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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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The Objective-C 2.0 Programming Language (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces object-oriented programming and describes the main programming language used for Cocoa development.
General Guides 2009-05-06
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 Guides 2009-04-08
Dashcode User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Dashcode to create Dashboard widgets.
Dashcode, Scripting & Automation Guides 2009-03-04
Dynamic Loader Release Notes (HTML)
Updated for Mac OS X v10.5.
Compiling & Debugging, Darwin Release Notes 2009-03-04
Xcode Build Setting Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the build settings used in the Xcode build system to compile source code and produce binary files.
Compiling & Debugging, Xcode Reference 2009-03-04
Dynamic Library Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to design, implement, and use dynamic libraries.
Compiling & Debugging Guides 2009-02-26
Tips for searching Headers, APIs and ADC reference material. (HTML)
QA1475: Presents a number of different ways to search for APIs and reference material on the system.
Xcode Technical Q&As 2009-02-13
Dashboard Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains Dashboard and WebKit technologies used in widgets.
Dashcode Guides 2009-02-04
Dashboard Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the API for implementing Dashboard widgets.
Dashcode Reference 2009-02-04
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, Intel-Based Macs Guides 2009-02-04
Mac OS X ABI Mach-O File Format Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the data structures that make up the Mach-O file format.
Darwin Reference 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 Guides 2009-02-04
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 Guides 2009-02-04
WebObjects Tutorial (HTML) (PDF)
Steps for building a simple WebObjects application using Eclipse and the WOLips plug-in.
WebObjects Guides 2009-02-04
Xcode Build System Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides a detailed description of the Xcode build system and shows how to customize it.
Xcode Guides 2009-02-04
Xcode Design Tools for Class Modeling (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode Design Tools for Class Modeling.
Xcode Guides 2009-02-04
Mac OS X Assembler Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the syntax, directives, and specific options required for the Mac OS X assembler.
Compiling & Debugging Reference 2009-01-07
Distribution Definition Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the schema of distribution definition files.
Files & Software Installation Reference 2009-01-06
Documentation Set Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to integrate third-party documentation with the Xcode Documentation window.
Files & Software Installation, Xcode Guides 2009-01-06
IBDocument Class Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes an Interface Builder document, which visually represents a nib file.
Interface Builder Reference 2009-01-06
Internationalization Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to support multiple languages in software.
Localization Guides 2009-01-06
PackageMaker User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to use PackageMaker to create installation packages.
Files & Software Installation Guides 2009-01-06
What's New in Xcode (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of new and improved features in the Xcode application.
Xcode Guides 2009-01-06
Xcode Debugging Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode debugging facilities and the recommended debugging techniques.
Xcode Guides 2009-01-06
Xcode Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode IDE and its major components, and provides and overview of the development process.
Xcode Guides 2009-01-06
Xcode Project Management Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides practical descriptions of the major development tasks developers perform with Xcode.
Xcode Guides 2009-01-06
Xcode Refactoring Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Shows how to improve readability of source code while retaining its functionality.
Xcode Guides 2009-01-06
Xcode Source Management Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to manage source changes using source control and snapshots.
Source Control, Xcode Guides 2009-01-06
Xcode User Default Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the user defaults developers can use to customize Xcode behavior.
Xcode Reference 2009-01-06
Xcode Workspace Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of the Xcode workspace, and shows how to use its components and features.
Xcode Guides 2009-01-06
Installer JavaScript Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the JavaScript object model used in distribution definition files.
Files & Software Installation Reference 2008-12-16
Apple JavaScript Coding Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview of the JavaScript language, its object-oriented features, and coding best practices.
Dashcode, Files & Software Installation, Scripting & Automation Guides 2008-11-19
Code Signing Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how you can sign your code and why you should.
Files & Software Installation Guides 2008-11-19
Interface Builder User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and tasks explaining how to use the Interface Builder application to design user interfaces.
Interface Builder Guides 2008-11-19
Xcode Release Notes (HTML)
Lists changes to Xcode.
Xcode Release Notes 2008-11-19
Kernel Core Dumps (HTML)
TN2118: Explains how to gather and use remote kernel core dumps.
Compiling & Debugging, Darwin Technical Notes 2008-11-12
Xcode 3 Project Compatiblity (HTML)
QA1572: Describes the minimum requirements for opening Project Builder or older Xcode projects in Xcode 3.
Xcode Technical Q&As 2008-11-12
Instruments User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Instruments application and explains how to use it to examine program behavior.
Performance Guides 2008-10-15
WebKit DOM Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to use JavaScript in web content and WebKit-based applications.
