Xcode

Xcode is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for macOS containing a suite of software development tools developed by Apple Inc. for developing software for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS.

Overview

Xcode supports a variety of programming languages such as C, C++, Objective-C, Objective-C++, Java, AppleScript, Python, Ruby, ResEdit, and Swift, with a variety of programming models, including but not limited to Cocoa, Carbon, and Java. Xcode also includes the iOS Simulator, which allows developers to test iOS apps and interact with the entire iOS user interface.

History

Xcode was first released in 2003, and the current version is Xcode 12.5, released in April 2021. The Xcode suite includes a modified version of the GNU Compiler Collection. In Xcode 3.1, Apple introduced a new tool called Xcode IDE, an integrated development environment that incorporates features from Project Builder and Interface Builder.

Features

Xcode includes the Xcode IDE, Swift and Objective-C compilers, Instruments analysis tool, simulators, the latest SDKs, and hundreds of powerful features. It also includes Interface Builder, an application used to build graphical user interfaces.

Interface Builder

Interface Builder is a software development application for Apple's macOS operating system. It is part of Xcode, the Apple Developer Connection suite of tools. Interface Builder allows Cocoa and Carbon developers to create interfaces for applications using a graphical user interface.

Swift

Swift is a powerful and intuitive programming language for macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Writing Swift code is interactive and fun, the syntax is concise yet expressive, and Swift includes modern features developers love. Swift code is safe by design, yet also produces software that runs lightning-fast.

See also

• List of integrated development environments for Objective-C
• Comparison of integrated development environments