14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released the second preview of Xcode 4, a new version of the development tool for Mac OS X and iOS. Version 4 of the software combines Xcode with Interface Builder to streamline the development process of apps. Xcode 4 also brings a much cleaner interface, as well as "code-fixing," which allows the program to fix code errors as the developer types.
“Xcode is the complete toolset for building Mac, iPhone, and iPad applications - and with Xcode 4, the tools have been redesigned to be faster, easier to use, and more helpful than ever before,” Apple states on the Apple.com section dedicated to Mac development. “The Xcode IDE understands your project’s every detail, identifies mistakes in both syntax and logic, and will even fix your code for you. Quite simply, Xcode 4 will help you write better code,” the Mac maker adds.
Areas touched by the second preview of Xcode 4 include the single window, LLVM Compiler 2.0, the Debugger, Interface Builder-Inside, Fix-it, Instruments for Xcode 4, Assistant, andVersion Editor.
“In Xcode 4, Interface Builder has been completely integrated within the Xcode IDE - there is no separate application,” Apple explains. “Selecting an interface file (.nib/.xib) in your project will open the IB editor within Xcode. Opening the right-hand Utility area will show the full complement of interface inspectors, as well as the library of controls and UI objects. Drag a control from the library, and drop onto the canvas, to layout your Mac OS X or iOS application.”
“The best part: you can drag connections directly from the UI design to the source code,” adds Apple. “Xcode 4’s new split editor layout makes it easy to wire up your actions and outlets simply by dragging a connection to existing code - one gesture and you’re done. Don’t yet have the code ready to connect? Xcode will create a new outlet or action for you, just drag to an empty space in your source file and Xcode will generate the code.”
Developers looking to learn more about Xcode 4 are encouraged to visit Apple’s dev center here.