Developers Complain about iPhone SDK

Techtree News Staff, Mar 12, 2008 1929 hrs IST

Developers heaved a sigh of relief when Apple finally released the iPhone SDK earlier this month. But not for long.

While Apple Computer may have finally released its iPhone software development kit (SDK) earlier this month, developers who'd been waiting to get their hands on it are already whining about the numerous restrictions and problems encountered by them.

Yes, Apple head honcho, Steve Jobs, has attempted an explanation, a rather stiff one: "You don't want your phone to be an open platform with anyone writing applications for it, and potentially gumming up the provider's network."

But that doesn't undermine or offer a solution for the several problems the developers are facing (at least saying they are facing).

To enumerate:

Some developers say they can't begin to download the SDK from dsauthweb.corp.apple.com before getting started on it. Others are complaining that the set-up package just doesn't install on their systems.

The list isn't over yet. VoIP services aren't allowed via cell networks though they're allowed over WiFi. SIM unlocking may be forbidden; but elsewhere in China and other parts of the world, thousands are doing it unabashedly. Further, only published APIs can be used; and only in the way Apple dictates. Applications cannot write data anywhere except in their designated areas. The "iPhone Human Interface Guidelines" poses a major problem: supposedly a public document, only a registered iPhone developer can see it.

There's more to come. Just one application can run at a time; in case developers need to leave a particular application, it quits by itself. Third-party applications -- not even instant messaging applications -- can run in the background.

Further, Apple's own admission -- the beta version of the SDK isn't yet ready to go on 64-bit systems. Programming can be done only in AJAX and not in COCOA. There are other problems like with the user interface. Also, data synchronization is limited only to iCal, Mail, and Safari as of now.

So with all these problems, and with hackers already having released hacks before the release of the iPhone SDK, we wonder whether they'll now devote their restless energies to releasing programs to break all these barriers.

USER COMMENTS

Anyone came across any problem like app not starting on first attempt (may be some prb with my code,) but runs on second onwards??

by Sujith, Bangalore, on Jul 14, 2008 09:16 PM, Report abuse Reply

I installed the iPhone SDK and have been trying to follow the video tutorials on the apple dev site. The problem is that none of the tools necessary to create iPhone apps are there. The Simulator and templates were never installed. can anyone help

by Jim, Bowling Green, on Mar 14, 2008 02:58 AM, Report abuse Reply

Just one application can run at a time; in case developers need to leave a particular application, it quits by itself. Third-party applications -- not even instant messaging applications -- can run in the background. If thats the case, it makes all but useless.

by huh?, miami, on Mar 12, 2008 09:33 PM, Report abuse Reply

LOL Apple koolaid drinkers everywhere getting all hostile! "You're wrong" "errors" "misleading" wow. Job's has owned you all, and all of your senses of individualism. I mourn for you Apple drones.

by Guru, Malden, on Mar 12, 2008 09:13 PM, Report abuse Reply

Tell me that there aren't errors. If you aren't aware enough to know, STFU.

by Jim, Richmond, on Mar 12, 2008 09:23 PM, Report abuse

Some of that is misleading, and some is just plain wrong. The iPhone Human Interface Document is something ony a registered dev can see. Fine. But anyone can sign up to become an iPhone dev -- no restrictions, no fees. Programming is done using Cocoa Touch -- a variant of Cocoa written for iPhone. The differences between the two are required because of the completely different user interface (ie, finger instead of keyboard+mouse). Ajax programming was for web applets, and is in no way connected to the SDK. During the initial days of the SDK release, the developer server was being inundated with hits -- causing a few hiccups. I had to try several times to get the SDK, but the thing works as advertised.

by a registered iP, Houston, on Mar 12, 2008 08:15 PM, Report abuse Reply

It would be nice if the writers published a more balanced article about the SDK. Yes, the server was busy at first but it (Gee I wonder why?) but it did download just fine. It installed fine and it is one of the best SDKs out there. You program n Cocoa Touch as the previous poster stated. Again no problems. I have never seem a perfect SDK and no development tool will please everyone. Most of the developers I talk to are very pleased and are writing applications instead of complaining about the SDK.

by Dell, Canyon Lake, on Mar 12, 2008 08:56 PM, Report abuse

This article has a bunch of errors. You CAN write Cocoa apps. AJAX is the platform for webapps, which until the release of the SDK was the only platform.

by Michael, Phoenix, on Mar 12, 2008 08:48 PM, Report abuse Reply

What a whining maggot you are. Best ever SDK just released and you cry...

by Jim, Richmond, on Mar 12, 2008 08:45 PM, Report abuse Reply