Alternative language to do Cocoa programming

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objective-c

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227

answers:

Alternative language to do Cocoa programming

Hi all,

I'm a C++, Java developer and I want to program for Mac in something "nicer" than Objective-C.

I know Java Swing can mimic the MacOS X UI, but a Java Swing program is not a Cocoa first citizen. Also I know that I can use Qt in C++ or Jambi in Java to use the Qt toolkit that performs Cocoa calls but, though that is not a bad idea, it adds an abstraction layer in all the thing.

So, is there something like "Vala" for GTK+ or some Java bindings or some stuff to do Cocoa programming with no need of all the Objective-C thing?

[DISCLAIMER: "nicer" is just my appreciation, no trolling there]

+6 A:

It is indeed an inflammatory question.

There are bindings for Ruby and Python, if those fit your bill.

http://developer.apple.com/leopard/overview/apptech.html

Objective-C isn't all that un-nice and not all that dissimilar to Java in several ways, really, if you take some time to learn it.

Devin Ceartas 2009-10-07 02:01:05

Have a look here as well: http://developer.apple.com/mac/library/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/RubyPythonCocoa/Introduction/Introduction.html

Thomas Müller 2009-10-07 02:03:33

The purpose of those bridges is to allow Cocoa apps to use Ruby or Python libraries. DO NOT use them as a way to avoid learning Objective-C.

NSResponder 2009-10-07 07:03:45

If you're interested in .NET programming, you can use the Mono framework to program in pretty much any environment, including iPhone: http://www.mono-project.com/Main%5FPage

Austin 2009-10-07 02:02:19

+3 A:

MacRuby + HotCocoa lets you do it all in Ruby, and in a Rubyesque way - it looks more natural than a foreign binding might suggest.

Cathal 2009-10-07 02:02:36

MacRuby is actually implemented in the Objective-C runtime. It is the only alternative language that has a claim to being as native as Objective-C.

Chuck 2009-10-07 02:32:09

GTK or Qt might be options as well.

Thomas Müller 2009-10-07 02:05:45

That's a terrible idea. Have you ever even tried using a GTK or Qt app on a Mac?

Jonathan Sterling 2009-10-09 06:36:10

I actually am using QtCreator in my Mac and the user experience is not bad (actually Qt uses Cocoa as backend so the UI widgets look very native).

ebasconp 2009-10-09 16:00:41

I won't believe it until I see a screenshot of one of your apps. A lot of people who write for GTK and Qt (especially Qt) have really warped ideas of what is good design.

Jonathan Sterling 2009-11-06 23:10:52

+2 A:

Give Monobjc a shot. It's been great to work with.

anthony 2009-10-07 02:19:25

ansaurus

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Alternative language to do Cocoa programming

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