Xcode® 4

Chapter 2: Getting and Installing Xcode

In This Chapter

Selecting a Mac for Xcode Signing up for development Getting started with Xcode

Xcode is free and runs on any Intel Mac. However, hobby developers and professionals have different hardware and software requirements. A system tuned for maximum productivity may be very different from one used for experimentation or hobby coding.

Selecting a Mac for Xcode

If you own an Intel Mac, you can run Xcode on it. But understanding the differences between a streamlined and productive working environment and a slow and informal one is useful.

Choosing a processor

Surprisingly, processors have less influence on productivity than other factors. A faster processor can speed up compilation times, but unless you're working on industrial projects with hundreds or thousands of source files, you'll find little obvious benefit to running Xcode on a high-speed multi-core Mac Pro.

Xcode compiles incrementally, which means that only updated files and their dependencies are recompiled after an edit. Compared to Xcode 3, Xcode 4's improved compiler technology cuts compile times even further. iPhone projects compile relatively quickly, even on a Mac mini, shown in Figure 2.1

However, other Xcode features such as code completion and source control can be noticeably faster on a faster Mac. Xcode 4 does more behind the scenes while you edit. It checks code for errors as you type it, and it can also display live help. The faster your Mac, and especially ...