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Leopard Reference Library
A full suite of free developer tools is available to Mac OS X developers, who can speed up their development process by using these tools to prototype, compile, debug, and optimize their software products. Xcode, Apple's integrated development environment, can be used with Cocoa, Carbon, or Java. Apple also provides a wide selection of open source tools, such as GCC.

A guided introduction for developers new to Mac OS X developer tools.   Essential information for developers using the Xcode software development tool set.  
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Cocoa Application Tutorial (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to build a simple Cocoa application using Xcode.
Xcode Guides 2007-10-31
GCC 4 Release Notes (HTML)
Updated for Xcode 3.0
Compiling & Debugging Release Notes 2007-10-31
GNU C 4.0 Preprocessor User Guide (HTML)
Describes the Apple version of the GNU C 4.0 Preprocessor.
Compiling & Debugging, Darwin Reference 2007-10-31
GNU C/C++/Objective-C 4.0.1 Compiler User Guide (HTML)
Describes the Apple version of the GNU 4.0.1 compiler.
Compiling & Debugging, Darwin, Intel-Based Macs Reference 2007-10-31
GNU macro processor (HTML)
Documentation on the GNU macro processor.
Compiling & Debugging Reference 2007-10-31
Saturn 4.5 User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to analyze a program's function-calling structure.
Performance Guides 2007-10-31
Terminal 2 Release Notes (HTML)
Describes new features of the Terminal application in Mac OS X 10.5.
Xcode Release Notes 2007-10-31
WebObjects 5.4 Reference (HTML)
Describes the WebObjects 5.4 classes in Javadoc format.
WebObjects Reference 2007-10-31
WebObjects Deployment Guide Using JavaMonitor (HTML) (PDF)
Tools and techniques for deploying WebObjects applications. Includes application administration and performance-improving practices.
WebObjects Guides 2007-10-31
ButtonMadness (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates how to use the various types of buttons using a nib file or programatically.
Interface Builder Sample Code 2007-10-30
Symbol Variants Release Notes (HTML)
Describes symbol variants, a way of providing multiple versions of symbols for backwards compatibility.
Compiling & Debugging, Darwin Release Notes 2007-10-16
Preprocessing Info.plist files in Xcode Using the C Preprocessor (HTML)
TN2175: Describes workarounds for several issues concerning preprocessing Info.plist files in Xcode with the C preprocessor.
Xcode Technical Notes 2007-08-14
Speeding up your Xcode Builds (HTML)
TN2190: Speed up your Xcode builds by leveraging the power of the Xcode build system
Xcode Technical Notes 2007-08-14
Creating a Managed Object Model with Xcode (HTML) (PDF)
A tutorial that shows how to create a Core Data managed object model using Xcode.
Xcode Guides 2007-08-07
Interface Builder Plug-In Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the process for creating custom Interface Builder palettes.
Interface Builder Guides 2007-07-18
Quartz Composer User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use the Quartz Composer development tool to create motion graphics compositions.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2007-07-17
IBInspector Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for managing inspector views in Interface Builder.
Interface Builder Reference 2007-07-11
iSync Manual Test Suite Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the suite of manual test cases that plug-in developers should run before shipping their product.
General, Syncing Guides 2007-07-11
Sync Services Tutorial (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to debug multiple syncing applications using the Syncrospector development tool.
Syncing Guides 2007-07-11
WebObjects Application Properties Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the command-line properties that can be passed to WebObjects application and tools when they start.
WebObjects Guides 2007-07-11
WebObjects Direct to Web Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the Java-based technology for creating web applications that access a database. Includes examples of customizing applications.
WebObjects Guides 2007-07-11
WebObjects Enterprise Objects Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
An overview of the technology that combines object-oriented programming with database application development. Includes examples and solutions.
WebObjects Guides 2007-07-11
WebObjects Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the architecture, technologies, development tools, and development approaches of WebObjects.
