Rushabh PatelIf you’re a registered Apple Developer, you’ll likely want to minimize potential app development mistakes and create profitable apps for iOS. And while that’s a worthwhile goal, it’s also incredibly challenging. Apple may have delivered a phenomenal platform for developers and users, but they don’t make life easy for developers. Apple expects developers to follow to their App Store Review Guidelines. Also, developers must familiarize themselves with Apple’s development, design, and brand and marketing guidelines. Not only is there plenty of documentation to get through, but it will likely take time to implement, especially if you’re new to iOS development. Moreover, there’s always a risk of making app development mistakes if you become too scattered trying to comply with these guidelines while attempting to create a great app. But you can accomplish your app development goals with these handy tips.
Let’s see in detailed points, the mistakes have to be avoided by iOS app developer while making:
1. Focus On iOS Initially
It is recommended to focus on one platform initially if you have limited resources or experience in mobile app development. Focusing on iOS can help familiarize yourself with the platform and create a better-performing app with a native UI/UX. This approach can also provide an incentive to develop a native iOS app instead of a hybrid one. You can always expand to other platforms later.
2. Use The Right Development Environment
To develop iOS apps, you need an Apple Mac, Xcode, the iOS SDK, and an iOS test device. Xcode is usually the primary development environment for iOS apps. For cross-platform apps or mobile games, additional tools such as Visual Studio with Xamarin or Flutter with Android Studio may be required. Game development may require Unity with Visual Studio or Unreal Engine with Visual Studio.
3. Learn Apple’s Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) And Frameworks
It is important to learn Apple’s APIs and frameworks in order to avoid common mistakes and ensure a successful app development process. This includes learning the Metal API for accessing the GPU, UIKit and SwiftUI for creating impressive animations, controls, inputs, UIs, and views, among others. However, care should be taken in the implementation of these IOS app development frameworks as they can impact the app’s structure, data, and resources.
4. Implement The Latest Swift Features
It is recommended to use the latest version of Swift, Apple’s flagship programming language, to access the latest features. Currently, Swift 5.5 allows for writing high-performance asynchronous code, resulting in more responsive apps as data is parsed in a background queue while the screen refreshes.
5. Failing to keep up with the latest iOS update
It is important to ensure that the app is compatible with the latest version of iOS as 85% of iOS users have the latest version on their device. Failing to keep up with the latest iOS update can lead to flaws in the app. This should be a consideration during both the design and ongoing development of the app. Regular updates to the app to maintain compatibility with the latest iOS version should be part of the app’s life cycle.
6. Misuse of Optionals
Optionals play an important role in preventing runtime errors by ensuring that every variable has a value when declared. However, there is a potential for misuse when assigning a value of “nil”, which requires the use of optional types. This is a complex area and should be handled by experienced iOS app developers.
7. Ignoring memory leaks
Ignoring memory leaks can lead to a gradual loss of available memory and negatively impact the performance of the app. This occurs when the app does not return memory to the RAM, resulting in it taking up more memory than it needs. To prevent this, it is important to have well-coded app that frees up resources once they are no longer needed. Failing to do so can cause the app to “freeze”, slowing the entire device until it is terminated by the operating system. This can lead to a poor user experience and potential deletion of the app.
8. Putting UI operations in a main thread
Performing UI operations in the main thread can result in bugs and negatively impact app performance. It is recommended to code these operations in a separate thread using different tools to block the main thread operation. This helps ensure a smooth and efficient app; as even small details can greatly impact usability.
Common Mistake – Using Storyboards Instead of XIBs
Many iOS application development companies using storyboards for the UI of an iOS app is a common mistake among new iOS developers. While storyboards provide a visual representation of the app’s navigation, they have several drawbacks such as difficulties in modification for multiple team members, the need for constant maintenance of controller and segue names, and a non-modular design that makes views less reusable. Moreover, in real applications, the complexity of the app’s navigation and data flows can make storyboards difficult to understand. XIBs are a better alternative, providing more flexibility and easier maintenance, especially when dealing with dynamic tables.
Using storyboards for iOS app development has some drawbacks, such as difficulties in modifying for multiple team members, forcing non-modular design, and making code maintenance difficult. It is better to use XIBs for UI development as they are more flexible, encourage modular design, and make code maintenance easier. However, using storyboards might be suitable for simple MVPs or quick UI prototyping and for static tables. Ultimately, the choice between storyboards and XIBs should be based on the specific needs and requirements of each project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, following best practices in iOS app development is crucial for success. Familiarize yourself with Apple’s guidelines and recommended tools, learn the APIs and frameworks, and stay updated with the latest Swift features. Maintaining a focus on user engagement and avoiding common mistakes such as misusing Optionals, ignoring memory leaks, and performing UI operations in the main thread can result in high-performing and engaging iOS apps. Improving your programming skills will open up opportunities to work on innovative projects using the latest technologies.
