macosprogramming-languagesosx-leopard

Right programing language for developing application for Mac


I'm planing to buy a Mac. I would like to be able to develop GUI applications for Mac as well. Currently I develop in C# using VisualStudio as IDE. I also know Java and I'm familiar with NetBeans IDE. Application created in both of this languages can run on Mac (as can NetBeans IDE) but I was told that neither C# nor Java is recomended for MacOS X development.

So what language is recomended for MacOS X development ? I guess there is some recommendation from Apple for the developers ? I would prefer Object-oriented easy-to-use programing language (nothing like C) with good IDE that supports GUI creating (GUI designer).

Thank you for answers


Solution

  • There really is only one choice and that's Objective-C and XCode, anything else and you'll be running into problems and/or limitations.

    As some have mentioned Python is one suggestion but what GUI toolkit to use? Then packaging becomes a problem.

    Mono is OK but still a little buggy (and slooooow) on Mac's.

    I haven't tried Java but the Apple port of the Java VM has just beed deprecated, make of that what you will.

    XCode is very very good and integrates nicely with Mac/iPhone/iPad etc. but Obj-C takes a while to learn coming from a C#/Java background, plus XCode forces you to use MVC patterns in everything which again can be a culture shock.

    I would say go with Obj-C and XCode and learn something new.