Xcode is the integrated development environment (IDE) designed for developing iOS and Mac apps. The Xcode IDE includes editors used to design and implement your app, such as a source code editor and a user interface editor. Xcode also supports multiperson development using source control management (SCM) systems. As you write source code, Xcode can show you mistakes in both syntax and logic, and even suggests fixes.
Xcode features a single window, called the workspace window, that holds most of the data you need.
Read this guide to get started using Xcode.
At a Glance
Xcode has many features to make your job easier:
Single-window interface. You perform most of your development workflows in one window (you can have multiple workspace windows and multiple tabs per window).
Graphical user interface design. With the Xcode user interface editor, called Interface Builder, you specify most of the details of your app user interface, such as the layout of the user interface controls, and their connection to your app business logic and the data it manages, using a powerful and intuitive graphical user interface. Interface Builder works closely with other editors, such as the source code editor, to take you from design to implementation as fast as possible.
Assisted editing. When you need to work on different aspects of the same component, such as user interface layout and the implementation of the user interface functionality, you can use multiple editors that open the content you need when you need it. For example, when you work on an implementation file in the primary editor, Xcode can open the corresponding header file in a secondary editor pane.
Automatic error identification and correction. Xcode checks the source code you type as you type it. When Xcode notices a mistake, the source code editor highlights it. You can then find out details about the error and ask Xcode to fix it for you.
Source control. You can safeguard all your project files in Git and Subversion source code repositories.
Get Oriented to Xcode Organization and Features
Xcode is a powerful tool, but as with any complex product, you need to know essential concepts and workflows before you can start developing products efficiently.
Design the Look and Behavior of Your App
Two of the most important tasks you perform while you develop your app are designing its user interface and writing the business code that implements your app’s unique functionality.
Debug and Refine Your Code
Xcode provides a debugging environment that you can customize to automatically bring forward the parts of your code in which you are most interested.
Safeguard Your Projects Using Source Control
Xcode provides easy local backups with snapshots and the ability to work in a team using SCM.
To develop apps for distribution on the App Store, you must configure your development environment so that you can install your apps on iOS devices and distribute them to app testers. See App Distribution Guide to learn more.
© 2013 Apple Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Last updated: 2013-04-23)