Simulate running an older version of OS X

Question

How to simulate a run on an older version of OS X?

Now my application works with 10.7 and 10.8, but I want to make it compatible with 10.6. Since I am using the new apis, I am still compiling with the 10.8 base SDK, I can only change the deployment target.

So, on my OS X 10.8, how can I simulate a run on OS X 10.6? (If it is possible)

thanks

Answer 1

TheZ mentions virtual machines. Lots of hoops to jump with licensing.

My personal "path of least resistance" was to use the old PPC Mac Mini and almost like the old Intel. PPC launches 10.4 to test an old application; Intel mini loads various OS versions with which to test. All installation images are one-time and can be recovered from a network volume for a clean environment no matter what I do with it.

If you are not interested in PPC, then just use Intel Mac Mini, divide it into older versions of the OS and use it exclusively as a test environment.