Mac Catalyst

[Max]

I wonder if Mac Catalyst might make it relatively easy to get the HanDBase app onto Mac computers without having to re-write the original Mac Desktop program for 64 bits. Here's Apple's very recent description of Catalyst:

"Experience your favorite iPad apps now on your Mac. With Mac Catalyst, developers can easily create Mac apps from the iPad apps you already know and love. They run natively alongside your existing Mac apps so you can drag and drop content between them. They take full advantage of the larger screen and powerful architecture of your Mac. And because they are built from their iOS versions, they provide a seamless experience across your devices. Enjoy a broad range of Mac apps — from travel, entertainment, and gaming to banking, education, and project management."

Here's a lot more info on the Apple website: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/ios/overview/mac-catalyst/

And here's how to make a Mac version of an app: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode/creating_a_mac_version_of_your_ipad_app

Yesterday Apple released the Catalina OS, which has many new and attractive features, but which apparently is 64 bit ONLY. So this is a tough time for anyone who uses HanDBase and Macs.

[curtterp]

macOS Catalina is 64 bit only.

[Max]

macOS Catalina is 64 bit only.

Right, Curt--and upgrading a Mac to Catalina will prevent both the Mac HanDBase Desktop and the Wine version of Windows Desktop from opening on that Mac. In other words, there will be no working HanDBase Desktop for that Mac computer. (The only workaround I know of would be to install Parallels or some other Windows emulator or buy a Windows computer. I'd do that for HanDBase--but only if there were no other way to access its files on my Mac.)

But if HanDBase can run in Catalyst, it should be possible to use most or all of its functions on a Mac without having to re-write the code. That would be better than the current Desktop for Macs.

[ddhsoftwareadmin]

Hi Max,

Sorry for the delayed reply- was heads down getting HanDBase for Mac working in 64 bit builds. Regarding Catalyst, I have been watching the Catalyst technology since it was first teased a year ago this spring. I had/have every intention of trying to see how far I can get with porting the iPad version to the Mac, however, its not going to be as straightforward as compiling it for the Mac since the iPad version is missing all of the features needed on the desktop like a sync manager, import and export with options, file browser, etc. It could make things quite a bit easier overall though and I'm hopeful it will be a success.

A few roadblocks:

1. I can't currently use Catalyst as I can't upgrade my Mac to Catalina! This is because I use many programs (HanDBase for Mac being one of them) that require 32 bit only. Photoshop CS4 and a few other tools I use are also still 32 bit. I have to figure out what I'm going to do about that since I can't really afford to spend more money on Photoshop after buying the production suite for around 1600 dollars!

2. HanDBase for iPad is not written using the latest Swift as most newer apps are, its based on Objective C and C++. And its not using Storyboards and Autolayout as most newer apps are, all UI is done programmatically, so I'm not sure how well the tool will work with HanDBase code.

That said, I do plan on getting there eventually, as soon as its feasible. I'll let you know how it goes!

[MattKauf]

Hi Dave,

I am sorry for the problems you face in trying to upgrade a terrific 32-bit App to 64-Bit. But for those of us who have converted to Catalina already, the dire need if for the 64-bit version of HanDBase for the Desktop Mac is our current problem. There are only three options as I see it. Locate/borrow time on a Mac/buy a 64-Bit running used Mac, create a 32-bit OS running within the Catalina 64-bit environment or tell us that there is no hope in the foreseeable future to be able to use our App or to figure out a way to update the data on our mobile devices.

I'm sorry for being a "Bit" cold here, but we end users of your App need help as well.
Matt