What version of MacOS X do I choose as a developer?

[1ncend1ary]

I want to choose a stable version that is not buggy (and preferably secure)
I read online that Mojave was great, but ended up using High Sierra for a while (and really liked it). Mojave (for the several hours I used it) felt clunky and rushed, I had problems with XCode and other tools.
So what would you suggest?

 

[Wowfunhappy]

I also prefer High Sierra to Mojave (and both to Catalina).

But, uh... a problem you're going to run into is that the latest XCode only supports the last two OS's (or so), and older versions of XCode can't always open newer projects, or can't compile them properly. So If you're a professional developer, I'm not sure you're going to have a choice in the matter.

 

[ian87w]

Wouldn't it be better for a developer to always have the latest OS to test out the latest APIs?

 

[1ncend1ary]

Wouldn't it be better for a developer to always have the latest OS to test out the latest APIs?

I don’t need to test the latest APIs and the latest versions of all tools I use are available for older MacOS versions

 

[1ncend1ary]

I also prefer High Sierra to Mojave (and both to Catalina).

But, uh... a problem you're going to run into is that the latest XCode only supports the last two OS's (or so), and older versions of XCode can't always open newer projects, or can't compile them properly. So If you're a professional developer, I'm not sure you're going to have a choice in the matter.

I only need XCode developer and command line tools. I installed an older version of XCode on High Sierra and had no problems (and I did run into problems on Mojave)

 

[ssmed]

I would get into Catalina/Xcode 11.7 (currently) and the complexities of being able to distribute your apps in a way where they are future proof for general use. If you have a really narrow purpose using another tool such as a compilable database design app might be more appropriate for you especially in a business context.

 

[Wowfunhappy]

I only need XCode developer and command line tools. I installed an older version of XCode on High Sierra and had no problems (and I did run into problems on Mojave)

The problem is going to be if you need to run other people's projects—or, if you're developing Mac or iOS apps for other people to use, exporting software that works on your users's machines. If none of that applies, High Sierra is a great choice. Best version of OS X since Mavericks, and (unlike Mavericks) still supported by most software.

 

[dickie001x]

Mojave

 

[Joeronzk]

Mojave is a slightly better than Catalina. However, both are working fine on my side.