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How we enabled the use of Storyboard in iOS development

10.12.2023

Any company at a certain stage of its development comes to the conclusion that it is necessary to create its own mobile application in order to offer its products and services even more effectively, receive greater profits and ensure better interaction with customers. One of the popular technical solutions to this problem is the development and promotion of an application through an Apple enterprise account. The already good functionality that Apple offers to developers is regularly updated and supplemented taking into account changing trends. One relatively new option that has received mixed reactions is Storyboards, which you can use after registering for an iOS developer account. The main problem that is solved by this option is the visualization of application screens on the Apple app store, for which a developer is needed, setting up more optimal connections between them. However, contrary to the expectations of many developers, in some cases the use of such a tool will actually be effective, in others it creates certain problems when managing applications. Deciding on your own whether it’s better to use handwritten code or Storyboards is not always easy. Therefore, it makes sense to use the help of specialized specialists from Nova.Shop, who will suggest the optimal solution in each specific case. At the same time, it will still be useful to know what pros and cons this function has.

Disadvantages of Storyboards – Key Points

Most developers at the initial stage of planning a mobile application, especially if they are not large corporations, but private entrepreneurs, are faced with the problem of how to pay for Apple developer. In fact, there are no particular difficulties here, because the interface of the developer’s account is practical and intuitive. Therefore, you just need to link your card; it’s better to set up auto-payment right away to eliminate restrictions on the functionality of the service. Next, you will have to understand all the available options, depending on the selected tariff plan. Let’s look at the main disadvantages of Storyboards, which is offered in the Apple developer account:

The complexity of editing conflicts when merging changes. The main problem here is that Storyboard is an XML file, so it is less readable than code. However, the degree of complexity directly depends on how exactly you plan to use this option. For example, using Storyboard in the Apple developer account, you can not put the entire UI, but break it into several small ones. As a result, there will be no conflict between developers, and if they do arise, they will be easier to resolve. The second way to level out all the problems, if you want to use the same View on an Apple enterprise developer, is to create a separate subclass and your own Xib file. The important thing to understand here is that when you use multiple Storyboards instead of one, you no longer have the ability to see a comprehensive map of your application in a single file. However, most often this is not required; the emphasis is placed only on one part that can be changed.
Problems with code reuse. Developers who have experience with Apple’s service, including moves developer point to future, have found that problems occur more often when Storyboards is used without Xibs. If you have Xibs, it is not a problem to create reusable Views. They are also quite convenient to work with in code.
There is no custom initializer feature for UIViewControllers. Technically, there are several solutions that will allow you to get rid of string literals, but this problem is not fundamentally solved.
Complex navigation structure as Storyboard zooms in. This is a task that should be solved by an experienced programmer, and not by a beginner who has problems even with how to pay for the Apple developer program. The main solution is to split the Storyboard into several separate parts of a smaller format. To simplify all processes, you can effectively use Storyboard Reference.
Braking when loading. If the Storyboard includes a large number of screens that use multiple constraints, Xcode will definitely slow down. The solution to this problem is similar to the previous point.

All these problems, taken together or individually, can cause the application to crash. Therefore, the launch and configuration should be carried out by a specialist who is able to resolve all technical problems that arise during the testing stage and after launching the application.

Advantages of Storyboard – important nuances

Despite all the shortcomings that arise solely against the backdrop of the technical features of using the Apple service for building applications, create developer certificate, this function also provides a number of advantages, the significance of which should not be overlooked:

Convenient and simple visualization of the user interface. Even a beginner will be able to find entry points into the application and go to a new screen. In just a couple of clicks you can create new UIViews, customize their appearance and behavior. That is, the functionality remains intuitive and quite effective.
Availability of a powerful and useful Auto Layout tool, through which multiple screen sizes are supported. Thanks to Interface Builder, it is possible to pre-evaluate the result of the work performed, even without launching the application. Moreover, all screens can be viewed simultaneously.
Removing boilerplate UI code. By using Xibs, as well as Storyboards, you can reduce the complexity of the code structure and create it with a greater focus on logic.
Classification by size. Since new gadgets with varying sizes are created every year, developers need to regularly adapt applications to new versions and models. Options such as size classes and trait variations greatly simplify the task of screen orientation. It is even possible to save a selection of settings, according to which the system will automatically adapt the visualization of the application on any type of screen.

Thus, Storyboards is a tool that has both strengths and weaknesses. It’s definitely not worth giving up its use completely. Proper use can significantly increase the effectiveness of the application, which will directly affect conversion. In a similar way, you can use unique tools on Google developer and Huawei store developer.