Dashcode Guides 2008-10-15
WebObjects 5.4.2 Reference (HTML)
Describes the WebObjects 5.4.2 Java classes.
WebObjects Reference 2008-10-15
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, Xcode Guides 2008-10-15
Generating a Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI) (HTML) (日本語 HTML)
QA1264: Explains how to generate a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) on modern Macintosh systems.
Compiling & Debugging Technical Q&As 2008-10-13
Programmatically causing restart, shutdown and/or logout (HTML) (日本語 HTML)
QA1134: Describes how to programmatically cause restart, shutdown, sleep or logout.
Scripting & Automation Technical Q&As 2008-09-24
Disabling Processor Cores on a Multi-Core System (HTML) (日本語 HTML)
QA1141: Describes how to disable processor cores on a multi-core system for testing purposes.
Compiling & Debugging, Performance Technical Q&As 2008-09-16
Birthdays (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Dashboard widget with a plug-in that queries AddressBook.framework for contacts with upcoming birthdays.
Xcode Sample Code 2008-09-10
Dashcode 2.0 Release Notes (HTML)
Explains key features, known issues, and workarounds for Dashcode 2.0.
Dashcode Release Notes 2008-09-09
Interface Builder 3.1.1 Release Notes (HTML)
Describes configuration changes, bug fixes, and newly reported issues since Interface Builder 3.1.
Xcode Release Notes 2008-09-09
LLVM-GCC Release Notes (HTML)
Lists changes to LLVM-GCC technology.
Compiling & Debugging, Xcode Release Notes 2008-09-09
Debugging An Authorization Plug-In With Xcode (HTML)
TN2108: A tutorial on how to use Xcode to debug an authorization plug-in.
Compiling & Debugging, Xcode Technical Notes 2008-09-08
Reminders (HTML) (DMG) (ZIP)
Dashboard widget with a plug-in that displays upcoming iCal events, to do items, and calendars.
Dashcode Sample Code 2008-07-25
File System Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and guidelines describing the structure and usage of the Mac OS X file system.
Files & Software Installation Guides 2008-07-11
Runtime Configuration Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual and reference information for dynamically configuring your software.
Files & Software Installation Guides 2008-07-08
OpenGL Shader Builder User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use OpenGL Shader Builder to develop and test GPU programs.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-06-23
Debugging with GDB (HTML)
Open-source document that explains how to use GDB to debug programs.
Compiling & Debugging Guides 2008-06-19
GDB Internals (HTML)
Open-source document that explains the GDB implementation.
Compiling & Debugging Guides 2008-06-19
GNU Make (HTML)
Documentation of the GNU make utility.
Compiling & Debugging Reference 2008-06-19
Libtool (HTML)
Documentation for GNU Libtool.
Compiling & Debugging Reference 2008-06-19
Netwide Assembler Guide (HTML)
Describes the Netwide Assembler for Intel-based Macs.
Compiling & Debugging, Darwin Reference 2008-06-19
STABS Debug Format (HTML)
Open-source document that explains the STABS format of symbolic debugging information.
Compiling & Debugging Reference 2008-06-19
Customizing Rails Applications on Mac OS X Leopard (HTML)
Learn how to enhance your Rails application with views and web forms, AJAX, and iPhone support.
General, Scripting & Automation, Xcode Articles 2008-06-09
Deploying Rails Applications on Mac OS X Leopard (HTML)
Learn how to deploy your Ruby on Rails application on Mac OS X Leopard Server.
General, Scripting & Automation, Xcode Articles 2008-06-09
Developing Rails Applications on Mac OS X Leopard (HTML)
Learn how to develop your Ruby on Rails application using Xcode 3 and the tools in Leopard.
General, Scripting & Automation, Xcode Articles 2008-06-09
Using Doxygen to Create Xcode Documentation Sets (HTML)
Learn how to integrate your documentation into Xcode.
General, Xcode Articles 2008-06-09
Interface Builder 3.1 Release Notes (HTML)
Updated for Interface Builder 3.1
Interface Builder Release Notes 2008-05-30
ld Release Notes for Xcode 3.1 (HTML)
Xcode Release Notes 2008-05-29
Xcode Installation Guide (HTML) (PDF) (日本語 HTML) (日本語 PDF)
Describes general installation issues for Xcode users.
Xcode Guides 2008-05-27
Xcode Unit Testing Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to incorporate test cases to validate individual units of source code.
Xcode Guides 2008-05-02
Mac OS X Man Pages (HTML)
HTML versions of the Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server, Xcode Tools, and CHUD man pages.
Darwin Reference 2008-04-29
Xcode Tools for Core Data (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode modeling tools for Core Data.
