explains how to make an application's user interface look like the Mac OS user interface.
2001-11-20