macOS Starting From the Beginning

[crees!]

So here's my background in a nutshell. I've received an AA in Computer Science. It's been a while (4+ years) but I've coded many projects in C++ and Java. Now I primarily work with JavaScript/Actionscript.

I would like to start creating my own OS X apps. Apps like Disco, AppZapper and the like. My question is what are those coded in? Cocoa, Carbon, something else?

Are there any books you guys recommend for an experienced coder but completely new to programming OS X apps? What about interface design books and guidelines? Because you know your app has too look good.

 

[Benjamindaines]

Those apps are written in Cocoa, I don't know of any books to share with you but I strongly suggest using Xcode, InterfaceBuilder and other apps that Apple has available for download on their developers page. As far as the UI guidelines just use your judgement, don't make things look like flaming poop on a stick.

 

[yellow]

Objective-C, no?

Start here:

http://developer.apple.com/
http://developer.apple.com/gettingstarted/

 

[crees!]

As far as the UI guidelines just use your judgement, don't make things look like flaming poop on a stick.

Haha, right on. I clearly understand graphic design but haven't developed any applications as such. I'll just go through all my installed apps and pick out the pros and cons of them then. Thanks!

Objective-C, no?

Is there a quick and dirty comparision between Obj-C and say Cocoa? Why use one over the other? Would it depend on the type of app you're developing..etc..?

 

[therevolution]

Is there a quick and dirty comparision between Obj-C and say Cocoa? Why use one over the other? Would it depend on the type of app you're developing..etc..?

They're not mutually exclusive. Obj-C is the language, Cocoa is the framework you interact with from your Obj-C code. So you would use both.

 

[crees!]

They're not mutually exclusive. Obj-C is the language, Cocoa is the framework you interact with from your Obj-C code. So you would use both.

Ah, something new to wrap my head around.

EDIT: So Obj-C is the "style" of programming along with it's code base you use and Cocoa is what gives you that interaction with the Mac OS?

 

[Tinlad]

Is there a quick and dirty comparision between Obj-C and say Cocoa? Why use one over the other? Would it depend on the type of app you're developing..etc..?

Cocoa is not a programming language. It is an API that helps you to create native OS X applications, usually using Objective-C.

EDIT:
Beaten to it.

Yes, you have the idea. Obj-C is the actual language, the syntax of which should be quite familiar if you've used Java, PHP, etc. Cocoa is the system that means that your application 'fits in' with OS X, both visually and in the way it works/behaves.

 

[crees!]

Cocoa is not a programming language. It is an API that helps you to create native OS X applications, usually using Objective-C.

EDIT:
Beaten to it.

Yes, you have the idea. Obj-C is the actual language, the syntax of which should be quite familiar if you've used Java, PHP, etc. Cocoa is the system that means that your application 'fits in' with OS X, both visually and in the way it works/behaves.

Now if there was only more time in the day.

 

[mindwalkernine]

Are there any books you guys recommend for an experienced coder but completely new to programming OS X apps? What about interface design books and guidelines? Because you know your app has too look good.

You will need a good understanding of Objective-C before going into Cocoa. This is the only book I know of. It's called: Programming in Objective-C:
http://www.kochan-wood.com/

Then read apples documentation:
http://developer.apple.com/document...ectiveC/Introduction/chapter_1_section_1.html

Then dive into the best Cocoa book out there (There are others that are helpfull, check them out too):

http://www.bignerdranch.com/products/cocoa1.shtml

Any questions at that point? Join Apple's Cocoa mailing lists (and any Cocoa forum you can find with Google):

http://lists.apple.com/mailman/listinfo