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What are the most commonly used technologies in iOS application design?
iOS applications are a way to effectively harness the potential of the mobile platform used by millions of users worldwide. With its global reach, iOS currently ranks second among the most popular and preferred operating systems for mobile devices. Applications built on this platform are gaining increasing recognition among both B2C consumers and owners of various businesses who see this solution as an opportunity to achieve their business goals efficiently. So, what does the process of creating iOS applications look like? What technologies are used in the design process?
Creating iOS Applications - Used Technologies
One advantage of iOS that should be noted in the context of developing mobile applications for this system is the shorter programming process and less time-consuming testing phase. This is because iOS operates within a closed ecosystem, utilizing a limited number of devices exclusively produced by Apple. These include products such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs.
When creating the architecture of an iOS application, the widely implemented design pattern called Model-View-Controller (MVC) is commonly used. The specificity of this architecture lies in dividing the application into three separate parts: UI, data, and code. At iMakeable, we appreciate this solution as it allows for easier and more efficient application development in the future. Moreover, the division into individual layers also results in better organization of the entire system architecture. The separation of each logical part of the application also means that a change in one place does not require modifications in other areas of the system. This significantly speeds up the work of programmers and shortens the time of application design.
The choice of technology for creating a mobile application on iOS primarily depends on its purpose and the goals it is intended to achieve. We discuss these issues in detail in the initial stage of the project during its specification phase. At that time, we also determine the target device for which the software is to be developed. This decision entails the use of specific platforms and tools. At iMakeable, we design mobile applications for iPhones and Apple Watches using widely recognized IT industry technologies such as Swift and React Native.
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Swift
We use Swift technology when our clients want to create a fully native solution dedicated to a specific platform. Swift is an open-source object-oriented programming language developed by Apple to fully support their operating systems. It enables the creation of native iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and iPadOS applications. Swift is considered a modern replacement for the somewhat outdated Objective-C. It was designed with simplicity in mind, drawing inspiration from languages like Python and Ruby.
Our developers often use Swift technology in their projects because it is characterized by a relatively simple and intuitive code structure and the speed guaranteed by LLVM (Low-Level Virtual Machine), a highly efficient program compilation technology. Swift also offers great flexibility in terms of types, as it can return multiple value types simultaneously, which is not possible in languages like Java or C++. When combined with its high level of safety and automatic memory management, it's no wonder that Swift is popularly used for writing applications that require significant device-side processing and resource utilization. Therefore, if you have an idea for an innovative digital product on iOS with a high level of complexity, you can be sure that iMakeable will successfully realize this project.
React Native
On the other hand, React Native is a cross-platform framework based on the JavaScript language. We propose this technology to clients who want to create dedicated software for multiple platforms simultaneously. React Native allows for the development of modern mobile applications that work on both iOS and Android (which still dominates the IT services market). In this case, the programmer writes one code that is translated into native code supported by each platform and then compiled into the appropriate application. This process is made possible through the use of bridges that connect and translate JavaScript elements with
native elements. The JavaScript part is responsible for the business logic, functionality, and interface appearance of the iOS application, while the native part and the main thread are responsible for correctly displaying and directly handling user actions.
The ability to compile code into native programming languages is also facilitated by the hot reloading feature, which makes changes visible almost immediately after they are applied. This allows the programmer to create only one code instead of two, resulting in significant time and cost savings (both in terms of iOS application development and its subsequent maintenance). Additionally, using a single codebase for multiple systems speeds up the development process. It is worth noting that React Native has a large community, which is also an important aspect when choosing a technology.
Regarding React Native technology, it is important to mention that the exact percentage of shared code depends on the technological advancement of the iOS application being developed. The number of specific elements utilized on each platform also plays a role. In general, it can be stated that the entire process involved in using React Native technology is most efficient for applications with few unique elements. It works exceptionally well for creating MVP versions of digital products.
Creating applications on iOS is an important aspect of your company's development, but you are unsure which technology to choose for this project. As an experienced software house, we use many modern platforms and tools in our work. At the beginning of each collaboration, we spend a lot of time discussing the project specification in detail, during which we propose the optimal technology for the given project. At iMakeable, we always justify the choice of suggested solutions, focusing on the individual needs and business goals of our clients.
