Datasheet
8
Getting Started
A code editor that includes static code checking, code completion, and dynamic hints
and tips.
A visual UI design tool called Interface Builder, also known as IB, which can prototype
visual interfaces, but can also be used to manage and preload other application
objects.
Further integrated editors for class management and for Apple’s Core Data database
framework.
A debugger that supports expressions and conditional breakpoints.
Support for direct access to various online code repositories.
A minimal but useful iPhone Simulator that runs iOS applications on a Mac.
A collection of Instruments—tools that can profile speeds, monitor memory alloca-
tions, and report other key features of code as it runs.
Support for both visual development and low-level command-line compilation.
An impressive selection of further helper applications that aren’t built into the main
Xcode interface but are installed with Xcode and can be run independently, as
needed. The tools include a packager for building installable OS X applications, hard-
ware monitoring and testing, an animation design tool, a tool for building JavaScript
widgets that can be distributed commercially, and others.
CROSSREFERENCE
For a list of helper tools and applications, see Appendix A.
Xcode doesn’t support or include the following:
Editors for graphics, sounds, fonts, 3D objects, or other media types: External edi-
tors must be used.
Built-in support for languages other than C, C++, and Objective-C: You can extend
Xcode to work with other languages, but Xcode is optimized for C-family develop-
ment. (This does not include C#.)
Development tools for other operating systems: OS X is similar enough to BSD
UNIX to allow for some code sharing. But Xcode cannot be used to develop applica-
tions for Windows, Android, or Linux, or for web languages such as Perl and PHP.
Unlocked open development for iOS: Applications for iOS hardware must be code
signed and linked to a time-limited certificate. In practice, this means that even if you
use Xcode, own an iPhone, and are a registered developer, your own applications will
cease to run after the time-limited certificate expires.
Development on non-Apple platforms: Currently, Xcode requires a Mac running a
recent copy of OS X.
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