- An Intel-based Mac is a requirement for iOS development.hi tech keyboard 2 image by Mograph from Fotolia.com
To develop software for the Apple iPhone, you need Apple's iOS Software Development Kit (SDK), a computer that can run the SDK, and a basic understanding of object-oriented programming languages like C. The iOS SDK contains Xcode, Apple's proprietary integrated development environment, as well as other tools used to test application performance, and design user interfaces. The SDK is available for free, although to really build an application from scratch, and get it onto Apple's App Store, you must become a registered developer. - The iOS SDK's minimum hardware requirements are a Macintosh computer with an Intel-based processor, and which is running the Snow Leopard version of the Macintosh OS X operating system. Applications for the iPhone are written in the Objective-C2 programming language, which is based on the object-oriented program language C. Objective-C2 is a super-set of C, adding the Cocoa and Cocoa Touch frameworks, which contain device specific application program interfaces, or API's. These APIs are designed to provide complex functionality with short, highly readable code. While Objective-C is designed to be easy to implement and read, you must have at least a basic understanding of object-oriented programming languages, like C or Java.
- The iOS SDK is available to registered Apple Developers. You can register for free on Apple's website (see Resources). When you register you'll create an Apple ID, which is used to identify you and to register for events. If you already have an Apple ID from your use of iTunes, or Apple's MobileMe service, you can use it to register as a developer. As a registered developer, you'll be able to download the latest version of the iOS SDK.
- The primary iOS SDK tool you will use is Xcode, which is an integrated development environment, or IDE. You create a project in Xcode, and then link SDK frameworks to it. A framework is a directory containing a dynamic shared library and all its supporting resources. Write your Objective-C code in Xcode, and then use it to compile, run, and debug it. Create your application's user interface using Interface Builder. Interface Builder is a separate graphical application that you use to draw your interface, and then save as a resource file that is bundled into your project in Xcode. When you're ready, build your project, and send it through Xcode to either the iOS Simulator or directly to an iPhone or other iOS device connected to your computer.
- When you've reached the point where you want to test your application on an actual connected device, you need access to the hardware testing functionality of the SDK, the Instruments Tools. Join the iOS Developer program to gain this access. As of December 2010, there are three different iOS Developer programs. The individual and company programs are both $99 per year, while the enterprise program is $299 per year. Both the individual and company programs allow you to distribute your applications through the iTunes App Store, while the enterprise program allows you to distribute your application for in-house use. Both the company and enterprise programs allow you to create a development team to work on projects collaboratively. You can purchase any of these programs on Apple's developer site.
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