How to get Apple's Software Development Kit for Mac and iPhone

If you are a creative geek like me, then you love to tinker with computers to create new things - new ideas, new applications.

Fortunately for us, Apple understands this and has provided dedicated developers the exact same tools that were used to create the Macintosh Operating System.

To developers, this is exciting news.

Microsoft wouldn't even think of letting the public have their internal development tools - and what they DO have is available at a very high price.

Apple, on the other hand, is giving away the very software that lets developers interface with the Macintosh operating system to create stunning, powerful and innovative new applications - free.

The only catch is that you must have a computer running the Macintosh Operating System version 10 (Mac OSX).

Visit Apple's developer connection website: http://developer.apple.com

To get the software, you need to have an Apple Developer Connection (ADC) membership. If you do not have a membership you can set one up at no cost.

There are paid options for ADC memberships, but you do not need these in order to access Apple's tools.

Once you have your ADC account set up, log in.

You will be able to choose one of two paths: iPhone Developer Program or Mac Developer Program.

In the iPhone Developer area, you can download the essential tools, libraries and examples needed to get started building applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The iPhone Developer tools require OSX Leopard.

The Mac Developer Program area gives you every resource you will need to write and build applications for the Mac operating system. The Mac Developer tools are compatible with OSX Tiger and Leopard.

To get the Mac tools, click on "Visit Mac Dev Center."

On the next page, scroll down to "Xcode."

Xcode is a complete software development environment. It includes everything you need to get started - including an application to design the look and feel of your application, one to manage processor use and performance, and more.

Xcode natively supports C, C++, Objective C, Applescript, Makefile, and more.

Apple also supplies a huge library of reference material for developers. It will walk you through topics like the basics of Applescript programming to advanced topics like automation and server administration with Xcode.

If you need help while working with Xcode, check out the Apple forums (link below). The forums are full experienced professionals who will be happy to help you if you need it.

If you want advanced access to the developer program like pre-released versions of Mac OS X and a testing server to test your application on 400+ macs, then consider upgrading to a Premium or Select ADC membership. It's not cheap, but it may be worth it for you if you plan to develop on a large scale.

However, if you’re just a hobbyist like me, the free membership is perfect.