macOS Xcode without applestore login

[jjuhlin]

I don't really have a 'programming' question. I just have an Xcode IDE question.

I have only used C++ on PC's. I loaded Xcode 8 on my Mac so that I could retire my PC. I only want to make console programs for own personal use on my own computer. I started a project just to see what it was like and part way in I am asked to create a developer account and provide Applestore ID login information. Do I have to do everything under the ever watchful eye of the Applestore? One can never completely cut the umbilical cord to the internet, but I try to limit my exposure where I can. Xcode does not seem inclined to let me proceed without setting up a developer account with Apple.

I looked through a book on Xcode and it did not answer this question. It was for Xcode 4 and the latest version is 8. I did not see a book on Xcode 8 at the bookstore. I seem to recall that Xcode had originally only been available to registered developers but I had heard that was no longer the case.

Is this really necessary?

Does this mean that whenever I use Xcode I need to be tethered to the Applestore?

 

[Red Menace]

You won't see many books on Xcode, since they are pretty much obsolete by the time they are produced/printed.

Xcode phones home when it is started up, and the AppStore checks to see if you need an update, but you don't need to allow that or sign in anywhere to run it. You may also have a build setting, such as code-signing, that is looking for a certificate. If you are self-signing or not code-signing at all, you don't need an AppleID for that either.

 

[960design]

I just have an Xcode IDE question.

We got you.

I looked through a book on Xcode and it did not answer this question. It was for Xcode 4 and the latest version is 8. I did not see a book on Xcode 8 at the bookstore.

XCode 9 is the current version on my computer.
Here is a good starting place to learn about XCode:
https://developer.apple.com/library/content/referencelibrary/GettingStarted/DevelopiOSAppsSwift/

A better place for XCode / Swift( scroll down for tutorials ):
https://www.hackingwithswift.com/read

I seem to recall that Xcode had originally only been available to registered developers but I had heard that was no longer the case.

XCode is available to anyone that has access to the app store. With that you, do indeed need to create ( or own ) a free AppleID.

Does this mean that whenever I use Xcode I need to be tethered to the Applestore?

Sort of, you can deploy apps to a local device as long as it is registered within the developers portal. I occassionally write software offshore, far from networks/internets and can deploy to local test devices.

 

[RocksIRC]

does xcode 9.1 work with el captain 10.11.6? if no what is last version to work with el captain 10.11.x?

 

[Red Menace]

You need to be running 10.12.6 Sierra for Xcode 9. Looks like Xcode 8.2.1 is the highest version for 10.11.5 El Capitan. You can get it from Apple's Developer Downloads.

 

[mfram]

If you want to make console programs with C++ then I assume you are comfortable using the Bash command line. In that case, ignore Xcode entirely. Make sure you tell Xcode to install the command line tools. Then you'll get gcc, g++, etc in your path. Then you can just do all your builds with Makefiles and command-line tools. Don't need Xcode at all to make programs.

 

[gnasher729]

I don't really have a 'programming' question. I just have an Xcode IDE question.

I have only used C++ on PC's. I loaded Xcode 8 on my Mac so that I could retire my PC. I only want to make console programs for own personal use on my own computer. I started a project just to see what it was like and part way in I am asked to create a developer account and provide Applestore ID login information. Do I have to do everything under the ever watchful eye of the Applestore? One can never completely cut the umbilical cord to the internet, but I try to limit my exposure where I can. Xcode does not seem inclined to let me proceed without setting up a developer account with Apple.

I looked through a book on Xcode and it did not answer this question. It was for Xcode 4 and the latest version is 8. I did not see a book on Xcode 8 at the bookstore. I seem to recall that Xcode had originally only been available to registered developers but I had heard that was no longer the case.

Is this really necessary?

Does this mean that whenever I use Xcode I need to be tethered to the Applestore?

If you fear the "ever watchful eye of the Applestore" (it's called AppStore, by the way), why don't you go to the developer website at developer.apple.com and read what it actually says?