WebObjects Guides 2007-07-11
WebObjects Web Applications Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to develop web applications using WebObjects, including application design, state management, and database architecture.
WebObjects Guides 2007-07-11
WebObjects Web Services Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to develop and utilize web services in WebObjects.
WebObjects Guides 2007-07-11
Cocoa Application Tutorial Using Bindings (HTML) (PDF)
A hands-on introduction to Cocoa bindings.
Xcode Guides 2007-07-10
iSync Plug-in Maker User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use the iSync Plug-in Maker tool to create and test iSync phone plug-ins.
General, Syncing Guides 2007-07-10
Using Ruby on Rails for Web Development on Mac OS X (HTML)
Learn why Mac OS X is the preferred platform for Ruby on Rails.
Scripting & Automation Articles 2007-06-06
Debugging a WebKit Plug-in in Xcode (HTML)
QA1500: Directions for debugging a WebKit plug-in in Xcode.
Compiling & Debugging Technical Q&As 2007-06-05
Bug Reporting Best Practices (HTML)
Provides information regarding the best means in which to file a bug report.
Compiling & Debugging Articles 2007-05-25
C++ Tips and Tricks for Mac OS X (HTML)
TN2185: Tips and tricks for beginning to advanced C++ programmers on Mac OS X.
Compiling & Debugging, Xcode Technical Notes 2007-05-25
GDB Release Notes (HTML)
Updated for Mac OS X v10.5
Compiling & Debugging, Xcode Release Notes 2007-05-16
NSObject Interface Builder Kit Additions Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes additions, used by Interface Builder plug-ins, for inspecting objects.
Interface Builder Reference 2007-05-10
NSView Interface Builder Kit Additions Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes additions, used by Interface Builder plug-ins, for manipulating views.
Interface Builder Reference 2007-05-10
Interface Builder Kit Framework Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for implementing Interface Builder plug-ins.
Interface Builder Reference 2007-04-18
Compiler Tools Release Notes (HTML)
Describes the latest changes to the Mach-O assemblers, linkers, and object file tools.
Compiling & Debugging Release Notes 2007-04-11
Debugging and Symbolizing Crash Dumps in Xcode (HTML)
Learn to use crash logs to find those difficult bugs.
Xcode Articles 2007-04-03
IBPlugin Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the interface for managing plug-ins in Interface Builder.
Interface Builder Reference 2007-04-02
Interface Builder Kit Constants Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the constants declared in the Interface Builder Kit framework.
Interface Builder Reference 2007-04-02
Interface Builder Kit Data Types Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the data types declared in the Interface Builder Kit framework.
Interface Builder Reference 2007-04-02
Including a custom NSWindow in a nib file (HTML)
QA1511: Shows how to create a custom NSWindow and instantiate it in a nib file.
Interface Builder Technical Q&As 2007-03-21
Using GCOV from Xcode (HTML)
QA1514: Illustrates configuring your Xcode project to work with the GCOV code coverage tool.
Compiling & Debugging, Xcode Technical Q&As 2007-02-23
How do I access files contained in my AppleScript Studio application's main bundle? (HTML)
QA1493: Explains how to access files stored within an AppleScript Studio application.
Scripting & Automation, Xcode Technical Q&As 2007-02-05
Creating install packages from the command line (HTML)
QA1284: Describes how to create install packages from the command line.
Files & Software Installation Technical Q&As 2007-01-22
Mac OS X Debugging Magic (HTML)
TN2124: Collection of Mac OS X debugging hints and tips.
Compiling & Debugging Technical Notes 2007-01-10
Leopard Technology Series for Developers: Introducing Dashcode (HTML)
Learn how Dashcode makes widget development easier than ever.
Dashcode, Scripting & Automation Articles 2007-01-09
Leopard Technology Series for Developers: Leopard Developer Tools Overview (HTML)
Learn how Leopard developer tools make it easier than ever to create exciting applications.
Xcode Articles 2006-11-15
Debugging NSTableView's "Action Invocation" binding (HTML)
QA1472: Discusses the issues and factors that affect NSTableView's "Action Invocation" binding.
