Understanding Xcode: Know Its Purpose and Utilization 

If you are an experienced developer, you already know what Xcode is about. However, if you are a budding developer who has no idea whatsoever, we are here to enlighten you on the topic of developing apps through Xcode. However before we do that, a little history about Xcode would be helpful to understand it better.

Apple established Xcode on 23rd October 2003. It is an Integrated Development Environment released by Apple to develop apps for any platform whatsoever, specific to Apple devices. You can utilize Xcode to manage your entire development workflow which ranges from creating your app to examining, optimizing, and releasing it into the App Store. So let us unravel the mystery around Xcode and learn the process of using it to develop apps. 

According to Statista, Xcode stands out as a key player in the application development market.

Understanding Xcode

Xcode is Apple’s official IDE that provides developers with the complete toolkit to develop apps for platforms such as iOS, tvOS, macOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Xcode is also able to support multiple programming languages such as Swift, Objective-C, C, Objective-C++, Java, Python, and others. 

👉 Know more about Swift & Objective-C

Evolution of Xcode through the years

It is a rather interesting journey that Apple’s official IDE has gone through. From its inception to its maturity, and the present, all these timelines have seen the eventual progression of Xcode. This journey has made Xcode what it is today and mentioned below is the chain of events that took place along the road resulting in its establishment of:

• In 1992, a company called NeXT released an IDE called Project Builder which was a unique tool for developing applications. It supported Objective-C which delivered cutting-edge applications (of its time).

• After Apple bought NeXT, they released a refurbished and rebranded Project Builder which was eventually changed to Xcode in 2003. This is the year when Xcode was founded and put to work.

• Eventually, in 2005, newer updates and a better version of Xcode were awaited, and Xcode 2 incorporated features such as Quartz Composer which was used to string animations together, and Apple Reference Library which allowed developers to quickly look up the documentation. 

• Next year, Xcode 2.1 was released which was another major step towards its success since it switched to Intel processors that facilitated the use of universally binary applications to function on both processors.  

• The following year saw the rise of the iPhone. The iPhone was introduced in 2007 however, wasn’t released until 2008. However, due to its creation, Apple could target both MacOS X and iPhone OS 2.0 with the help of the iPhone SDK. This was made possible due to the introduction of Xcode 3.1.

• Later on in 2010, Swift was introduced and made its mark as one of the most popular programming languages. It was integrated into Xcode which also developed Playground to iterate it. 

• 2015 saw multiple changes as Swift was declared the official language for app development for iOS. Xcode provided support for Swift 2.0 language updates, introduced Metal, and many iOS devices were deployed without the help of a developer through Xcode 7.
  
  

Features of Xcode

Now that you understand the history of Xcode better, it is time to acknowledge the different features that Xcode provides:

• Integrated Development Environment- Xcode is a finished IDE that offers developers an integrated working environment to design user interfaces, test, code, and debug applications for iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.

• Simulator Experience- This provides the developer with hands-on experience to test and analyze their apps when a real device is unavailable for their use. 

• Machine Learning- Xcode allows developers to develop and personalize their custom machine learning models to integrate in the final version of their app. 

• Build System- Xcode allows developers to connect their macOS apps to Apple Silicon and develop a version of it that is functional on both Intel-specific Mac PCs. Developers execute their code in a binary manner and customize their project settings to develop their code. 

• User Interface Design- There are multiple tools available in Xcode to help the developer design intuitive user interfaces like SwiftUI. This helps the developer in coding interfaces and building UI views graphically with the help of controls and modifiers. 

• Traffic Analysis- Xcode allows developers to compare HTTP-based network productivity with app usability.

• App Entitlement Diagnosis- Xcode allows developers to examine their app’s entitlements at each stage of development to consider the errors and fix them. 

• Issue analysis using crash reports and device logs- Technical issues such as bugs and errors are diagnosed through Xcode using crash reports and device logs. 

