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Mac OS X combines an open source, UNIX-based core with such features as the Aqua user interface, the Quartz graphics system, and rich application-development frameworks. The documents here provide an overview of the concepts and technical capabilities of Mac OS X most relevant to developers, and are focused on Mac OS X as a whole.
A guided introduction and learning path for developers new to Mac OS X.   Essential information about Apple's Mac OS X operating system.  
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64-Bit Transition Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the 64-bit features available in Mac OS X.
 General 2008-04-08
Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the Mac OS X user experience and explains how to design an application for Aqua.
 General 2008-06-09
AppleScript Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the technology for writing scripts to control applications. Useful for scripters and application developers.
 General 2007-10-31
Carbon Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Defines Carbon and the components of Carbon applications. Provides a whirlwind tour of Carbon APIs.
 General 2005-11-09
Cocoa Fundamentals Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the basic concepts, terminology, architectures, and design patterns of the Cocoa frameworks and development environment.
 General 2008-11-19
Core Foundation Design Concepts (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the fundamental design concepts that underlie all Core Foundation programming interfaces.
 General 2005-08-11
File System Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and guidelines describing the structure and usage of the Mac OS X file system.
 General 2008-07-11
I/O Kit Fundamentals (HTML) (PDF)
The basics of developing device drivers. Includes descriptions of I/O Kit families.
 General 2007-05-17
Mac OS X Notification Overview (HTML) (PDF)
General 2007-05-15
Mac OS X Technology Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces Mac OS X and its technologies.
 General 2008-10-15
Multiple User Environments (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the system's user environment and gives guidance on writing programs for that environment.
 General 2005-07-07
Porting UNIX/Linux Applications to Mac OS X (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and tips about porting UNIX and Linux applications to Mac OS X.
 General 2008-04-08
QuickTime Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the main concepts and services of QuickTime.
 General 2005-08-11
Runtime Configuration Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual and reference information for dynamically configuring your software.
 General 2008-07-08
Security Overview (HTML) (PDF)
An introduction to computer security concepts and the security APIs in Mac OS X and iPhone OS.
 General 2008-10-15
Spotlight Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the main components and services of Apple's metadata technology.
 General 2007-05-27
System Startup Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the boot process used to initialize the Mac OS X operating system.
 General 2008-11-19
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.
 General 2009-02-04