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The Audio Unit Development Cycle

Audio unit development typically follows these steps:

1. Design the audio unit: specify the audio unit’s action, programmatic and user interface, and bundle configuration information.

2. Create and configure an appropriate Xcode project.

3. Implement the audio unit including parameters, factory presets, and properties—all described in the next chapter; implement copy protection, if desired; implement the synthesis, DSP, or data format conversion code.

4. Implement a graphical user interface—known as a custom view—if desired. Implement parameter automation support, if desired.

5. Validate and test the audio unit.

6. Deploy the audio unit bundle by packaging it in an installer or by providing installation instructions.

As with any software development, each of these steps typically entails iteration.

The tutorial later in this document, “Tutorial: Building a Simple Effect Unit with a Generic View,” leads you through most of these steps.

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