Cocoa® Programming

Summary

Although this chapter describes the major conventions used throughout the Cocoa frameworks, there are many other conventions and examples of good practices to be found in the frameworks. An awareness of the conventions clarifies the frameworks. When the conventions are observed in use consistently, they become familiar and even comforting. In some cases, awareness of the conventions is essential for correct use of the frameworks.

A trend toward accentuation and documentation of conventions, best practices, and programming wisdom has swept the software industry. Best practices are sometimes called design patterns. Many of the design patterns used by the Cocoa frameworks are described in the next chapter.