Apple is going to begin sandboxing, or implementing a security system, for all new apps submitted after March 1, 2012. Developers are a little nervous about this new security system because they fear that sandboxing may force them to strip out certain features already existing. Customers have purchased certain apps for specific functioning, so if the apps have to be stripped, the customers may be angry at the developers, not at Apple.
Sandboxing is a security system that will limit how individual application’s can access your computer. Rather than allowing an app full access to your computers’ memory or file structure, a sandboxed app is instead confined to its own dedicated space, so it may not be able to work with other apps. The sandboxing is designed to protect your computer from allowing an infected app from taking over your entire computer, rather than keeping the sick app contained.
Developers will still be able to create apps requesting specific permissions for their apps, like read/write access to Music, Downloads, or Pictures folders, interaction with USB devices, printing, ect. Unlike Windows and Android, which display a list of features that apps will be able to access and ask for a user’s approval, Apple will determine whether an app should be granted the entitlements the developer requests.
What developers are most concerned with are the existing apps already out there that work with existing programs that customers have already paid for. Apple told developers that turning on “the default sandbox environment is as simple as checking the right checkbox” when they code their apps.
Java script training can be broadened for developers with on-line training. If you are developing new apps for Apple, make sure you are aware of their new sandboxing rules.
While many developers are concerned, it’s clear that many apps will be minimally affected by the sandboxing changes. There is also considerable evidence that Apple’s working to figure out how to sandbox in a way that works for as many developers as possible. For the Mac, iPhone and the iPad, Apple clearly owes its success to their developers. “There’s an app for that” exists only because of the successful developer ecosystem Apple created for iOS.
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