We have put together a comprehensive website of all the technical resources you need to develop for the Macintosh platform. Need tools, support options, compilers or documentation? From training to documentation to sample code to programming-level technical support, we'll help you find what you need to get started.Our cross-platform tools and APIs (application programming interfaces) enable you to diversify your business without overloading your development resources. Joining the Apple Developer Connection will put even more technical and business information into your hands--Join today!   Last updated 17-December-98

Equipment In the U.S., you can buy a Macintosh from the Apple Online Store if you don't already have one. A good choice for an entry level system is the Power Macintosh G3 266mhz with 64 megabytes of RAM, or the iMac with 64 megs of RAM. Where to purchase equipment If you are serious about Macintosh development, we invite you to join the Premier Program. Among other benefits, the Premier program offers a Hardware Discount Program on which to develop and test your products. Development Environment In order to actually write, compile and run your code, you will need a compiler and a debugger. It is helpful to have some programming experience, ideally with C or Pascal. It is possible to learn to program for a Macintosh without prior programming experience, but learning basic programming syntax and fundamentals is required before you learn Macintosh-specific features. There are two primary choices for C/C++ development on the Macintosh, CodeWarrior from Metrowerks, or MPW from Apple Computer. If you are using Visual Basic on the PC, then you will need REALbasic from Real Software. Decide what kind of product, technology, and market you will be developing for.There are many oppportunities to develop products for the different platforms and audiences now available to you as a Mac developer. Instruction and Support Macintosh C is a good starting point if you are new to programming. Apple Computer's Inside Macintosh contains all the Macintosh-specific documentation for both hardware and software. Join the Apple Developer Connection. If you will need access to seed software, incidents of technical support, and the monthly technology and business resource mailings, we suggest that you join the Select or Premier Program in order to get the best possible development experience with Apple.

Documentation Great books and other documentation sources for programming the Macintosh. Tools Programming, like any other task in which you build something, requires that you have the right tools for the job. Without the right tools, you'll spend a lot of time and effort that would be better spent on your application. Compilers Editors and Debuggers SDKs and more Sample Code Starting with some sample code that is similar in function to what you need, or using sample code to learn programming style and function helps you use the lessons and experience of others to help you learn the basics. Newsgroups & Mailing Lists There are many options for newsgroups and mailing lists available for your topic. The Usenet newsgroups and mailing lists are frequently watched by knowledgeable Macintosh programmers who regularly answer questions. Software Licensing If you use all or part of any Apple software in a program that will be distributed to other people, you need to license the use of that software from Apple Computer, Inc. Licensable Apple Software includes QuickTime and QuickTime VR, the Mac OS Logo, the Apple Installer, ColorSync, QuickDraw 3D, and other software. Consultants and Training We are compiling a list of third-party consultants and trainers. Check out our growing list and please send us e-mail if you would like to add to the list! 3rd Party Links Links to tools, languages, source code, news groups, conferences, and developers' web sites. (Not managed by Apple Computer.)

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