Rating: 
Summary: Perfect
Review: Absolutely perfect. I started out with a Macintosh, and already had codewarrior to learn C/C++. Then I went to work programming on Windows NT with Visual C++, and learned all about how code and resources go together. I became quite adept at Windows programming but was frustrated that I couldn't find anything to show me how to create a single window or dialog for my Mac. I like a straightforward approach, yet every tutorial I found regarding Mac programming was pure garbage. Finally I got this wonderful book and learned the nitty gritty for the basics. Within minutes of opening it up for the first time I had my very first dialog up and running...
Rating:
Summary: Complete on basics and good followup exercises
Review: Dan Parks Sydrow has a great repuation of being a versed Mac author and he demonstrates this again in this basics programming book. Trying to learn a new concept from no previous knowledge of Mac programming, yet being a native of the Mac platform, I wanted solid foundations that would give me further insights into more adv. books/tecniques. This book does well to present, explain and aquaint you with the all the major concepts and can set you up for further reading.A bit slow at times but very complete, I highly recommend it for the absolute beginner.
Rating: 
Summary: I've never been disapointed by a For Dummies book UNTIL NOW
Review: Everything I know about computers, I know because of IDG's series ....For Dummies. Mac Programming For Dummies was a grand disappointment. I did not go to Mac Programing For Dummies hoping to program NASA's next interseller imaging program. Mac Programing barely even bothered to discuss programming at all. The first entire section of the book was devoted to discussing elements of a program: windows, dialogue boxes, menues, check boxes, radio buttons, and lke. Hey, lets face it--if you don't know what a dialogu box is you don't need to even THINK about programming a Mac. When the book does get around to discussing C code -- in chapter 17 (3/4 of the way through the book) -- it quickly becomes evident that are not learning code to form your own program, you are learning how to make minor changes in the code the author already created. (Like how to make a window larger.) While some of IDG publishing's books are worth the purchase price for the software alone, this too was a disappointment. The complier included in the book, the much lauded CodeWarrior, is such a limited version to make it basically useless. You are unable to create your own program, but can only make alterations in the programs printed in the book. I hope you pass on this one. I wish I did.
Rating:
Summary: Where's the source code?
Review: I cannot recommend this book because the CD-ROM provided with it did not contain the source code promised on the back cover. My request for help at www.dummies.com was refused because the book is out-of-print.
Rating:
Summary: Well written, but useless
Review: I got this book for my birthday. I really want to program on the Mac, so I was glad to get it. Sadly, the examples of code had typos and wouldn't compile. It would have been wonderful had the example code not been defective. ...
Rating:
Summary: Well written, but useless
Review: I got this book for my birthday. I really want to program on the Mac, so I was glad to get it. Sadly, the examples of code had typos and wouldn't compile. It would have been wonderful had the example code not been defective. ...
Rating:
Summary: Was I supposed to learn anything???
Review: I really have to say that I`m really disapointed..... I`m fairly new to programming, and of course using a mac, I thought this book would be very helpful. But it was not. The dummies books are either very good or really bad, and this is really bad. It contains mostly bad jokes by the author , which isn`t funny at all, and some stupid examples of code that are completely uninteresting. As I have understood what programming is all about is to make a useful application, or in my case a game, or whatever, and this book contains nothing at all. It`s over 400 pages of absolutely nothing. The layout of the book is criminally bad, too. If you are new to programming,save a tree and do not read this book. You`ll be ten times more confused than you were before.
Rating: 
Summary: TOO BASIC!!
Review: If you want to learn Mac Programming, START HERE! I know this is not a C tutuorial or reference. It's not meant to be! It's meant to introduce you to Mac Programming & the concepts of the GUI! Normally I wouldn't take the time to write a review but seeing all the naysayers I had to add my views. This author does an excellent job at making clear & understandable what other authors seem to have difficulty explaining.Sure a lot of what was covered may seem too basic for those of us with more background than others--nevertheless a book is read by a wide range of readers-- all of which have different backgrounds--and a good author will make sure to take care of everyone. The bottom line is this... If you want to learn mac programming this book will launch you in the right direction. You will learn enough to know what steps to take next.
Rating:
Summary: Good start book, just start
Review: No doubt this is a good book for starter and in all just that. Some very basic like dialog box design or a little bit advanced like memory management are all missing from the book. However, if you're first on Mac programming, take two days read this book to get rough ideas. Then read 'Programming Starter Kit for Macintosh'. It's an old title but contains some more info. CodeWarrior Professional CDROM includes the whole 2nd book. But, where is a C++ book for CodeWarrior!!??
Rating: 
Summary: This book teaches just the basics of mac programming.
Review: The book is very good, and offers a very good source of information for those who never programmed before, or whose last experience with programming was with the BASIC language. The only thing I think is that today most ppl would prefer to learn C++ and RealBasic, so this book could change its focus. Also, there could be much more examples - it was just too basic. I mean, it's good to get acquainted with C, but offers no good stimulating goals, nor truly useful programs. It could come with a C reference book, so readers could try to discover other interesting C stuff by themselvs.
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