---
title: About the Transition to Xcode 4
framework: ides
role: article
path: apple-archive/documentation/IDEs/Conceptual/Xcode4TransitionGuide/Introduction
---

# About the Transition to Xcode 4

Explains how to get started using Xcode 4 if you

## At a Glance

There are many improvements and new features in Xcode 4. A very partial list includes:

- Xcode 4 has a new, single-window interface for all major workflows (you can have multiple workspace windows and multiple tabs per window). - Interface Builder is fully integrated with the main Xcode application. - Assistant provides a second editor pane that complements the file you’re working on—for example, if you’re working on an implementation file, it can automatically find and open the corresponding header file. - Fix-it checks your symbol names and code syntax as you type, highlights any errors it detects, and in some cases can even fix them for you. - The version editor works with Git or Subversion to show a file’s entire SCM history and compare any two versions of a file. - The LLVM 2.0 compiler includes full support for C, Objective-C, and C++. - The LLDB debugger is faster and uses less memory than the GDB debugging engine. - Xcode 4 lets you work on several interdependent projects in the same window, automatically determining dependencies so that it builds the projects in the right order.

### Use Xcode 4 for Development on Recent OS Versions

Xcode 4 runs on the current release of OS X and comes with current releases of OS X and iOS software development kits (SDKs).

### Open Your Project in Xcode 4

You can start a new project or open your Xcode 3 project in Xcode 4. Following this introduction, the first couple of chapters help you get started.

Relevant Chapters: [Using an Existing Xcode 3 Project](../ExistingProject/ExistingProject.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009984-CH2-SW21) , [Creating a New Xcode 4 Project](../NewProject/NewProject.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009984-CH4-SW1) .

### Get Oriented to Xcode’s Organization and Features

Xcode 4 is fundamentally different than Xcode 3, so whether you’re new to Apple platforms or an experienced Apple developer, you should read the next chapter to learn about Xcode 4.

Relevant Chapter: [Orientation to Xcode 4](../Orientation/Orientation.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009984-CH5-SW1) .

### Learn How to Use Xcode 4 to Design a User Interface

One of the most obvious differences between Xcode 3 and Xcode 4 is that Interface Builder is now fully integrated into the Xcode application. The chapter on the Interface Builder highlights the advantages that ensue from this change.

Relevant Chapter: [Designing User Interfaces in Xcode 4](../InterfaceBuilder/InterfaceBuilder.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009984-CH6-SW1) .

### Debug and Refine Your Code In Xcode 4

Xcode 4 provides a consistent interface for debugging regardless of which supported debugger you use.

Relevant Chapters: [Orientation to Xcode 4](../Orientation/Orientation.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009984-CH5-SW1) , [Debugging and Analyzing Your Code](../Debugging/Debugging.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009984-CH3-SW1) , [Replacing Text and Refactoring](../Refactoring/Refactoring.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009984-CH8-SW5) .

### Back Up Your Code and Use Source Control

Xcode provides easy backups with snapshots and provides access to the most commonly used features of source control repositories.

Relevant Chapter: [Repositories, Snapshots, and Archives](../SCM/SCM.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009984-CH7-SW10) .

### Use Archives to Distribute Your Program

When you’re ready to share your program with others, create an archive to distribute or to submit to iTunes Connect.

Relevant Chapter: [Repositories, Snapshots, and Archives](../SCM/SCM.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009984-CH7-SW10) .

[Next](../ExistingProject/ExistingProject.html)

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