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The Reference Library is a comprehensive collection of Apple technical resources, including Articles, Guides, Reference, Release Notes, Sample Code, Technical Notes, and Technical Q&As. Each of the links below leads to the resources for a specific topic.

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Mac OS X Server Upgrading and Migrating (PDF)
Explains how to use data and service settings from an earlier version of Mac OS X Server or Windows NT.
Mac OS X Server Guides 2008-10-15
Mac OS X Technology Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces Mac OS X and its technologies.
Cocoa, Mac OS X, User Experience Guides 2008-10-15
Memory Management Programming Guide for Core Foundation (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to allocate and deallocate objects in Core Foundation.
Carbon, Core Foundation Guides 2008-10-15
NSNetServices and CFNetServices Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to implement Bonjour in Cocoa or Carbon applications.
Cocoa, Networking Guides 2008-10-15
Preference Manifest Files for Managed Clients Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the format of preference manifest files, which are XML documents for storing and managing application preferences.
Mac OS X Server Guides 2008-10-15
Quartz Composer Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to used the framework to load, play, and control compositions.
Carbon, Cocoa, Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-10-15
Security Overview (HTML) (PDF)
An introduction to computer security concepts and the security APIs in Mac OS X and iPhone OS.
Carbon, Cocoa, Darwin, Mac OS X, Networking, Open Source, Security Guides 2008-10-15
String Programming Guide for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create, search, concatenate, and draw strings in Cocoa.
Cocoa, Text & Fonts Guides 2008-10-15
Text Layout Programming Guide for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how the Cocoa text system lays out text on pages.
Cocoa, Text & Fonts Guides 2008-10-15
vImage Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use the C programming interface for high-speed vector image processing.
Graphics & Imaging, Performance Guides 2008-10-15
WebKit DOM Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to use JavaScript in web content and WebKit-based applications.
Apple Applications, Cocoa, Internet & Web, Open Source, Scripting & Automation, Tools Guides 2008-10-15
WebKit Objective-C Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use the WebKit to embed web content in both Cocoa and Carbon applications.
Carbon, Cocoa, Internet & Web, User Experience Guides 2008-10-15
WebKit Plug-In Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to develop and deploy browser plug-ins based on the WebKit architecture.
Apple Applications, Cocoa, Internet & Web, Open Source Guides 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.
Carbon, Cocoa, Tools, User Experience Guides 2008-10-15
XML Programming Topics for Core Foundation (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to parse XML documents into structured objects.
Carbon, Core Foundation, Internet & Web Guides 2008-10-15
Event-Driven XML Programming Guide for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to process XML documents using the Cocoa streaming parser.
Cocoa Guides 2008-09-09
File System Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual information and guidelines describing the structure and usage of the Mac OS X file system.
Carbon, Cocoa, Darwin, Mac OS X, Open Source, Tools, User Experience Guides 2008-07-11
Xsan Migration Guide for Xsan 2 (PDF)
Explains how to retain volumes and settings when migrating to Xsan 2 from previous versions of Xsan.
Apple Applications, Mac OS X Server, Storage Guides 2008-07-11
Runtime Configuration Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Conceptual and reference information for dynamically configuring your software.
Carbon, Cocoa, Mac OS X, Open Source, Tools Guides 2008-07-08
FxPlug SDK Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Update for FxPlug SDK 1.2.3.
Apple Applications Guides 2008-07-04
OpenGL Shader Builder User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use OpenGL Shader Builder to develop and test GPU programs.
Graphics & Imaging, Tools Guides 2008-06-23
Debugging with GDB (HTML)
Open-source document that explains how to use GDB to debug programs.
Carbon, Cocoa, Tools Guides 2008-06-19
GDB Internals (HTML)
Open-source document that explains the GDB implementation.
Tools Guides 2008-06-19
Apple Human Interface Guidelines (HTML) (PDF)
Introduces the Mac OS X user experience and explains how to design an application for Aqua.
