Welcome to the Apple Information Access Toolkit, AIAT. As you might know,
AIAT was known by the codename V-Twin during its development; it is the
result of the collaboration of Apple's ATG research organization and
Apple's Mac OS engineering team.
This document includes the AIAT FAQ, and describes the process for
licensing the AIAT library to redistribute with your Mac OS applications.
AIAT FAQ:
Q: How is AIAT Shipped?
A: AIAT for Mac OS is shipped as a C++ static library for both 68K and PowerPC. Developers will bind AIAT into their applications. Version 1.0.1 of AIAT is compiled with CodeWarrior 11 and with CodeWarrior Pro 1. Support for CW 11 will be dropped with the next version of AIAT released.
Q: How is AIAT compiled?
A: AIAT is compiled with PowerPC word alignment.
Q. Can you be more specific about compiler settings for 68K processors?
A. For 68K we provide 2 library variants. The settings are:
InfoAccess68K, this supports 2 byte int and 4 byte double , the 68k linker settings are:
Code Model: Large
Struct Alignment: PowerPC
FloatingPoint: SANE
68020 Code Gen: ON
Poophole Optimization: ON
CSE Optimization: ON
Far Data: ON
Far Method Table: ON
Far String Constants: ON
Global Register Allocation: ON
InfoAccess68K(4i_8d), this supports 4 byte int and 8 byte double , the 68k linker settings are:
Code Model: Large
Struct Alignment: PowerPC
FloatingPoint: SANE
68020 Code Gen: ON
Poophole Optimization: ON
CSE Optimization: ON
Far Data: ON
Far Method Table: ON
Far String Constants: ON
Global Register Allocation: ON
This is also true for the TokenAnalysis68k and TokenAnalysis68k(4i_8d) libraries.
Q: Will future revisions of the AIAT library continue to support CodeWarrior 11?
A: No. Version 1.0.1 is a transitional version, after which we will only support CodeWarrior Pro.
Q: What happens when Metrowerks ships a new version of CodeWarrior?
A: We will update and release AIAT for newer versions of CodeWarrior as necessary.
Q: Can I use AIAT from languages other than C++?
A: Yes. AIAT is designed and written in an object-oriented way, with the expectation that developers will subclass and extend the basic functionality. The C++ language is used for this. It should also be possible to write "wrappers" in Java or other object-oriented languages, but you would not be able to subclass from them.
Q: Can I use AIAT from a procedural language like C?
A: Yes, you can write "wrappers" in C, then call them from your normal C procedures. You lose the general ability to subclass and extend the library when you do this, though.
Q: Do you have a version of AIAT for Windows?
A: We have a Windows version in early Beta testing, but we have not determined licensing plans or terms. Write to me if you are interested in being kept informed of any decisions we make about marketing this.
Q: Do you have a version of AIAT for Unix?
A: We've ported AIAT to the Mach kernel as a proof-of-concept, but we are not ready for any developer testing. If you would like to be considered as a test site if we chose to release a Unix version of AIAT, please write to Gordon Garb at "ggarb@apple.com". Please specify which flavor of Unix you would be using.
Q: Will AIAT be a part of Rhapsody?
A: Yes, current plans call for AIAT to be a part of Apple's new OS, codenamed Rhapsody.
TO OBTAIN AIAT FOR EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Pre-release versions of AIAT for Mac OS are now available via Apple Developer Relations
standard software seeding process; we no longer require a separate NDA for AIAT.
Check out http://devworld.apple.com for more information about
the developer programs, and for specifics about joining the technology seeding program.
The release version of AIAT for Mac OS is available via Apple Developer Relations standard software distribution process, which includes the monthly Developer CD and web site.
ONCE YOU ARE READY TO LICENSE AIAT FOR MAC OS FOR REDISTRIBUTION
Contact Apple Software Licensing at sw.license@apple.com and request the redistribution
license for AIAT for Mac OS. They'll send you the paperwork for you to complete, sign,
and return with a check to cover the $200 administrative fee.
Send any questions about the licensing process to me.
We're working to streamline this process; your suggestions are appreciated.
Send technical questions to "devsupport@apple.com"
We will also be setting up a private mailing list so all developers who get
AIAT can communicate in an easy and effective manner.
Gordon Garb, Mac OS User Experience Evangelist
Apple Computer, Inc. ggarb@apple.com
One Infinite Loop, MS 303-2EV (408) 974-1915 voice
