Some readers will remember that Adobe announced a compiler application for the iPhone that would allow developers to write applications in Adobe CS5 for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
Well, it looks like this won’t be compatible with the iPhone OS 4.0, as Apple has locked the platform down, and developers will only be able to write applications for iPhone OS 4.0 in three programming languages.
Apple’s New Restrictions
Applications will need to be 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. This stringent requirement means that Adobe’s plans to help developers get applications on the iPhone OS using CS5 are pretty much stopped.
This move by Apple is seen as a way to maintain a high level of control over the quality and performance of applications on its platform. By restricting the programming languages, Apple ensures that developers use the most optimized and efficient code, which can lead to better performance and stability of applications. However, this also limits the flexibility for developers who are more comfortable with other programming languages or tools.
Impact on Developers and Publishers
The restriction could also affect a number of large publishers like Conde Nast, who had intended to use Adobe Air for their magazine applications for the iPad. Adobe Air allows for the development of rich internet applications that can run on multiple operating systems without modification. With Apple’s new restrictions, these publishers will need to rethink their development strategies and possibly invest more time and resources into learning and using the approved programming languages.
For instance, Conde Nast, known for its popular magazines like Vogue and The New Yorker, had plans to create interactive and visually appealing digital versions of their publications using Adobe Air. Now, they will have to either abandon these plans or find alternative ways to achieve the same level of interactivity and visual appeal using Objective-C, C, or C++.
Moreover, smaller developers who were looking forward to using Adobe CS5 to easily port their applications to the iPhone OS will now face significant challenges. They will need to either learn new programming languages or hire developers who are proficient in Objective-C, C, or C++. This could increase the cost and time required to develop applications for the iPhone OS, potentially discouraging some developers from creating applications for the platform altogether.
This decision by Apple has sparked a lot of discussions in the developer community. Some developers appreciate the move as it ensures a more consistent and high-quality user experience on the iPhone OS. Others, however, see it as a restrictive measure that stifles innovation and limits the tools available to developers.
In conclusion, while Apple’s decision to lock down the iPhone OS 4.0 to only three programming languages may lead to better performance and stability of applications, it also poses significant challenges for developers and publishers. They will need to adapt to these new restrictions and find ways to continue creating high-quality applications within the confines of the approved programming languages.
via Engadget
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