Add Text Files to your Xcode Project

I just started using this technique a few months ago (I know, seasoned developers are probably laughing at me...) but I have since found it to be extremely helpful.

Being a very small Indie iOS developer, I usually have more than one project "in the works" and I will have an idea or I find some really cool sound effect or maybe some new code snipit that I want to use / include in one of my projects. How and where do you track that?

I keep any number of text files in my project that I can quickly reference right from inside Xcode. Here's a very quick "How To"

Step 1
Create your text files using TextEdit (or your favorite editor) and save them in your projects folder (you can even use a sub-folder). In TextEdit just hold {CMD} + {SHIFT} + {T} to switch from RTF to plain text.

Step 2
I create an Xcode group to keep my text files together, it's up to you.

Step 3
Add the file(s) but make to to DE-SELECT your app in the "Add to Targets" checkbox, otherwise you'll get errors about not knowing how to compile a txt file (or something).

Step 4
Revise and update directly inside Xcode.

You can use RTF files too, it's just not as easy to edit the type stuff.

And of course we have a sample project that you can download here.


PS This technique will also work for fonts that you used while making your assets. I learned this the hard way after I reformatted my old iMac and wasted several hours trying to track down a missing font that I used in a PSD file.

Happy Coding

Community Game Project

We are participating in a Community game project. We had a delayed start but the project has been underway for almost a week and so far it's very cool. Indeed a great experience, especially for someone that has never developed in a team environment.

You can find out more about the project here:
http://www.iPhoneGameKit.com/community/

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Just a real quick cleaning tip, mostly for (metal) Macbook users but I'm sure it will work on almost anything.

You can use the Magic Eraser from Mr. Clean on your entire Macbook (except the LCD(1)).

NOTICE: USE IT DRY, NOT DAMP OR WET!

If you've never used this product, you'll be amazed. We've been using it to keep all our Macbooks look brand spanking new.

Note: Since its glass its probably okay but I just use a microfiber cloth and car wax on my LCD.

Standing Desk (trial)

Like many other iOS developers, I too find myself sitting way toooo long. My wife and I have matching (sit down) desks in our home office and they are not really conducive to using blocks or reams of paper, in addition, my iMac is nestled nicely under a hutch style bookcase so lifting it up is out of the question.

Dora the Explorer™ to the rescue! Yes indeed that is my grand daughters Dora tray table complete with side pockets AND... wait for it.... a CUP HOLDER! You betcha!

I'm on day three and its actually going okay, well using my laptop is nice, I'm clearly out of shape since my feet and back are pretty sore.

To confirm pretty much everyone else's findings... I too have found I have more energy...

It's just not complete without a couple of photos, ;-]

In "free-swivel" mode, nice....

PS I do not use salt or pepper in any of my iOS development!

Xcode Updates

Revised: Jan-12-2011 (iOS 4.3 beta1)
I have seen this mentioned quite often while reading the many forums about the steps developers take to resolve problems:

They mention as one of the steps that they even updated Xcode to the newest version. This would mean to me that they were NOT using the newest version to begin with. I cannot think of any reason to NOT install the newest Xcode once it has been approved and released.

Here's what I do and so far, it has never been a problem:

• Install the newest SDK that you can submit apps with to the default folder ("Developer")
• Install any beta SDK to a folder named "BetaDev"

Once the "beta" version is released (meaning it's no longer a beta) I delete the "BetaDev" folder and reinstall the new Xcode (into "Developer").

Well isn't that nice that Apple released iOS 4.3 beta just so I could grab some screenshots :-)

During the install, after you agree to your first-born son, etc.

Click the "New Folder" button and enter your folder name (BetaDev)

Now on this screen, confirm the BetaDev (your folder) name and Continue!

In addition I also keep the current "approved" Xcode in my dock and make a new alias ({CMD}+{OPT} while dragging icon) on my desktop. Most of the time once you launch the new beta version of Xcode, it becomes the default (hence the dock icon).

Enjoy...