Carbon, Cocoa, Java, Mac OS X, Porting, User Experience Guides 2008-06-09
Core Image Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Provides an overview and explains how to use and create image filters and image units.
Carbon, Cocoa, Games, Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-06-09
Core Text Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to do text layout and font-related operations using the Core Text programming interfaces.
Carbon, Text & Fonts Guides 2008-06-09
Extending Your Wiki Server (PDF)
Explains how to migrate content from other wikis, create custom themes, and enable JavaScript, YouTube, and Flash.
Enterprise IT, Internet & Web, Mac OS X Server Guides 2008-06-09
Image Kit Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to support browsing, viewing, editing, and processing images.
Cocoa, Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-06-09
Mac OS X Security Configuration Guide (PDF)
Describes how to configure Mac OS X to enhance security.
Enterprise IT, Internet & Web, Mac OS X Server, Networking, Security Guides 2008-06-09
Mac OS X Server Administration (PDF)
Covers planning, installation, setup, and general server administration for advanced configurations.
Enterprise IT, Mac OS X Server Guides 2008-06-09
Mac OS X Server iCal Service Administration (PDF)
Explains how to set up and manage iCal shared calendar service.
Apple Applications, Enterprise IT, Internet & Web, Mac OS X Server, Security Guides 2008-06-09
Mac OS X Server Mail Service Administration (PDF)
Explains how to set up, configure, and administer mail services on the server.
Internet & Web, Mac OS X Server, Security Guides 2008-06-09
Mac OS X Server Network Services Administration (PDF)
Explains how to set up, configure, and administer DHCP, DNS, VPN, NTP, IP firewall, and NAT services on the server.
Internet & Web, Mac OS X Server, Networking, Security Guides 2008-06-09
Mac OS X Server Podcast Producer Workflow Tutorial (PDF)
Explains how to develop and customize Podcast Producer workflows.
Enterprise IT, Internet & Web, Mac OS X Server, Networking Guides 2008-06-09
Mac OS X Server Security Configuration Guide (PDF)
Describes how to configure Mac OS X Server to enhance server and service security.
Enterprise IT, Hardware & Drivers, Internet & Web, Mac OS X Server, Networking, Open Source, Security Guides 2008-06-09
OpenGL Programming Guide for Mac OS X (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use the Apple implementation of OpenGL to create 3D graphics for Cocoa and Carbon applications.
Games, Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-06-09
Xsan 2 Administrator's Guide (PDF)
Explains how to set up and manage Xsan volumes in a storage area network.
Apple Applications, Mac OS X Server, Performance, Storage Guides 2008-06-09
Xsan 2 Setup Guide (PDF)
Explains how to set up a volume on a storage area network (SAN) using Xsan 2.
Apple Applications, Mac OS X Server, Performance, Storage Guides 2008-06-09
Xserve RAID Using RAID Admin 1.2 and Disk Utility (PDF)
Explains how to use RAID Admin, Fibre Channel Utility, and Disk Utility to configure and monitor Xserve RAID systems.
Mac OS X Server, Storage Guides 2008-06-09
Xserve User's Guide (PDF)
Explains how to install, operate, and update Xserve systems. Includes expansion and hardware specifications.
Hardware & Drivers, Mac OS X Server Guides 2008-06-09
Xcode Installation Guide (HTML) (PDF) (日本語 HTML) (日本語 PDF)
Describes general installation issues for Xcode users.
Tools Guides 2008-05-27
Secure Coding Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes techniques to use and factors to consider to make your code more secure from attack.
Carbon, Cocoa, Darwin, Mac OS X Server, Security Guides 2008-05-23
URL Loading System (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to manipulate URLs and transfer URL contents.
Cocoa, Internet & Web, Networking Guides 2008-05-06
Xcode Unit Testing Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to incorporate test cases to validate individual units of source code.
