Native macOS application, or the world of AppKit
summary
Argues that a truly native macOS app means using AppKit/Cocoa correctly, following the Human Interface Guidelines, and leveraging native components for accessibility and system behaviors; cites CotEditor as a real project built in Swift and maintained solo that succeeds because it integrates with macOS. Reports survey results: ~10% had AppKit experience and ~5% keep projects active. Warns that Marzipan/SwiftUI-style ports feel like “iPad emulators” and do not replace deliberate macOS design.
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chapters (11)
- 0:00Start
- 4:41What's a native macOS application?
- 7:06Application's domain in display
- 7:33Window to content
- 9:58System features among applications
- 13:08Integrate into platform culture
- 13:53Developer's ego
- 14:45Skill set for GUI application development
- 15:23Tools for native macOS application
- 16:31How about Marzipan?
- 18:20A good application should...








