Xcode
Xcode is an integrated development environment (IDE) for developing, debugging and testing applications made for MacOS, iOS, tvOS and watchOS. It includes a large collection of software development tools, most notably Apple's Objective C compiler. It can further build universal binary files, which are programs that can be executed by both PowerPC and Intel-based Mac computers, and it can create apps for Apple's popular line of iPhones and iPads. Apple provides the software free of charge for owners of the latest MacOS operating system. Registered Apple developers can further access preview releases of new versions as well as prior versions of the software.
- Offers a sophisticated and professional IDE for creating Apple applications
- When used in conjunction with the iOS SDK, you can develop, debug and test mobile applications
- Has tools for creating quality user interfaces
- Is completely free to use
- Offers developers most common programming languages (and others can be added)
- Is necessary for making applications that run on Apple devices
- While the software is free, you still need a paid developer's license to publish your applications
- Will only create applications that run on Apple devices
- Is not a great tool by itself for developing web applications
Love it or hate, if you want to build applications that run on Apple devices — especially on their popular mobile devices — you will likely need to use Xcode at some point of development cycle, even if you use a single-source development tool such as Unity. Xcode provides all the tools you need to create rich and powerful applications, from beginning to end. It includes a powerful and professional IDE and most common programming languages, and many other languages such as C# are available as third-party tools. When used in conjunction with the iOS SDK, it will further allow you to debug your mobile applications and test them on a large set of emulators. What's more, it includes applications that ease the process of making attractive and useful user interfaces. On the downside, while Xcode is free of charge, if you want to publish your applications (even for MacOS), you will need to purchase an annual developer's license, which are typically $99 per year. Another downside is that your creations will likely only run on Apple devices. Finally, the tools by themselves are not intended nor are the best choice for developing web applications.