Carbon, Cocoa, Core Foundation, Tools Guides 2008-05-02
AirPort Developer Note (HTML)
Describes Apple's implementation of 802.11 wireless LAN standards on Mac computers.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-04-28
Audio Developer Note (HTML)
Describes the analog and digital audio capabilities of Mac computers.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-04-28
Bluetooth Developer Note (HTML)
Provides an overview of Bluetooth technology and describes its implementation in Mac computers.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-04-28
Ethernet Developer Note (HTML)
Provides an overview of Ethernet technology and describes its implementation in Mac computers.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-04-28
FireWire Developer Note (HTML)
Provides an overview of FireWire (IEEE 1394) and describes support for it on Mac computers.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-04-28
iMac Developer Note (HTML)
Specifies the internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of iMac computers introduced in April 2008.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-04-28
PCI Developer Note (HTML)
Provides an overview of PCI technology and describes PCI support on Mac computers.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-04-28
RAM Expansion Developer Note (HTML)
Details requirements of RAM modules for use in Mac computers.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-04-28
Universal Serial Bus Developer Note (HTML)
Provides an overview of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and describes support for it on Mac computers.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-04-28
Video Developer Note (HTML)
Details video capabilities of Mac computers.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-04-28
Aperture 2.1 SDK Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Update for Aperture SDK 2.1
Apple Applications Guides 2008-04-23
Xcode Tools for Core Data (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode modeling tools for Core Data.
Cocoa, Tools Guides 2008-04-15
Motion XML File Format (HTML) (PDF)
Apple Applications Guides 2008-04-14
Shark User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to analyze code performance by profiling the system.
Performance, Tools Guides 2008-04-14
View Programming Guide for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to design and implement Cocoa views in applications.
Cocoa Guides 2008-04-10
64-Bit Transition Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the 64-bit features available in Mac OS X.
Darwin, Mac OS X, Open Source, Performance, Porting Guides 2008-04-08
Animation Types and Timing Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the animation and timing classes used by both Core Animation and Cocoa Animation proxies.
Cocoa Guides 2008-04-08
HeaderDoc User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to extract API reference documentation from commented header files.
Darwin, Open Source, Tools 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, Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server, Open Source, Porting, Tools Guides 2008-04-08
Uniform Type Identifiers Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Describes uniform type identifiers and how to use them.
Carbon, Cocoa Guides 2008-04-08
Accessibility Overview (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use the accessibility features built into Mac OS X.
Carbon, Cocoa, Java, User Experience Guides 2008-03-11
AppleScript Language Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Defines the AppleScript scripting language. Includes many brief sample scripts.
Carbon, Cocoa, Scripting & Automation Guides 2008-03-11
Cocoa Scripting Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create scriptable Cocoa applications that use the scripting definition (sdef) format.
Cocoa, Scripting & Automation Guides 2008-03-11
Core Animation Cookbook (HTML) (PDF)
Demonstrates common Core Animation tasks.
Cocoa, Graphics & Imaging Guides 2008-03-11
Cursor Management (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to set the cursor and handle cursor-update events in Cocoa applications.
Cocoa Guides 2008-03-11
File System Events Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how applications can detect changes in the file system.
Core Foundation, Darwin, Storage Guides 2008-03-11
Network Device Driver Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Background and task information about developing network drivers for Mac OS X.
Darwin, Hardware & Drivers, Networking Guides 2008-03-11
Scripting Bridge Programming Guide for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Scripting Bridge technology, which bridges OSA-compliant applications to Objective-C, and explains how to use it in Cocoa programs.
Cocoa, Scripting & Automation Guides 2008-03-11
Strings Programming Guide for Core Foundation (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to create, manipulate, and search strings in Core Foundation, and how strings interact with encodings and character sets.