Xcode Guides 2008-04-15
Shark User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to analyze code performance by profiling the system.
Performance Guides 2008-04-14
CPlusTest Reference (HTML)
Describes the CPlusTest framework, which provides an API for creating unit tests for C and C++ code.
Xcode Reference 2008-04-08
HeaderDoc User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to extract API reference documentation from commented header files.
Darwin, Xcode Guides 2008-04-08
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 Guides 2008-04-08
CrashReporter (HTML)
TN2123: Describes CrashReporter and how to debug with crash logs.
Compiling & Debugging Technical Notes 2008-04-01
How to work around HIMovieViewCreate failing (HTML)
QA1417: Describes how to work around HIMovieViewCreate failing to initialize the view in QuickTime 7
Interface Builder Technical Q&As 2008-03-11
WebObjects 5.4.1 Reference (HTML)
Describes the WebObjects 5.4.1 classes in Javadoc format.
WebObjects Reference 2008-03-11
Missing Results in Xcode Project Find Window (HTML)
QA1580: A workaround for when a search that previously returned results generates no files found in Xcode
Xcode Technical Q&As 2008-03-06
Interface Builder 3.0 Release Notes (HTML)
Interface Builder Release Notes 2008-03-05
OpenGL Driver Monitor User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to view the properties supported by the OpenGL drivers available on the system.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-02-08
OpenGL Profiler User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to assess the efficiency of an OpenGL application.
Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-02-08
GNU C 4.2 Preprocessor Internals (HTML)
Compiling & Debugging Guides 2008-01-23
GNU C 4.2 Preprocessor User Guide (HTML)
Describes the Apple version of the GNU C 4.2 Preprocessor.
Compiling & Debugging, Darwin Reference 2008-01-23
GNU C/C++/Objective-C 4.2.1 Compiler User Guide (HTML)
Describes the Apple version of the GNU 4.2.1 compiler.
Compiling & Debugging, Darwin, Intel-Based Macs Reference 2008-01-23
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) 4.2 Internals (HTML)
Compiling & Debugging Guides 2008-01-23
Connecting the Font Menu in Interface Builder 3 (HTML)
QA1571: How to connect and configure the Font/Format menus in Interface Builder 3.
Interface Builder Technical Q&As 2008-01-21
Xcode Mapping Tool for Core Data (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode mapping tool for Core Data.
Xcode Guides 2007-12-30
AppleScript Studio 1.4 Release Notes (HTML)
Moving Tiger AppleScript Studio Release Notes to separate document.
Scripting & Automation Release Notes 2007-12-22
Debugging Process Startup (HTML)
QA1573: Describes techniques for debugging a process's startup code.
Compiling & Debugging Technical Q&As 2007-12-21
Automator Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the concepts and tasks for developing actions, which are bundles loaded by the Automator application.
Scripting & Automation Guides 2007-12-11
Boinx Starts with Sample Code: FotoMagico Is a Powerful Digital Slideshow (HTML)
Starting with Apple sample code, tools and technologies, Boinx wrote FotoMagico in a matter of months.
General Articles 2007-12-11
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) Internals (HTML)
Compiling & Debugging Guides 2007-12-11
Leopard Technology Series for Developers: Graphics & Media Overview (HTML)
Describes Leopard's graphics and media capabilities.
Graphics & Imaging Articles 2007-12-11
Leopard Technology Series for Developers: Objective-C 2.0 Overview (HTML)
Describes features and capabilities introduced in Objective-C 2.0.
General Articles 2007-12-11
WebObjects 5.4 Release Notes (HTML) (PDF)
Information about known issues and workarounds for WebObjects Release 5.4.
WebObjects Release Notes 2007-12-11
User's Guide to gperf 3.0.1 (HTML)
Compiling & Debugging Guides 2007-12-03
How can I get both Subversion (SVN) and CVS on Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)? (HTML)
QA1492: Explains where to find Subversion and CVS for installation.
Source Control, Xcode Technical Q&As 2007-11-15
AppleScript Studio Release Notes (HTML)
Describes late-breaking news and highlights of new or changed features in the latest release of AppleScript Studio.
Scripting & Automation Release Notes 2007-10-31
AppleScript Studio Terminology Reference (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the scripting terminology for AppleScript Studio, through version 1.4.
Scripting & Automation Reference 2007-10-31
Automator Release Notes (HTML)
Updated for changes in Mac OS X version 10.5.
Scripting & Automation Release Notes 2007-10-31
Big Top User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to monitor the use of resources on Macintosh computers, locally and over a network.
Performance Guides 2007-10-31