Introduction to Dashcode User Guide

This document provides an overview of the Dashcode development environment. It describes how to use Dashcode to create two types of projects:

Dashcode’s integrated environment allows you to lay out, code, and even test widgets and web applications without opening any other applications. Its layout tools, composers, and editors simplify the process of creating all the resources these projects need. Dashcode also includes handy coding and debugging tools that help you manage and test the code you write.

Who Should Read This Document?

Read Dashcode User Guide to learn how to use Dashcode to create web applications and Dashboard widgets. Developers who are new to either widget or web application creation learn how to build simple projects and find out more about Dashcode’s capabilities. Experienced developers learn how to speed up development using Dashcode.

Organization of This Document

This document contains the following chapters:

Dashcode User Guide also includes these appendixes:

Getting and Running Dashcode

To obtain Dashcode, download it from http://developer.apple.com. Registration is required, but free.

Reporting Bugs

If you encounter bugs in Apple software or documentation, you are encouraged to report them to Apple. You can also file enhancement requests to describe features you would like to see in future revisions of a product or document. To file bugs or enhancement requests, go to: http://developer.apple.com/bugreporter/

You must have a valid login name and password to file bugs. You can obtain a login name for free by following the instructions found on the Bug Reporting page. To file a bug for Dashcode, use the Dashcode component, version X.

See Also

For in-depth information on how to create web applications that work well on iPhone and iPod touch, see Safari Web Content Guide. For guidance on how to design the user interface of such an application, see iOS Human Interface Guidelines.

Read Dashboard Programming Topics for information on the technologies available to you when creating a Dashboard widget. All of the Dashboard-specific information discussed in this document is covered in more depth in Dashboard Reference.

The Safari Dev Center contains useful information on WebKit, the technology that powers Dashboard widgets, and other Safari-related topics. For more information on the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript capabilities found in WebKit, consult:

The XMLHttpRequest object allows you to parse XML in JavaScript and use the results. Read Dynamic HTML and XML: The XMLHttpRequest Object for more information.