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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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C++ Runtime Environment Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides information about how to create and deploy C++ binaries.
Compiling & Debugging 2006-06-28
Debugging with GDB (HTML)
Open-source document that explains how to use GDB to debug programs.
Compiling & Debugging 2008-06-19
Dynamic Library Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to design, implement, and use dynamic libraries.
Compiling & Debugging 2009-02-26
GCC Porting Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides guidance on how to migrate projects to new GCC releases.
Compiling & Debugging 2006-10-03
GDB Internals (HTML)
Open-source document that explains the GDB implementation.
Compiling & Debugging 2008-06-19
GNU C 4.2 Preprocessor Internals (HTML)
Compiling & Debugging 2008-01-23
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) 4.2 Internals (HTML)
Compiling & Debugging 2008-01-23
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) Internals (HTML)
Compiling & Debugging 2007-12-11
Jar Bundler User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and a tutorial about deploying JAR-based applications as Mac OS X application bundles.
Compiling & Debugging 2006-05-23
Mac OS X ABI Function Call Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the function-calling conventions used in the architectures supported by Mac OS X.
Compiling & Debugging 2009-02-04
Mach-O Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the use of the Mac OS X runtime architecture, including program types, loading and executing code, and using libraries and plug-ins.
Compiling & Debugging 2009-02-04
User's Guide to gperf 3.0.1 (HTML)
Compiling & Debugging 2007-12-03
HeaderDoc User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to extract API reference documentation from commented header files.
Darwin 2008-04-08
Packaging UNIX Software (HTML)
Explains how to post UNIX and other command-line tools to Apple's Macintosh Product Guide.
Darwin 2001-04-20
Porting UNIX/Linux Applications to Mac OS X (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and tips about porting UNIX and Linux applications to Mac OS X.
Darwin 2008-04-08
Apple JavaScript Coding Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of the JavaScript language, its object-oriented features, and coding best practices.
Dashcode 2008-11-19
Dashboard Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains Dashboard and WebKit technologies used in widgets.
Dashcode 2009-02-04
Dashcode User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Dashcode to create Dashboard widgets.
Dashcode 2009-03-04
WebKit DOM Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to use JavaScript in web content and WebKit-based applications.
Dashcode 2008-10-15
Apple JavaScript Coding Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of the JavaScript language, its object-oriented features, and coding best practices.
Files & Software Installation 2008-11-19
Bundle Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Core Foundation bundle objects to organize resources.
Files & Software Installation 2005-11-09
Code Signing Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how you can sign your code and why you should.
Files & Software Installation 2008-11-19
Documentation Set Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to integrate third-party documentation with the Xcode Documentation window.
Files & Software Installation 2009-01-06
File System Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and guidelines describing the structure and usage of the Mac OS X file system.
Files & Software Installation 2008-07-11
PackageMaker User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to use PackageMaker to create installation packages.
Files & Software Installation 2009-01-06
Runtime Configuration Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual and reference information for dynamically configuring your software.
Files & Software Installation 2008-07-08
Software Delivery Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to distribute and install Mac OS X software using PackageMaker and Installer.
Files & Software Installation 2006-07-24
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 2007-07-11
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 2007-07-10
The Objective-C 2.0 Programming Language (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces object-oriented programming and describes the main programming language used for Cocoa development.
General 2009-05-06
Xcode Quick Tour for Mac OS X (HTML) (PDF)
Provides a hands-on introduction to Xcode, Apple's comprehensive suite of software development tools for Mac OS X.
General 2008-10-15
Drawing Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the speed of drawing code.
Graphics & Imaging 2006-04-04
OpenGL Driver Monitor User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to view the properties supported by the OpenGL drivers available on the system.
Graphics & Imaging 2008-02-08
OpenGL Profiler User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to assess the efficiency of an OpenGL application.
Graphics & Imaging 2008-02-08
OpenGL Shader Builder User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use OpenGL Shader Builder to develop and test GPU programs.
Graphics & Imaging 2008-06-23
Quartz Composer User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use the Quartz Composer development tool to create motion graphics compositions.
Graphics & Imaging 2007-07-17
GCC Porting Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides guidance on how to migrate projects to new GCC releases.
Intel-Based Macs 2006-10-03
Mac OS X ABI Function Call Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the function-calling conventions used in the architectures supported by Mac OS X.
Intel-Based Macs 2009-02-04
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 2006-10-26
Universal Binary Programming Guidelines, Second Edition (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and tips for writing code that runs on PowerPC-based and Intel-based Macintosh computers.
Intel-Based Macs 2009-02-04
Interface Builder Plug-In Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the process for creating custom Interface Builder palettes.
Interface Builder 2007-07-18
Interface Builder User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and tasks explaining how to use the Interface Builder application to design user interfaces.
Interface Builder 2008-11-19
Jar Bundler User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and a tutorial about deploying JAR-based applications as Mac OS X application bundles.
Java 2006-05-23
Internationalization Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to support multiple languages in software.
Localization 2009-01-06
Big Top User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to monitor the use of resources on Macintosh computers, locally and over a network.
Performance 2007-10-31
Code Size Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for reducing the size of an application binary.
Performance 2006-06-28
Code Speed Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the performance and efficiency of code.