Carbon, Core Foundation, Internationalization, Open Source, Text & Fonts Guides 2008-03-11
15-Inch MacBook Pro Developer Note (HTML)
Specifies the internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of the 15-inch MacBook Pro computer introduced in February 2008.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-03-04
17-Inch MacBook Pro Developer Note (HTML)
Specifies the internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of the 17-inch MacBook Pro computer introduced in February 2008.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-03-04
MacBook Developer Note (HTML)
Specifies the internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of the MacBook computer introduced in February 2008.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-03-04
Xserve G5 Developer Note (HTML) (PDF)
Specifies the internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of the Xserve G5 computer introduced in January 2005.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-02-21
PowerMac G4 (HTML) (PDF)
Specifies the internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of the PowerMac G4 introduced in January 2003.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-02-20
Atomic Store Programming Topics (HTML) (PDF)
Describes how to use the Core Data atomic store API to create persistent stores that use a custom format.
Cocoa Guides 2008-02-08
Core Data Model Versioning and Data Migration Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the managed object model versioning and data migration features of Core Data.
Cocoa Guides 2008-02-08
Font Handling (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the Cocoa font management system and how users select fonts.
Cocoa, Graphics & Imaging, Text & Fonts Guides 2008-02-08
JavaScript Scripting Guide for QuickTime (HTML) (PDF)
Defines the objects, methods, and interfaces exposed to JavaScript by the QuickTime browser plug-in and ActiveX control.
Internet & Web, QuickTime, Scripting & Automation Guides 2008-02-08
Model Object Implementation Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes issues relating to the design and implementation of model objects
Cocoa Guides 2008-02-08
Number and Value Programming Topics for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Cocoa object wrappers for primitive C data types.
Cocoa Guides 2008-02-08
OpenGL Driver Monitor User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to view the properties supported by the OpenGL drivers available on the system.
Graphics & Imaging, Tools Guides 2008-02-08
OpenGL Profiler User Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to assess the efficiency of an OpenGL application.
Graphics & Imaging, Tools Guides 2008-02-08
Quick Look Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the purporse and architecture of Quick Look generators and explains how to create them.
Carbon, Cocoa, User Experience Guides 2008-02-08
Search Fields (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use Cocoa search fields.
Cocoa, User Experience Guides 2008-02-08
Text Editing Programming Guide for Cocoa (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to control the behavior of the Cocoa text system as it performs text editing.
Cocoa, Text & Fonts Guides 2008-02-08
Threading Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to use threads in Cocoa applications.
Carbon, Cocoa, Core Foundation, Performance Guides 2008-02-08
Xserve Developer Note (HTML)
Specifies the internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of the 4-core and 8-core Xserve introduced in January 2008.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-02-08
GNU C 4.2 Preprocessor Internals (HTML)
Tools Guides 2008-01-23
GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) 4.2 Internals (HTML)
Tools Guides 2008-01-23
MacBook Air Developer Note (HTML)
New document specifies internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of the MacBook Air computer introduced in January 2008.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-01-18
Mac Pro Developer Note (HTML)
Specifies the internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of the Mac Pro computers introduced in January 2008.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2008-01-09
Xcode Mapping Tool for Core Data (HTML) (PDF)
Describes the Xcode mapping tool for Core Data.
Tools Guides 2007-12-30
15-Inch MacBook Pro Developer Note (HTML)
Specifies the internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of the 15-inch MacBook Pro computer introduced in November 2007.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2007-12-14
17-inch MacBook Pro Developer Note (HTML)
Specifies the internal design, I/O features, and expansion capabilities of the 17-inch MacBook Pro computer introduced in November 2007.
Hardware & Drivers Guides 2007-12-14
64-Bit Guide for Carbon Developers (HTML) (PDF)
Explains the changes necessary to create a 64-bit executable version of a Carbon application.
Carbon, Performance, Porting Guides 2007-12-11
Apple Type Services for Fonts Programming Guide (HTML) (PDF)
Explains how to access fonts using the ATS-based font management API. Includes implementing the Fonts window.
Carbon, Graphics & Imaging, Text & Fonts Guides 2007-12-11