Programming in Objective-C

14. Introduction to the Foundation Framework

A framework is a collection of classes, methods, functions, and documentation logically grouped together to make developing programs easier. On the Mac under OS X, about 50 frameworks exist for developing applications, working with the Mac's Address Book structure, burning CDs, developing QuickTime applications, using audio devices, and so on.

The framework that provides the base or foundation for all your program development is called the Foundation framework. This framework is the subject of this second part of this book. It allows you to work with basic objects, such as numbers and strings, and with collections of objects, such as arrays, dictionaries, and sets. Other capabilities provide for working ...