Apple publicly released Xcode 4.3 in the Mac App Store (link) yesterday, which includes a number of notable improvements, including eliminating the need for an installer. Now instead of downloading an installer package from the Mac App Store, the software is offered directly as an app.
What’s New in Version 4.3
Xcode is now distributed as an application, rather than as an installer. This change enables Xcode to be updated directly from the Mac App Store.
– Includes SDKs for Mac OS X 10.7 Lion and iOS 5
– New code signing workflow supports signing OS X apps with Developer ID
– Adds installation of command-line tools to the Downloads preference pane
– Open Developer Tool menu launches Instruments, File Merge, and other tools
– ARC migration tool converts both retain/release and garbage collected code
– Additional bug fixes and stability improvements
Xcode is a free download, but submitting apps to the Mac or iOS App Stores requires a paid membership in Apple’s respective developer programs.