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5 XCode Breakpoints to Improve iOS App Development

5 XCode Breakpoints to Improve iOS App Development

The concept of Apple thrives on the core idea of improving the user experience, be it the end users or people who try to improve the end user experience. The launch of XCode in 2003 proved the point and its constant evolution adheres to that belief. Its primary intent is to simplify the process of transforming and refactoring of various codes to enhance the user experience. In 2019, the latest version of the XCode shows further improvements to the editor. The tool now comes with a “minimap” that provides a layout of a source code file and a quick navigation facility.

In iOS app development, XCode has several applications and it is primarily for its beneficial features like;

  • Its ability to compile codes quickly that ensures the structuring of faster apps
  • It has a source code editor that simplifies visualization process
  • XCode allows dealing with live issues
  • The structure of the tool enables complete documentation
  • It has an integrated build system
  • The tool can record data for future references
  • It is easier to launch as it is fast and smooth

It works with Swift and is one of the most preferred tools for many iOS developers. Most of the iOS developers have a thorough knowledge of the process. But sometimes, they fail to grasp the value of major XCode breakpoints.

Know-How of these breakpoints can ease the work on this tool.

What is Breakpoint?

Let’s start with a brief outline of the idea of a breakpoint.

As per the software development language, a breakpoint can be defined as intentional pausing or stopping of a process to check bugs and ensure debugging. You can set it anytime just to check the flow. Its overview covers all the activated and disabled breakpoints.

For XCode, there are 5 major breakpoints that iOS app developers should understand to improve the efficiency of Mobile App.

5 Major Breakpoints

The five major breakpoints in XCode are:

I. User-Defined

This breakpoint in XCode is one of the most redundant ones. This allows the developers to check for bugs in the app. The moment you create an app, add a lot of breakpoints to debug the entire procedure. It can be user-defined, which makes the process simpler. After you decide the exact location of a breakpoint, you can access it from the section with all other user-defined breakpoints. Each XCode project you open would show these breakpoints.

II. Sharing through GIT

Sometimes, while working on a project you realize that you might work better with an extra pair of eyes. You can ask an expert for some set breakpoints, which he can share using GIT, and you can take the benefits of those predefined ones. But this has to be constantly monitored. GIT improves the flow by allowing you and your guide to share breakpoints. If one of you decides to change the process by removing these breakpoints, then the point will be lost.

III. Exception Breakpoints

A program often follows a routine but sometimes, it goes out of the track and triggers some unseen results. It is always better to gather information on such instances as much as possible to understand what caused it or what could be the possible outcome. You can set breakpoints for such specific moments and then type codes to check.
The process can also be initiated using artificial intelligence. If you use automation, then the moment some kind of an exception pops up you will get a notification. This can be a good method to debug the entire process.

IV. Symbolic Breakpoint

Often the debugging process comes up with some comments on the console suggesting to us the use of symbolic breakpoints. This is a process where you type certain keywords in the command area and set a breakpoint. Every time, the debugging process hits such a snag, it will trigger a breakpoint. This will trigger quick access to the code.

V. Test Failure Breakpoint

Failing a test can be identified from the codes. A thorough look into that would provide ample scope of understanding. But the process could be time-consuming. However, the inclusion of a specific breakpoint for that would allow a quick jump to that failed section. This entire process would help in getting a proper solution and launching a seamless workflow in less time.

Conclusion:

The basic stand of the XCode is probably clear to a lot of developers but sometimes, we miss these extras that can be used to ensure a simpler workflow. In iOS, apps are tested for a good reason before the final launch. The process helps in understanding the potential for optimization. Such a process, if triggered by the proper use of XCode breakpoints, would yield much better results. This will also ensure faster operations for the app and more user involvement.

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