Xcode Overview: About xcode

Original article: xcode Overview: Introduction

About xcode

Xcode is Apple's integrated development environment (IDE). developers can use it to build apps for Apple iPad, iPhone, and Mac devices. During application creation, testing, optimization, and submission to App Store, xcode provides developers with tools to manage the entire development workflow.

Overview

Download xcode from MAC App Store for free. After the download is complete, xcode will automatically appear in the system's Launchpad. Click the xcode icon to open it.

Single-window interface)

Xcode integrates code editing, uidesign, asset management, testing, debugging, and other sections in a single workspace window. These windows will be reconfigured based on the developer's work. For example, if you select a file in a region, the editor will be opened in another region. If you select a symbol or UI object, its document will appear in the adjacent panel.

You can focus on a task by displaying only the required content, for example, displaying only the source code or UI layout. Alternatively, you can perform code and UI layout at the same time. You can open multiple windows or multiple tabs in each window to further customize the environment.

Related chapters: Develop your app in the workspace window, maintain your code and other resources in projects or workspaces.

Auxiliary source code editing

Whether you use objective-C, SWIFT, C, C ++, or a combination of these languages, xcode will detect your input. When xcode notices an error, if possible, the source code editor will highlight the error and provide repair. Xcode accelerates your input through the smart complementing feature. You can use existing code snippets or source file templates to further reduce your input. In swift, playgrounds allows you to perform interactive coding without building and running applications.

You can simply configure the source code editor to display multiple views of the same file, or view multiple related files at a time. Searching, substitution, and Refactoring can help you quickly and securely modify code. With a variety of functions, xcode makes it easier to write high-quality code.

Related chapter: write code in the source editor.

Graphic user interface design

Interface Builder (IB) is a visual design editor integrated in xcode. Developers can use IB combination windows, interfaces, controls, menus, and other elements (you can configure the object library or the elements in the library you created) to build the iOS or Mac app user interface. Developers can use storyboards to specify the application flow and transition between scenarios, and then graphically connect objects and transitions Based on the Execution Code.

Use xcode's auto layout feature to define constraints for projects so that they can be automatically adjusted based on screen size, window size, and localization. Use size classes to adjust your mobile UI for any screen size combination and orientation: Customize auto layout constraints, add or remove views, or even change fonts.

 

The asset directory in xcode helps you manage multiple images in the app user interface that will be used soon-such as icons, custom works of fine arts, and startup pictures. With xcode particle transmitters, you can increase the level of iOS or Mac games by adding animation effects, such as snowflakes, sparks, and smog. For Mac applications, the scenekit editor can help you create a scenario using a 3D creation tool and output it as a digital asset Exchange (DAE) file.

Related chapters: Build a user interface and add icons, images, and effects.

Integrated debugging

When xcode starts an application in debug mode, it immediately starts the debug session. If you are running an iOS app, xcode will enable it on the IOS simulator or iOS device connected to Mac. If you are running a Mac app, xcode will open it directly on your Mac.

 

You can directly debug the application in the source code editor. Move the mouse over the variable name to view the object content, and then use Quick look to detect a special value. The debugging area and the debugging navigator allow you to carefully control application execution when checking code. For more refined control, the console provides command lines to access the debugger.

The debug dashboard displays the resource consumption of the application to help you determine the location of the application before you discover the problem.

Related chapters: Run your app and debug your app.

Testing and continuous integration

To help you develop a high-quality application, xcode contains a testing framework for functional and performance testing. You can write test cases and use the test navigator to run the test and view the test results. You can perform unit tests. Performance testing ensures that important parts of the app do not wait for users. Set a trigger for periodically running tests so that you can capture regression defects (regression bugs) in code and performance ).

Run your test in the test navigator, view the test results, and make any necessary changes to pass the test. You can use xcode Service to perform tests automatically. You can create a bots running on a separate server to perform unit tests on a regular basis, or execute tasks each time the source code is submitted.

In addition to running unit tests, bots automatically performs Static Analysis Based on code to build your applications and archive projects for distribution to testers or submission to app store. Although continuous integration of executable apps, bots reports compilation errors, warnings, static analyzer problems, and failed unit tests.

Related chapters: test your app

Automatic saving, engineering snapshot, and source code control management

During work, xcode automatically saves your changes to the source code and project files. This feature does not require configuration, because xcode keeps track of your changes and saves them. You can use the Undo and revert document commands to restore files to their previous states.

You can use the restore snapshot command to restore the entire project to a snapshot of a previous version. Snapshots make the current version of the backup project very easy. You can use File> Create snapshot to create a snapshot, or set xcode to automatically create a snapshot before performing a large number of editing operations, and use it as part of the workflow.

To more accurately track changes, you can use xcode's source code control function. Xcode supports two popular source code control systems: git and subversion. You can access the remote git and subversion source code repositories and create a local git repository. By using xcode service for OS X Server, You can host a git repository on your own server.

Related chapters: Save and revert changes.

Comprehensive documentation

Xcode provides you with detailed technical information when coding. Quick help provides you with concise API Information in the view as needed. You can use step-by-step instructions to execute regular xcode tasks. You will find xcode help information is prone.

Xcode contains a large number of usage documents and provides a comprehensive SDK documentation, including programming guide, tutorials, sample code, detailed framework api reference, and demonstration videos from Apple engineers. All these resources can be found in the xcode document viewer and can be automatically downloaded in the background to update the document.

Related chapters: learn more about xcode

Distribute the application to the tester or submit it to the app store.

You spend most of your time coding tasks, but for App Store Development, You need to execute a series of management tasks within the app lifecycle. In addition to xcode, you also need to use member center to manage Developer Program accounts and benefits. You will also use iTunes connect to check the contract status, set taxes, and bank information, obtain revenue and financial reports and manage app metadata.

Xcode project configuration helps you distribute your applications to testers and submit them to the app store. Submitting to app store is a multi-step process that starts when you sign iTunes connect and provide necessary product information. In xcode, you need to create a project file and submit it to the store. After the application is approved, you can use iTunes connect to set the release date. (If you distribute Mac apps outside the store, you need to follow a slightly different process step)

Related chapters: app distribution Guide

For more information, see

All used in this document are from the adventure xcode project in code: explained adventure. To study the xcode features described in this document on Mac, download xcode from App Store and click the link in this section to download the adventure project.

This Guide describes the main features and functions of xcode. To learn how to use xcode, read start developing IOS apps today or start developing Mac apps today. In these documents, you can use xcode to create a simple application and learn the basic objective-C Programming Guide.

Xcode Overview: About xcode