The Mac OS X Lion is the latest version of the Mac operating system that has been the mainstay of Apple products. The budding apps developer can build a variety of apps on this platform that will be accessible on the Apple iphone, ipad or the ipod. Here is a quick overview for Apple developers to understand the data management in Mac OS X.
Data Management
Practically every application created with the Mac OS X requires some sort of data management. For instance, if your application relates to finding some information on the net, you need a place to store the data and a method to access the data when you need it. Data management with Mac OS X is accomplished by the use of a framework called core data. Core data is a framework that Apple provides to developers to meet such data management needs of their apps as data storage, data caching and memory management.
Features of Core Data
Core data helps in data management by allowing the user to access the application’s data model in a graphic manner. Thus the user finds it easy to access the common functions like save, restore, redo or undo, usually associated with data management. With the basics in place, you can focus more on the various features you want in the application. Using core data obviates the need to build in a separate database system for your application, as it uses the built in SQ Lite data library.
Data Management Made Easy
Cocoa touch, the Apple API to enable touch based interactions is used in conjunction with Interface builder tool to create innovative apps. Interface builder tool is the graphic user interface editor that is equipped with built in core data controller elements. So you do not have to figure out the codes for connecting your application’s graphic interface with its data model as it gets automatically taken care of.
Advantages of Core Data as a Tool for Data Management
- Core data converts the data requirements of your application into specific data objects. These objects can be tracked and changed on demand, for instance, when the user performs an undo command.
- Core data enables putting away the data in a persistent store, which is achieved by the user invoking the ‘save’ command
- Core data converts the data into regular files. This enables users to find the file using the regular search techniques. Users may also take backup of the data on a USB or share it family and friends via email
So this was our quick guide for developers to understand data management in Mac OS X. But if you still wanted to know anything else don’t forget to ask below in comments. For more such information, product reviews, tutorials & Free gifts – Don’t forget to Subscribe to our free Email newsletter.
