So you want to develop applications on the iOS platform, but you are in a dilemma of which IDE will fulfill your specific needs of iOS app development? Then, we are here to help you clear your doubts and help you decide which IDE is right for your iOS app development requirements.
Let’s understand what exactly is an IDE?
IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a software application, which aids developers in mobile app development. It is a graphical user interface that helps developers to build software applications in an integrated environment. Many of the iOS devices such as iPhone, iPad, TvOS, and more run on the iOS mobile operating system.
Xcode and AppCode are the two trending development tools for iOS app development. The debate over Xcode vs. AppCode is a hot topic among the best iPhone app developers and its comparisons are inevitable.
Confused between XCode & AppCode?
Here are some of the features of both the IDE tools for you to compare and take a wise decision about which way to go.
Customization:
When it comes to customization, AppCode is way ahead of its nemesis. The stylish font, colors, and code style are the powerful features that AppCode offers to the developers. You can also change the menu options and the order in which they appear. It’s quite frankly absurd and amazing at the same time. On the contrary, the customization in Xcode is mediocre. So, it’s not surprising to see the developers spending those few extra minutes to set up the AppCode just like they want.
Code writing:
In terms of writing code, AppCode has a slight edge over Xcode. The former disables unused variable and properties, tells you when to turn an “if…then” code block into ternary operations, and warns when you create code that will never be hit. Therefore, the recommendation and code completion offered by AppCode helps you to write impeccable code. Whereas the Xcode also is well ordered and accurate than AppCode, but latter has more features. So, AppCode has an upper hand in terms of code writing between Xcode vs. AppCode.
Refactoring:
Refactoring is the process of changing a computer program’s internal structure without affecting the external behavior in order to improve the internal non-functional property of the software. The AppCode has manifold options such as change signature, make a variable a property itself, and convert a selection of code into a method or blog. Additionally, it can also edit methods and property in “Renaming”. While in Xcode, a command has to be used for renaming the names of classes globally-this can be a slow and uncertain process. So, when it comes to Xcode vs. AppCode, renaming is the biggest advantage of AppCode over Xcode in the iPhone app development.
Debugging:
An important part of any programming is debugging. Debugging process in Xcode is inefficient as it checks through breakpoints and line-by-line. It has become a running joke how poorly Xcode handles debugging. While in AppCode, it tells a programmer which block is being executed every single time. Xcode falters in this section as well. The notable advantage of AppCode over Xcode in the context of mobile app development, of course, is the ability to reveal values of property even when it is hidden. Surely, the result of this round also goes in favor of AppCode in a battle between Xcode vs AppCode.
UI and Feature-set:
AppCode is nowhere close to Xcode in terms of UI and its dynamic features.
Since the latter is Apple’s very own IDE, Apple has total control over it. Inserting an app license is a matter of minutes in Xcode. The build setting feature-sets of Xcode is way better than its rival. None of the above features are included in AppCode, so it lags behind from Xcode in this area.
Storyboards:
When there is a situation of Xcode vs. AppCode, the iOS developers should know that most iPhone apps extensively use the storyboards, and the support for that in Xcode is the biggest advantage over AppCode. The support for them is mediocre on AppCode. The tasks that are simple in Xcode are impossible in AppCode. If you are looking for a storyboard, then Xcode is your best companion.
Interdependence:
However, AppCode has more advantages in a certain area, and it can’t go long way without depending on Xcode. Even best iPhone developers need Xcode before installing AppCode because at a certain point they need Xcode for utilizing storyboard and size classing. Ultimately, developers can’t ditch Xcode wholly while using AppCode.
The cost factor:
Since Xcode is developed by Apple itself, it is a freeware tool for developing software for macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. On the contrary, AppCode is developed by JetBrains on IntelliJ IDEA platform, which is not free.
JetBrains offers a 30-day trial version, and after that- AppCode costs 89$ in a first year and 71$ for the following year.
So, new iOS developers should understand Xcode thoroughly, and then they can switch over to AppCode for a 30-day trial.
Conclusion
All in all, both the IDE tools have their fair amount of advantages, which can enhance users’ experience and help them in the development process. Moreover, it depends on the developer’s own convenience. If he is expecting more comfort in code writing, then AppCode is best for him, on the other hand, if he is looking for storyboards and UI feature-sets, then Xcode is the right choice.
A steep pricing of AppCode can also be the barrier for amateur developers, who are looking for affordable IDE tool. Therefore, there are diverse reasons to use any of them or both of them in the battle of Xcode vs. AppCode. Only by scrutinizing all the aspects will the best iPhone app developerbest iPhone app developer decide which IDE tool is better for their individual app development needs.