Performance 2005-07-07
File-System Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the performance of file-related code.
Performance 2005-07-07
Instruments User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Instruments application and explains how to use it to examine program behavior.
Performance 2008-10-15
Launch Time Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the launch performance of an application.
Performance 2006-04-04
Memory Usage Performance Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Guidelines for improving the performance of memory-related code.
Performance 2006-06-28
Performance Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the factors that determine performance.
Performance 2006-10-03
Saturn 4.5 User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to analyze a program's function-calling structure.
Performance 2007-10-31
Shark User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to analyze code performance by profiling the system.
Performance 2008-04-14
Apple JavaScript Coding Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of the JavaScript language, its object-oriented features, and coding best practices.
Scripting & Automation 2008-11-19
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 2006-04-04
Automator Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the concepts and tasks for developing actions, which are bundles loaded by the Automator application.
Scripting & Automation 2007-12-11
Dashcode User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Dashcode to create Dashboard widgets.
Scripting & Automation 2009-03-04
Shell Scripting Primer (HTML) (PDF)
A guided tour of (Bourne) shell scripting, including control structures, numerical computation, regular expressions, subroutines, and error handling.
Scripting & Automation 2009-04-08
Xcode Source Management Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to manage source changes using source control and snapshots.
Source Control 2009-01-06
iSync Manual Test Suite Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the suite of manual test cases that plug-in developers should run before shipping their product.
Syncing 2007-07-11
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.
Syncing 2007-07-10
Sync Services Tutorial (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to debug multiple syncing applications using the Syncrospector development tool.
Syncing 2007-07-11
Java for WebObjects Developers (PDF)
Introduces Java concepts and terms to WebObjects developers. Includes exercises for developing Java expertise in WebObjects.
WebObjects 2003-05-27
WebObjects Application Properties Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the command-line properties that can be passed to WebObjects application and tools when they start.
WebObjects 2007-07-11
WebObjects Deployment Guide Using JavaMonitor (HTML) (PDF)
Tools and techniques for deploying WebObjects applications. Includes application administration and performance-improving practices.
WebObjects 2007-10-31
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 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 2007-07-11
WebObjects J2EE Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to develop J2EE components using WebObjects and deploy WebObjects applications inside servlet containers.
WebObjects 2005-08-11
WebObjects Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the architecture, technologies, development tools, and development approaches of WebObjects.
WebObjects 2007-07-11
WebObjects Tutorial (HTML) (PDF)
Steps for building a simple WebObjects application using Eclipse and the WOLips plug-in.
WebObjects 2009-02-04
WebObjects Web Applications Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to develop web applications using WebObjects, including application design, state management, and database architecture.
WebObjects 2007-07-11
WebObjects Web Services Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to develop and utilize web services in WebObjects.
WebObjects 2007-07-11
WebObjects XML Serialization Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to serialize objects and data into XML documents.
WebObjects 2005-08-11
Cocoa Application Tutorial (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to build a simple Cocoa application using Xcode.
Xcode 2007-10-31
Cocoa Application Tutorial Using Bindings (HTML) (PDF)
A hands-on introduction to Cocoa bindings.
Xcode 2007-07-10
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 2007-08-07
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 2006-11-07
Documentation Set Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to integrate third-party documentation with the Xcode Documentation window.
Xcode 2009-01-06
Framework Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and guidelines on how to create a framework.
Xcode 2006-11-07
HeaderDoc User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to extract API reference documentation from commented header files.
Xcode 2008-04-08
Porting CodeWarrior Projects to Xcode (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to move software projects from CodeWarrior to Xcode and compares the two development environments.
Xcode 2006-10-26
What's New in Xcode (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of new and improved features in the Xcode application.
Xcode 2009-01-06
Xcode Build System Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides a detailed description of the Xcode build system and shows how to customize it.
Xcode 2009-02-04
Xcode Debugging Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode debugging facilities and the recommended debugging techniques.
Xcode 2009-01-06
Xcode Design Tools for Class Modeling (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode Design Tools for Class Modeling.
Xcode 2009-02-04
Xcode Installation Guide (HTML) (PDF) (日本語 HTML) (日本語 PDF)
Describes general installation issues for Xcode users.
Xcode 2008-05-27
Xcode Mapping Tool for Core Data (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode mapping tool for Core Data.
Xcode 2007-12-30
Xcode Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode IDE and its major components, and provides and overview of the development process.
Xcode 2009-01-06
Xcode Project Management Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides practical descriptions of the major development tasks developers perform with Xcode.
Xcode 2009-01-06
Xcode Quick Tour for Mac OS X (HTML) (PDF)
Provides a hands-on introduction to Xcode, Apple's comprehensive suite of software development tools for Mac OS X.
Xcode 2008-10-15
Xcode Refactoring Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Shows how to improve readability of source code while retaining its functionality.
Xcode 2009-01-06
Xcode Source Management Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to manage source changes using source control and snapshots.
Xcode 2009-01-06
Xcode Tools for Core Data (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode modeling tools for Core Data.
Xcode 2008-04-15
Xcode Unit Testing Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to incorporate test cases to validate individual units of source code.
Xcode 2008-05-02
Xcode Workspace Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of the Xcode workspace, and shows how to use its components and features.
Xcode 2009-01-06