WebKit has introduced SquirrelFish, a new JavaScript engine for Safari. Unlike traditional engines, SquirrelFish generates executable bytecode directly, improving performance for JavaScript-heavy applications. Available in nightly builds, it offers a notable speed enhancement, as demonstrated in tests with complex applications.
#mac development — 6 posts.
Time Machine provides an intuitive interface for accessing past data, but Tms by FernLightning offers a command-line alternative for those preferring a list style. This tool allows users to see differences between file versions and snapshots, making file version management more straightforward. Documentation for Tms is also available for further guidance.
I explored the iPhone SDK and found it to be an impressive API for mobile app development. I successfully created an application and noted some challenges, particularly with the documentation. I addressed specific issues like playing sound files and retrieving UI element values, highlighting important nuances that could confuse new users. More insights will follow.
Unity is a versatile 3D game editor that enables rapid mock-ups and testing within hours, progressing to commercial-grade games through advanced collaboration technology. The user-friendly application is ideal for those familiar with 3D and game development, streamlining the creation process significantly. A downloadable trial is available for exploration.
OSNews provides insights for those transitioning from other object-oriented languages like Python or C++. It highlights a common challenge in mastering Objective-C: the delegate concept, contrasting it with subclass-based development. For individuals familiar with OO programming and keen to learn Objective-C, this serves as a valuable opportunity.
Automator now allows for custom actions, enabling users to incorporate open source libraries like ImageMagick and PIL. A recent guide on macnn.com details how to create these actions using XCode. While familiarity with Objective-C is necessary, this opens up new possibilities for automating various tasks efficiently.