• Programming languages- Xcode supports Swift, Apple’s official programming language which is quick, secure, and the most recent. Other languages it supports are C, C++, and Objective-C compilers specifically for legacy codes and other use cases.

• Instruments- Xcode can be used to profile and analyze the app’s performance, improve functionality, and pinpoint memory issues. Data can be accumulated using instruments and results are delivered using different tools. 

• Reality Composer- 3D compositions and Augmented Reality experiences can be created using this tool provided by Xcode.

• Swift Packages- Reusable code is supported by Xcode which allows developers to eliminate redundant lines of code. This code can be organized in a definitive structure and can be shared across multiple Xcode projects along with different developers.

• Debugging- Developers can analyze their program through Xcode to isolate bugs, pinpoint crashes, identify excess system resource usage, construct memory bugs, as well as examine view layout issues. They can also set breakpoints to cease their running up from functioning to locate the bugs by viewing the dynamic variables as they are displayed along their source code in the debugger. 

• Accessibility- Xcode completely supports the implementation of accessibility features in your app such as Assistive Touch, SwitchControl, and VoiceOver that allows a more versatile audience to experience your application. 

• Memory, thread, and crash issue diagnosis- Xcode’s sanitizer tools allow developers to identify a bunch of runtime crashes and undefined behaviors. 
  
  

Setting Xcode Up

Prerequisites and Installation Requirements

Although there have been multiple changes in the past Xcode versions, the ones below state the specifications required for the installation of the latest:

• macOS version 10.15.4 or later of a Mac computer
• Enough disk space to install and run Xcode on the drive seamlessly. 
• An Apple ID to install and run Xcode from the App Store
• Apple Developer Program membership for complete access to specific features such as code signing and app distribution.

Once you tick all the boxes in the list given above, it is time for you to install the latest Xcode version. There are two main parts to completely download the latest Xcode version. Just follow the steps mentioned below:

• Open the App Store on your Mac
• One appears on the search results, click on Xcode
• To commence the process click on the ‘Get’ or ‘Download’ button. 
• Register your Apple ID and Password when required 
• Installation will begin and once finished, you will find an Xcode file in your Applications folder.

The second part of the installation process requires command lines to be downloaded. You can do this with the help of Terminal:

• Open Terminal on the Mac.
• Type ‘xcode-select-install’ and then press Enter.
• The command line installation prompt will appear asking for your permission to be downloaded. Clicking on ‘Install’ will start the installation process.
• Xcode and related elements will be available on your Mac once the installation is finished. 
• Now that you have installed both the program and the command line tools, you are set to work on Xcode developing and creating newer and better apps than ever for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.

Depending on your specific project needs, other features such as multiple simulators, libraries, and dependencies can be installed as well. 

Using Xcode

Creating and Deploying Projects

Follow the steps given below to create a project in Xcode:

• Either open Xcode and click on ‘Create a new Xcode project’ or ‘File—> New—> Project’.
• Pick the template for the type of project you want to create. For instance iOS App, watchOS App, tvOS App, and macOS App. 
• Enter the necessary information about your project in the details such as project name, organization name, as well as bundle identifier.
• Pick the location you want to keep the project and then click on Create.
• For deploying your project, pick the device or simulator you want your app to function and click on the ‘Run’ button. 

Follow the steps given below to learn how to manage a project:

• You can use a Project navigator to manage your Xcode projects that are accessible from the left side of the panel. 
• Files can be managed within the project by just dragging and dropping them into the navigator.
• Other project settings such as signing and capabilities, build settings, as well as targets can also be managed using the navigator. 

Programming Languages in Xcode

When it comes to programming languages, Xcode supports a bunch of them. Each of these has a major purpose to serve and can be utilized for specific business requirements. Some of these languages are given below:

• Swift- The official language for iOS app development, it leverages speed and efficiency through its modern syntax that makes things simpler for the developers in Xcode projects.

• Objective-C- The predecessor to Swift, Objective is utilized to manage legacy codebases and integrate them with the existing libraries.

