Mac OS X provides a variety of frameworks and tools for developing cross-platform applications. The JavaVM framework provides 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Java SE 6 to all Mac OS X users. As a certified Unix platform, Mac OS X makes it easy to port Unix and Linux applications and take advantage of shell scripts. There are also numerous tools and APIs available for developing for the web.
Want to develop a cross-platform Java application optimized for Mac OS X?
Read Java Development Guide for Mac OS X to take advantage of Apple Java extensions, including the Aqua interface, while at the same time keeping your application cross-platform.
Want to port a Unix or Linux application to Mac OS X?
Read Porting UNIX/Linux Applications to Mac OS X for a thorough description of the porting process.
Want to create a cross-platform application with Core Foundation?
Read Creating Cross-Platform Applications with Core Foundation and Open Source for a step-by-step introduction to developing with CF-Lite.
Want to create a cross-platform shell script?
Read Shell Scripting Primer (and the Designing Scripts for Cross-Platform Deployment chapter in particular) to learn how to write shell scripts for Mac OS X that also work on other platforms.
Want to create a cross-platform web application?
See Getting Started with Networking, Internet, and Web for more information on developing for the web in Mac OS X.
Want to create a cross-platform game?
See opengl.org and openal.org to learn more about OpenGL and OpenAL.
Read Incorporating Other Drawing Technologies in Cocoa Drawing Guide for more information about using OpenGL in Mac OS X.
Developing with Java for Mac OS X
Read Java Virtual Machine Option Reference for Mac OS X for descriptions of less common and nonstandard VM options that are specific to Mac OS X.
Read Java System Property Reference for Mac OS X for descriptions of Java system properties that are specific to Mac OS X.
Read Java Info.plist Key Reference for Mac OS X for descriptions of the property list keys necessary for a bundled Java application.
Using the command line
Read Mac OS X Man Pages for references for POSIX functions.
The Snow Leopard Reference Library holds plenty more resources that make your job easier. To narrow the list of resources, you can set filters to focus on specific resource types (such as guides or sample code) or on specific topics (such as user experience or data management).
Last updated: 2009-05-28