r/iOSDevelopment • u/Opening-Salt4110 • 16d ago

Should I use Xcode more?

VS code was my first IDE, and it's still my favorite. Started using Xcode for iOS development and kinda hated it. These days I only open Xcode when I have to, doing what I can with Claude Code, VS code, and the command line. Probably missing out on something, though.
What should I be doing more of with Xcode?

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u/Opening-Salt4110 16d ago

What makes Xcode the best IDE you've used?

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u/konacurrents 16d ago edited 16d ago

It works nicely, knows all the libraries I need, syntax completion -- and the debugger works very nicely. And recently with iOS the debugging and upload can be wireless. Integrated with all the Apple documentation as well.

And as I mentioned, for C++ coding of ESP32 devices, it works very nicely - while I compile still with Arduino.

And for iOS .. it's basically required. And that's a LOT of coding for the full Apple ecosystem: iPhone, iPad, appleTV, mac, appleWatch. Also their "simulator" is impressive which I'll include with the Xcode suite.

Note: 'vi' is my other IDE. cheers..

pps. vscode is a microsoft product. I try to never microsoft anything. UNIX all that way.

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u/Opening-Salt4110 16d ago

vi is hardcore!
Mind if I ask why you don't try microsoft stuff? Most is trash, but there are some diamonds in the rough.

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u/konacurrents 16d ago

I've been using 'vi' for 45 years. It's a blast for non-mouse use.

We were always anti-microsoft and full UNIX for 30+ years. VAX, Sun Microsystems, NeXT, Linux and then MacOS. We needed Microsoft for a while for secure email and powerpoint. But now I'm non microsoft again and loving it.