This book provides the reader with definitions, details, and explanations of the various components that make up this new operating system. Understanding the operating system helps the reader use the programming tools and the Carbon application programming interface (API) - both of which are covered extensively in this book. Mac OS X is a blend of old and new. Much of the original programming API (now referred to as the Classic API) is still usable. But it's been revamped and renamed - it's now the Carbon API. This modified set of functions includes plenty of new routines that make a Mac programmer's work easier and more powerful - provided that the programmer knows how to make use of the new code. The reader learns about the all new Carbon Event Manager, as well as the changes and enhancements that have been made to existing managers (such as the Window Manager and the Menu Manager). Readers new to Mac programming will appreciate the journey that takes them from the start of a new Macintosh project to the final build of a standalone Mac OS X application. Readers experienced in programming the Mac will also find this same material of great interest - and these readers will also benefit from the lengthy section on porting existing Mac OS 8 and 9 applications to Mac OS X. Finally, all readers will appreciate the Carbon API reference section that provides information and example code for dozens of the most commonly used Carbon routines.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 6 Ratings

Correction from Author - 2002-01-24
Reviewer Rating:
I am the author of this book. I did *not* write the Editorial Review that says this is a Cocoa book. That review, at the top of this page, and by a David Wall, is not my doing. When I saw the references to Cocoa in that review of this book, I added my From the Author comment. In that comment I tried to clear things up by stating that this is a Carbon book. I also use that note to mention that it is a tutorial book (not an advanced reference). I would never misrepresent one of my books - it's not right, it leads to complaints, leads to returns, and, as John Clayton's review illustrates, bad reviews. Though I'm not responsible for the "Cocoa" review, I'll apologize for it. In the future hopefully readers will rate the book on its merits as a Carbon book. If you want to give it a low rating based on that criteria, that's one thing - but please don't review it based on it being a Cocoa book! Thanks, Dan Parks Sydow

Missing Source Code Website - 2002-08-27
Reviewer Rating:
This is a very good book, BUT the support is lousy! There is a reference to download the example source code inside the book (the published link is macosxprogramming.com) but that web link does not have the source code to the book!

BEWARE! Before buying this book, check to see if you can get the example code as the book does NOT come with an accompanying CD.

A hand-holding tutorial - 2003-01-22
Reviewer Rating:
If you have a copy of OS X and the Apple Development tools, this book will get you started programming the Mac. Each new function call is abundantly explained and illustrated with first code fragments, and then a complete working program. Few of the example programs take more than two pages for their entire source code.

This is the book's strength and weakness. As an experienced programmer and someone who has dabbled with Mac programming for years I found the pace of the book plodding and repetitive. I wished for a little less coverage on each topic so there would be room for more topics. But this will certainly stay on my shelf since, for those topics that were covered, I know I will be able to turn back and find fully worked out examples and explanations for these routines basic usage.

But now I need to figure out what to read next to become a better Carbon programmer, besides, of course, Apple's reference documentation.

Any PR is good - 2004-07-30
Reviewer Rating:
Im a newbie to the world of Macs. Just using the OS for 3 years now, it has changed my life in many ways. I am interested in learning to program on the Mac, and of course reading the reviews of this book. I fall upon the Author Dan Sydow, which was having to review his own book in order to save face (if you will, with no dis-respect).
i am asking myself wether i think this book of all the ones out there on this related subject is the one that will help me the most. I answerd yes for the simple fact that if the author himself did take the time to read the reviews and cares enough to respond, this is the guy I will follow! Dan I give you my all with this venture , and then some . You've got my vote of confidence on the content oof this book.
Thanks
Kris Golden
Greenevile, TN

Carbon-based training wheels - 2002-02-05
Reviewer Rating:
If you've written MacOS applications or used other event-oriented frameworks, this book will get you started with Carbon-based applications and the Mac OS X Project Builder Software.

The book is easy to read with great examples. It's the perfect starting point if you have a Mac OS application that needs to be converted to Carbon.

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