• Objective C++– Proficient and feature-rich in both Objective-C and C++, this language builds flexible apps due to its prominence in both the former languages.

• C- C is necessary in Xcode for managing low-grade tasks and performance optimization in specific situations.

• C++– Majorly utilized in game development and system-grade programming, Xcode’s capabilities in developing robust and high-performance applications are increased. 

• Java- Java in Xcode is utilized for cross-platform projects as well as Android implementation which increases Xcode’s reach.

• AppleScript- AppleScript allows automation and scripting for multiple macOS apps and offers Xcode complete management and control over these apps.

• Python- Python programming language is used in scripting and automation within Xcode. It can seamlessly integrate projects with Xcode workflows. 

• Ruby (Ruby on Rails)- Ruby is generally utilized in backend development, especially with Ruby on Rails, which impacts full-stack development overall. 
  
  
  

Updating Workflows

• Xcode provides in-built support for version control systems like Git which helps in updating your workflows.

• If you want to update your workflows, develop a new branch, make changes, commit your changes, and then integrate your changes back to the main branch.

• Continuous integration and delivery workflows are also supported by Xcode with services like Jenkins or Travis CI. 
  
  
  

Stay updated with new paradigms and methodologies

• Every time Apple releases a new product, it is showcased on its products page. So make sure to have access to it and keep yourself updated with all the latest versions in the market.

• A highly opinionated company like Apple has multiple resources and communities online so make sure to read and find the best training grounds where you can practice with Xcode and Swift.

• Look out for Human Interaction Design when you are designing apps on Xcode. 
  
  
  

Ways to boost productivity in Xcode

• Keyboard Shortcuts- Xcode comprises multiple keyboard shortcuts that aid in navigating and working quickly. Rote some of the most common keyboard shortcuts and use them frequently. 

• Workspace Customization- Xcode allows you to customize the layout of your project to suit your workflow. This includes the addition or removal of panels, adjustment of their size and position, along with developing your custom workspaces. 

• Code Snippets- Xcode offers a library of code snippets that enhances the efficiency of your coding. You can also create custom snippets of your choice to use.

• Use Autocomplete- Xcode comes with a robust autocomplete feature that allows you to save time on typing. Based on the context of your code, autocorrect will suggest code completions.

• Debugging Tools- There is a range of debugging tools that can help you not just locate the bug but also fix it without any issues. Understand how to use these tools and implement them in your daily coding activities. 

• Version Control- There are multiple version controls that Xcode can integrate with such as Git, Perforce, and SVN. You can track your changes and collaborate with other developers using version control. 
  
  
  

Conclusion

Now that you have reached the end of the article, it must be much clearer to you what Xcode is all about as well as how one can use it. There are multiple reasons why Xcode is so preferred amongst the Apple app development community. These reasons have been all mentioned above. Make sure you go through every one of them.

Xcode is an IDE that allows developers to create apps for any Apple device or platform. It also contains a variety of features that make the majority of the work simpler and possible. Multiple programming languages have specific development values which is why you need to pick one according to your business’ needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. Can Xcode be used by beginners or is it exclusively for experts?

Xcode can be used by developers of all degrees, be they a beginner or an expert. Even though it provides advanced features to the experts, it also offers beginners the right tools and intuitive interface to kickstart their projects. 

2. What are some of the features of Xcode that make it a robust development tool?

Some of the features of Xcode are Interface Builder which designs unique interfaces, advanced code editing capabilities, simulators for testing, debugging tools, and version control systems integration such as Git which bolsters it as a robust development tool. 

3. Can Xcode be installed on Windows?

No, it is not possible to install Xcode on Windows. However, installing a Mac OS on it with the help of a virtual machine can help you install Xcode on Windows.

4. Is Xcode free?

No, Xcode is a premium IDE which is why it charges a user fee. There are multiple payment options like pay-as-you-go as well as subscription-based payment. The majority of the developers utilize the latter as it refrains them from losing any money.