2009-01-04
Cocoa Python
For a Python programmer Apple Cocoa Programming might seam interesting since Python (and Ruby) next to Objective-C are supported languages from within XCode 3.x. Python and the bridge PyObjC are both part of the developer installation. Therefor they are available out-of-the-box. Also project templates are available within XCode.
There are advantages to program Cocoa through Python. The most interesting might be the transferal of already existing language know-how and Library knowledge. On the other hand there are disadvantages. First XCode supports ObjectiveC clearly better. E.g. autocompletion of your own Objects is not supported for python. Second the mapping of Python Objects to Objective-C Objects ads complexity as described in Epic Intro to PyObjC while the mapping of functions is rather simple. Third the documentation for Cocoa Python is minimal, mostly refering to the Objective-C look-a-like.
Even that the transfer of python knowledge or the ability to enter programming from scratch into a fairly simple and powerfull language makes it desireable. The described issues make a start with Cocoa Python not something for the faint of heart (read: not for the programmer newbie).
There are advantages to program Cocoa through Python. The most interesting might be the transferal of already existing language know-how and Library knowledge. On the other hand there are disadvantages. First XCode supports ObjectiveC clearly better. E.g. autocompletion of your own Objects is not supported for python. Second the mapping of Python Objects to Objective-C Objects ads complexity as described in Epic Intro to PyObjC while the mapping of functions is rather simple. Third the documentation for Cocoa Python is minimal, mostly refering to the Objective-C look-a-like.
Even that the transfer of python knowledge or the ability to enter programming from scratch into a fairly simple and powerfull language makes it desireable. The described issues make a start with Cocoa Python not something for the faint of heart (read: not for the programmer newbie).
2009-01-02
it :: Converging Application Frameworks
There is a convergence of Web Application Frameworks and Application Frameworks in general. Apple is positionened in a unique way to get itself into the center of current development seen at Google, Zoho, Microsoft Live and others.
This research note gives a good insight into what to expect in 2009 and after. Expect this to be a valueable read if you are involved in IT-Strategies, in Telecoms, the Web 2.0, if you engage in Architecture or Development.
This research note gives a good insight into what to expect in 2009 and after. Expect this to be a valueable read if you are involved in IT-Strategies, in Telecoms, the Web 2.0, if you engage in Architecture or Development.
