After spending a long time writing iOS applications, development efficiency issues gradually become apparent. The code itself isn't complex, but you have to repeatedly go through steps like project creation, environment setup, device debugging, and application building every day. If any step encounters a slight delay, the development rhythm gets disrupted.
Recently, while working on a small utility application, I deliberately changed my approach to the entire development process. Instead of continuing with the original project environment, I ran the project from scratch in an iOS development tool called Kxapp. This project wasn't large, but it was just right for testing how a development tool performs in areas like project creation, coding, real-device execution, and building installation packages.
Creating a Project in the Development Tool
After installing Kxapp and opening the IDE, you'll see a relatively simple startup interface. Clicking "Create Project" presents several project types:
- Swift
- Objective-C
- Flutter
For this test, I selected a Swift project. After entering the project name and choosing a directory, the IDE automatically generates the project structure.
The project folder already includes entry files and resource directories. Opening the code file allows you to start writing logic directly, with no prompts about missing development environments or needing additional SDK configurations.
For situations requiring quick startup of a test project, this creation method saves a lot of preparation time.
Editing Experience While Writing Code
The Kxapp IDE's editor is based on the VSCode architecture. The interface layout is quite similar to many code tools familiar to developers.
The left side shows the project file list, the middle is the code area, and the bottom is the output window.
To test the development workflow, I wrote a simple page:
- A button
- A text label
Clicking the button reads a local JSON file and displays the data on the interface.
While writing code, the editor provides auto-completion and syntax hints. For example, when entering a class name, suggestions for related methods and properties appear. After saving the file, the IDE automatically checks the code structure; if there are syntax errors, prompts are displayed on the corresponding lines.
Since the editor is based on VSCode, many plugins can be used directly, such as code formatters or AI coding assistants.
Connecting a Device to Run the Application
After writing the code, you need to run the application on a real device.
After connecting an iPhone to the computer via a data cable, the device list in the Kxapp IDE shows the current mobile device.
The build process completes several steps:
- Compiling the source code
- Building the application
- Installing it on the phone
After the build finishes, the application icon appears on the phone's desktop. Clicking the icon directly launches the application.
In the test project, after clicking the page button, the text label successfully displayed data from the JSON file, indicating the code executed normally.
Then, I modified the interface color in the code and clicked the run button again. The IDE recompiled the application and installed the new version, updating the application interface on the phone.
This debugging workflow is relatively straightforward because you can quickly see the running results after code modifications.
How the Built-in Compilation Tools Work
Throughout the development process, the IDE doesn't call external development environments.
The Kxapp IDE includes a built-in set of compilation tools. These tools are already configured when the software is installed. When you click run or build, the IDE calls the internal compilation tools to complete code compilation and application building.
This means developers don't need to install Xcode separately when writing iOS applications. Code compilation, application execution, and building installation packages can all be done within the same tool.
For projects requiring frequent application debugging, this environment setup method reduces many preparation steps.
Handling Different Projects in One Tool
To test the IDE's project support capabilities, I created a Flutter project.
The Flutter project creation method is the same as for Swift projects. After selecting the project type and entering a name, the IDE generates the project structure.
After writing a simple page, I connected an iPhone and clicked run; the application installed normally on the phone.
I then created an Objective-C project for testing, which also successfully compiled and ran.
You can handle multiple project types in the same IDE:
- Swift native applications
- Objective-C projects
- Flutter applications
For developers needing to maintain projects with different technology stacks simultaneously, this development environment is quite convenient.
Building Application Installation Packages
After application development is complete, you need to generate installation packages for testing or submission for review.
In the Kxapp IDE's build menu, you can directly execute the build operation. The IDE completes code compilation and generates application installation files.
Build logs are displayed in the output panel; if compilation issues arise, you can view detailed information here.
The generated installation files can be used for testers to install or for app store submissions.
Reference link: https://kxapp.com/
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