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Balraj Singh
Balraj Singh

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20 Tips from a Senior iOS Developer.

Trust me I am not going to bore you with the usual "how to write clean code" and 10 other similar things, No. This is from one developer to another. So here we go.

1. Auto Layout: Love-Hate Relationship

When Auto Layout works, you’re a genius. When it doesn’t, you’re questioning life. A tip: simplify constraints and avoid over-complicating your storyboard. Sometimes, going programmatic saves you hours.

2. Instruments: The Tool You’ll Avoid Until You Can’t

You can forget Instruments for years, thinking, “I’m fine without it.” Spoiler Alert: you’re not. It’s the unsung hero for catching memory leaks and optimizing performance. Learn it sooner than later.

3. Code Reviews: Humbling but Helpful

Nobody loves getting called out for sloppy logic, but code reviews save lives (and projects). Embrace the awkwardness—it’s growth disguised as critique.

4. Test on Grandma’s iPhone

Sure, your app flies on the latest iPhone Pro, but what about the old iPhone SE? Test on the oldest supported device. If it works there, it’ll work anywhere.

5. Swift’s Functional Side: Game-Changer

Map, filter, reduce—once you get these, there’s no turning back. It’s like upgrading from a tricycle to a sports car. Your code will thank you.

6. Deprecation Warnings: Time Bombs

They’re not just friendly suggestions. Fix them while you can.

7. POP Over Inheritance

Protocol-Oriented Programming is cleaner, lighter, and way more flexible than deep inheritance chains. Once you switch, you’ll never want to go back.

8. Core Data: Tread Lightly

Core Data is like adopting a pet—you need to understand its quirks before committing. Start small. Build trust. Then scale.

9. Shortcuts Are Life

If you’re not using Xcode shortcuts, what are you even doing? Cmd+Shift+O Use it.

10. Commit Messages: Think Beyond “Fixed Bug”

Seriously, your future self will curse you if your commit history reads like a cryptic diary. Write meaningful messages. Your team will thank you.

11. Crash Logs: Learn to Decode the Matrix

They look like gibberish at first, but crash logs hold the key to every mysterious bug. Master them, and you’ll feel like a tech detective.

12. UI Design: Users Judge by the Cover

The prettiest backend won’t matter if your UI screams "1999." Learn some basic design principles. It’s worth the investment.

13. Timeouts: Don’t Be That Person

Forgetting timeouts on API calls is a rookie move. Don’t make your users suffer through frozen screens. Handle it properly.

14. MVP: Done Is Better Than Perfect

Your first release doesn’t need to win awards. Ship it, gather feedback, and iterate. Perfection kills momentum.

15. Debugging: Embrace the Art

Debugging isn’t a chore; it’s a craft. Use breakpoints, NSLog, and Xcode’s debugger wisely.

16. Offline Mode: Be Kind to Users

No internet? No problem. Apps that offer offline functionality earn user loyalty. Think ahead, not just online.

17. Background Tasks: Play by Apple’s Rules

Apple doesn’t joke around with background tasks. Know the guidelines or prepare for rejection. It’s that simple.

18. App Store Rejections: Part of the Journey

It’s not “if” but “when” you’ll get rejected. Take it in stride, fix what’s needed, and resubmit. It’s all part of the process.

19. Document Like You Mean It

Think you’ll remember why you wrote that obscure function six months from now? Spoiler: you won’t. Document everything—it’s a sanity saver.

20. Shiny Tools: Not Always Worth It

Chasing every new framework is exhausting. Stick to what adds real value. Trends fade; solid foundations don’t.

I really, really hope this helps!

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