Interface Builder Technical Q&As 2006-11-13
Cross-Development Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to build software for versions of Mac OS X other than the one the development tools are running on.
Xcode Guides 2006-11-07
Framework Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and guidelines on how to create a framework.
Xcode Guides 2006-11-07
How to add a folder to the contents of a package (HTML)
QA1484: Describes how to add a folder of files to the package contents of executable code
Xcode Technical Q&As 2006-10-31
Porting CodeWarrior Projects to Xcode (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to move software projects from CodeWarrior to Xcode and compares the two development environments.
Intel-Based Macs, Xcode Guides 2006-10-26
Using static versions of existing dynamic libraries (HTML)
QA1393: Illustrates how to select a static version of a library when a dynamic version of the library exists.
Compiling & Debugging, Xcode Technical Q&As 2006-10-24
Java on Intel-based Macs (HTML)
QA1295: Required changes (if any) for Java applications to run on Intel-based Macs.
Java Technical Q&As 2006-10-17
Interface element identification in Interface Builder (HTML)
QA1323: Describes a way to easily visually identify interface elements in a nib file.
Interface Builder Technical Q&As 2006-10-06
Building Objective-C static libraries with categories (HTML)
QA1490: Describes how to properly build Objective-C static libraries that contain categories on existing classes.
Compiling & Debugging Technical Q&As 2006-10-03
CxxNewDelete (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
How to override the C++ 'new' and 'delete' operators.
Compiling & Debugging Sample Code 2006-10-03
GCC Porting Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides guidance on how to migrate projects to new GCC releases.
Compiling & Debugging, Intel-Based Macs Guides 2006-10-03
Performance Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the factors that determine performance.
Performance Guides 2006-10-03
InstallerPluginSample (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Provides instructions for extending software installation using custom plugins
Files & Software Installation Sample Code 2006-08-30
Automating Development Tasks with Automator and Xcode (HTML)
Learn to streamline daily tasks in your development projects using Automator.
Scripting & Automation, Xcode Articles 2006-08-07
QCFundamentals (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates Coordinate, Interpolation, and Iterative systems in Quartz Composer with an amusing animation
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2006-08-07
QCGalaxy (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Demonstrates use of Particle Systems and Core Image Filters in Quartz Composer
Graphics & Imaging Sample Code 2006-08-07
BlockAnimation (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
A bit of java code which INCORRECTLY handles animation
Java Sample Code 2006-08-01
IBFragmentView (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Illustrates building an Interface Builder plugin including a custom inspector and library integration for a custom view.
Interface Builder Sample Code 2006-08-01
iSync Sample Document (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
iSync Plug-in Maker sample document, illustrating how to build an iSync plug-in for a SyncML phone.
Syncing Sample Code 2006-08-01
Software Delivery Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to distribute and install Mac OS X software using PackageMaker and Installer.
Files & Software Installation Guides 2006-07-24
Improving Your Software with Xcode andStatic Code Analysis Techniques (HTML)
Learn about static analysis and get started using it with an Xcode project.
Performance, Xcode Articles 2006-07-10
How do I use asserts while debugging? (HTML)
QA1431: How do I enable asserts so they log their messages and/or break when I'm debugging?
Compiling & Debugging, Xcode Technical Q&As 2006-06-30
C++ Runtime Environment Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides information about how to create and deploy C++ binaries.
Compiling & Debugging Guides 2006-06-28
Code Size Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for reducing the size of an application binary.
Performance Guides 2006-06-28
Memory Usage Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the performance of memory-related code.
Performance Guides 2006-06-28
Test64BitMultiprec (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Implements (PPC) A*Y+B where A & B are arrays of 64-bit words and Y is a 64-bit integer
Performance Sample Code 2006-06-09
Introducing Xcode 2.3 (HTML)
Get an overview of Xcode 2.3.
