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XTool – Cross-platform Xcode replacement

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Re: XTool – Cross-platform Xcode replacement

#42
post #22

This tool says "Xcode replacement" and "Xcode-free development". I thought there is no way they can build apps without Xcode. How would they replicate the libraries, compilers, etc. I dug more and of course they don't: "Though we don’t rely on the Xcode build system, you still need to install Xcode for the iOS SDK and toolchain" I think they should clarify their messaging. This is not a replacement or an alternative.…

I think you are mixing some different concepts here. It's not that this is a layer on top of Xcode/xcodebuild, it's just that Apple today happens to package everything iOS/Swift-related together with Xcode releases. So even if you couldn't care less about the Xcode IDE itself or the xcodebuild build system, you still need to have it because this is the only way for you to download / install those toolchains. Apple co…

It sounds like this "cross-platform xcode replacement" isn't cross-platform, and ios app developers still need macos?

Re: XTool – Cross-platform Xcode replacement

#45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think you are mixing some different concepts here. It's not that this is a layer on top of Xcode/xcodebuild, it's just that Apple today happens to package everything iOS/Swift-related together with Xcode releases. So even if you couldn't care less about the Xcode IDE itself or the xcodebuild build system, you still need to have it because this is the only way for you to download / install those toolchains. Apple co…

It sounds like this "cross-platform xcode replacement" isn't cross-platform, and ios app developers still need macos?

But that's wrong. You don't need macOS. That's why they say "cross-platform Xcode replacement". You just need the SDK, which can be used on every platform.

Re: XTool – Cross-platform Xcode replacement

#46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

IMHO it's a matter of principle, showing the bully he has limited power no matter how big his muscles are.

In Epic's case it's just another bully who wants a piece of the first bully's turf.

Goliath vs Goliath

Re: XTool – Cross-platform Xcode replacement

#47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

IMHO it's a matter of principle, showing the bully he has limited power no matter how big his muscles are.

In Epic's case it's just another bully who wants a piece of the first bully's turf.

Epic Games may do some despicable things too (this is about micro-transactions after all), but (as a software developer) in this fight I still find it reasonable to root for their side - them winning improves the world for a lot of us.

Re: XTool – Cross-platform Xcode replacement

#48
post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It sounds like this "cross-platform xcode replacement" isn't cross-platform, and ios app developers still need macos?

But that's wrong. You don't need macOS. That's why they say "cross-platform Xcode replacement". You just need the SDK, which can be used on every platform.

IIRC, you need to run on Apple hardware for a valid SDK license. VM or Asahi or Hackintosh would suffice, but not a VM on a random Linux box. Or did the terms change lately?

Re: XTool – Cross-platform Xcode replacement

#49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think you are mixing some different concepts here. It's not that this is a layer on top of Xcode/xcodebuild, it's just that Apple today happens to package everything iOS/Swift-related together with Xcode releases. So even if you couldn't care less about the Xcode IDE itself or the xcodebuild build system, you still need to have it because this is the only way for you to download / install those toolchains. Apple co…

Would it be possible to get just the SDK from the Xcode package? Like Asahi installer streams only the relevant parts of macOS images from Apple’s servers.

There are some components that may be downloadable separately but they really are part of Xcode. One ring to rule them all.

Re: XTool – Cross-platform Xcode replacement

#50
post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It sounds like this "cross-platform xcode replacement" isn't cross-platform, and ios app developers still need macos?

But that's wrong. You don't need macOS. That's why they say "cross-platform Xcode replacement". You just need the SDK, which can be used on every platform.

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