Understanding iOS Developer Preferences: NIBs, Storyboards, and AutoLayout

When it comes to designing user interfaces for iOS apps, developers often have different preferences. The debate between using NIBs, Storyboards, and AutoLayout is one that has been ongoing for quite some time. While these tools serve the purpose of creating intuitive and adaptable user interfaces, some developers find them less appealing and opt for a code-based approach.

Why Developers Avoid NIBs, Storyboards, and Constraints

It's important to note that there is no exact number of iOS developers who completely avoid using NIBs, Storyboards, and AutoLayout. The choice often depends on personal preference, project complexity, team size, and coding style. While some developers prefer the control and flexibility provided by code, others find that the visual tools offer a more intuitive and efficient workflow.

Transitioning to AutoLayout

If you've been hesitant to use NSConstraints for creating layouts, now might be the time to give them a try. The vast majority of iOS developers rely on AutoLayout, which is a powerful and flexible tool. While you may encounter initial challenges and warnings, the benefits are undeniable. AutoLayout is essential when dealing with a wide variety of aspect ratios, ensuring that your app looks great on all devices.

For developers who prefer a code-based approach, I highly recommend PureLayout, a popular open-source library that simplifies AutoLayout in code. However, if you're looking for the ease of working with a visual tool, Storyboards offer a unique advantage. The preview feature in Storyboards allows you to see layouts on different device forms and mock localized strings in UILabels. With Storyboards, you can easily tweak constraints to behave differently on various devices.

Code Reuse and Storyboards

One of the significant benefits of using Storyboards and NIBs is code reuse. Storyboards serve as a clear line of separation between the code and the presentation layers, making it easier to manage different UI elements. However, working with multiple developers on the same Storyboard can lead to conflicts and versioning issues. To mitigate these issues, it's best practice to use separate Storyboards for different activities such as On-boarding, SignUp, SignIn, and Dashboard.

Programmatic UIs and Their Challenges

From my experience, I've worked on projects where the UI was built entirely programmatically. While this approach can be challenging and time-consuming, it offers a deeper understanding of the nuances of NSConstraints and AutoLayout. In one particular project, we had at least a dozen screens with complex views and behaviors. Despite the additional effort, using programmatic UIs allowed us to familiarize ourselves with the intricacies of NSLayoutConstraint and AutoLayout. It's worth noting that in some cases, a programmatic approach might be more efficient, especially for small projects with simple interfaces.

Conclusion: Choose Your Preferred Approach

Ultimately, the choice between NIBs, Storyboards, and AutoLayout should be based on your personal preference and the requirements of your project. While it may be tempting to stick with one approach, learning and understanding all these tools will benefit you in the long run. Your current project might require one method, but future projects may necessitate a different approach. The key is to be versatile and adaptable, as this will enhance your overall development skills and efficiency.