Xcode Articles 2006-05-31
GCC 3 Release Notes (HTML)
Updated for Xcode 2.3
Compiling & Debugging Release Notes 2006-05-23
Jar Bundler User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and a tutorial about deploying JAR-based applications as Mac OS X application bundles.
Compiling & Debugging, Java Guides 2006-05-23
Fractal Performance (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Three fractal applications that show various bottlenecks and how they can be fixed.
Java, Performance Sample Code 2006-04-17
JNI Development on Mac OS X (HTML)
TN2147: Discusses use of native APIs and UI elements from Java applications
Java Technical Notes 2006-04-17
UnsupportedClassVersionError With J2SE 5.0 Release 4 (HTML)
QA1474: Explains problems running existing Xcode projects after upgrading to J2SE 5.0 Release 4
Java Technical Q&As 2006-04-14
MyFirstJNIProject (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
A Java application that calls the Address Book framework through the JNI
Java Sample Code 2006-04-12
simpleJavaLauncher (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
How to launch 1.4.x and future JVM's from a Core Foundation tool.
Java Sample Code 2006-04-12
AppleScript Studio Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create script-driven applications with complex user interfaces based on Cocoa UI classes. Includes tutorials.
Scripting & Automation Guides 2006-04-04
Drawing Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the speed of drawing code.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2006-04-04
Launch Time Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the launch performance of an application.
Performance Guides 2006-04-04
WcharDataFormatter (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
An example of how to write a custom data formatter.
Xcode Sample Code 2006-03-31
Building a JNI Universal Application with Xcode (HTML)
Learn to add Mac OS X features into your Java application using JNI and Xcode.
Java Articles 2006-03-20
Common QA and Roadmap for USB Software Development on Mac OS X (HTML)
QA1370: Roadmap for development of USB Software on Mac OS X and some Common Questions and Answers
Performance Technical Q&As 2006-02-28
Optimizing Your Application with System Trace in Shark 4 (HTML)
See how your code interacts with Mac OS X using the power of Shark.
Performance Articles 2006-01-30
Deprecated CALL_ON_[UN]LOAD pragmas (HTML)
QA1429: Replace deprecated CALL_ON_[UN]LOAD pragmas with constructor [destructor] function attributes.
Compiling & Debugging, Xcode Technical Q&As 2006-01-10
Nested Functions in Xcode (HTML)
TN2161: This technote explains how to port code which uses nested functions in Xcode 2.2.
Compiling & Debugging, Xcode Technical Notes 2006-01-10
WebObjects Dynamic Elements Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the WebObjects dynamic elements.
WebObjects Reference 2006-01-10
Setting default open Finder window (HTML)
QA1449: How to set the default Finder window to open when a disk is mounted
Files & Software Installation Technical Q&As 2006-01-03
Working with Xcode Build Settings (HTML)
Learn how to customize your build process intuitively to help you manage complex project settings.
Xcode Articles 2005-12-12
Moving Your Project from CodeWarrior to Xcode (HTML)
Get started moving your project from CodeWarrior to Xcode.
Xcode Articles 2005-11-28
Bundle Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Core Foundation bundle objects to organize resources.
Files & Software Installation Guides 2005-11-09
Mac OS X ABI Dynamic Loader Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the functions used to access Mach-O files.
Compiling & Debugging Reference 2005-11-09
Getting Control with Subversion and Xcode (HTML)
Learn how to install and set up Subversion on Mac OS X Server.
Source Control, Xcode Articles 2005-11-08
Understanding Xcode Projects (HTML)
Learn how Xcode handles projects and how best to work with them.
Xcode Articles 2005-10-10
Working with Xcode: Building Applications for the Future (HTML)
Learn how to build universal binaries using Xcode.
Xcode Articles 2005-08-26
Using PyObjC for Developing Cocoa Applications with Python (HTML)
Learn how to build a sample Cocoa app using the Cocoa-Python bridge PyOjbC.
Scripting & Automation Articles 2005-08-15