Question

I would prefer to create my interfaces programatically. Seems as if all the docs on Apple Developer assume you’re using Interface Builder. Is it possible to create these interfaces programatically, and if so where do I start learning about how to do this

I thought the relevant document for this, if possible would be in this section: http://developer.apple.com/referencelibrary/Cocoa/idxUserExperience-date.html

Answer 1

I would prefer to create my interfaces programatically.

Why? Interface Builder is easier and faster. You can’t write a typo by drag and drop, and you don’t get those oh-so-handy Aqua guides when you’re typing rectangles by hand.

Don’t fight it. Interface Builder is your friend. Let it help you.

If you insist on wasting your own time and energy by writing your UI in code:

Not document-based (generally library-based, like Mail, iTunes, iPhoto): Create a subclass of NSObject, instantiate it, and make it the application’s delegate, and in the delegate’s applicationDidFinishLaunching: method, create a window, populate it with views, and order it front.

Document-based (like TextEdit, Preview, QuickTime Player): In the makeWindowControllers method in your subclass of NSDocument, create your windows (and populate them with views) and create window controllers for them, making sure to send yourself addWindowController: for each window controller.