Can iphone app be developed in any other language?

Question

Hi all,

I was wondering if iphone apps can be developed in any other programming languages like java or C#?

Regards, Arvind

Answer 1

Not if you want them to run without Jailbreaking.

Applications must be originally written in Objective-C, C, C++, or JavaScript as executed by the iPhone OS WebKit engine, and only code written in C, C++, and Objective-C may compile and directly link against the Documented APIs (e.g., Applications that link to Documented APIs through an intermediary translation or compatibility layer or tool are prohibited).

— http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/04/apple-takes-aim-at-adobe-or-android.ars

Answer 2

Yes, there's Monotouch, which was specifically developed for this purpose. Note that you do not need to use Jailbreaking on the iphone to run a Monotouch-build application.

However, you should know before you decide on a programming platform that Apple has taken a very aggressive stance against cross-plattform developers and de facto forbidden usage of such frameworks on the Iphone.