iPhone Game Development - Chris Craft [17]
It is still safe to download the latest version because you can select the OS version you would like to build for. However, unless you have an extra device that has the current OS installed on it for testing purposes, you may feel more confident sticking with the currently distributed OS. Also be aware that Apple has forced developers to test their applications on upcoming new OS releases. For example, before iPhone OS 3.0 came out there was a period when apps had to work on both iPhone OS 2.0 and iPhone OS 3.0.
On the iPhone Dev Center page, scroll down to the Downloads section (Figure 2.1) to find the following links:
iPhone SDK. This is the download link for the iPhone SDK. It includes iPhone SDK frameworks, Xcode, Interface Builder, iPhone Simulator, and more.
iPhone SDK Read Me. This PDF tells you what is in the latest and greatest SDK, how to install or uninstall it, and more.
iPhone SDK Agreement. This PDF is your SDK license agreement. Make sure you read through the agreement and familiarize yourself with any special restrictions that may affect your project efforts. It is a good idea to read this agreement again after you scope out your project to make sure you are in compliance with your agreement.
If you are a registered developer, at times you will have access to pre-release beta versions of the iPhone OS. Down the road you may find it useful to begin developing for a beta OS if you are expecting an extended development cycle. If a beta OS is available, from the iPhone Dev Center page select the beta OS version and you will find these additional links (Figure 2.2):
iPhone OS. This is the download link for the iPhone OS beta. Once downloaded you can drag this package onto your Xcode icon to install.
iPhone OS Pre-Install Advisory. This PDF contains some important information about setting up your environment and device for development purposes. It is very important to follow the advice of this document before you begin. Some of the steps highlighted within can help prevent you from damaging your iPhone or iPod touch.
Tip
If you do not have a link to a beta version of the iPhone OS anymore, chances are it has been released and you can install directly from iTunes.
FIGURE 2.2
The Downloads section of the iPhone Dev Center contains beta versions of the iPhone OS if available and if you are a registered developer.
Installing the iPhone SDK
Now you are ready to install the iPhone SDK. The SDK is a pretty hefty download. Version 2.2.1 was 1.7GB and version 3.1 was 2.4GB, so, depending on your connection speed, be prepared to wait.
Installing the iPhone SDK is a fairly straightforward process if you are installing the SDK for the first time. However, it is still nice to have this process broken down for you if you are taking your first steps in the Mac environment. This section will guide you through this process.
In order to install the iPhone SDK, you will need to:
1. Download the iPhone SDK if you have not done so already.
2. Locate the downloaded SDK, and double-click to mount the DMG file.
3. From the mounted DMG file folder, double-click the installer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions given to you by the installer.
That's all there is to installing the iPhone SDK. You now have the tools you need to start writing iPhone games. Take a few minutes to open your new toolbox and discover all the tools inside the iPhone SDK.
Note
If you are experiencing strange compile and runtime errors that leave you frustrated, you may want to uninstall the SDK completely and start over. Sometimes starting over with a clean plate can clear up these issues.
Uninstalling previous versions of the iPhone SDK
If you run into some issues you feel could be occurring because you installed one version of the SDK on top of another, we recommend that you take time to uninstall the SDK and then reinstall it. You can find the latest uninstall procedure in the iPhone SDK Read