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Data Model, Entities, and Attributes

Core Data Fundamentals

The data model is a key component of the Core Data stack and an integral part of a Core Data application. In this episode, we explore the data model and learn about entities and attributes.

in Core Data

Core Data and Dependency Injection

Core Data Fundamentals

I'm not going to lie. I don't like singletons. Singletons are fine if they're used correctly, but I don't like singletons for convenience. They almost always lead to problems down the line. This means that the Core Data manager isn't going to be a singleton.

in Core Data

Setting Up the Core Data Stack

Core Data Fundamentals

It's time to write some code. Had we checked the Use Core Data checkbox during the setup of the project, Xcode would have put the code for the Core Data stack in the application delegate. This is something I don't like and we won't be cluttering the application delegate with the setup of the Core Data stack.

in Core Data

Creating the Project

Core Data Fundamentals

Before we set up the Core Data stack, we need to create the project for Notes. Open Xcode and create a new project based on the Single View App template.

in Core Data

Exploring the Core Data Stack

Core Data Fundamentals

Earlier in this series, you learned what Core Data is and isn't. This episode zooms in on the building blocks of the Core Data framework.

in Core Data

Building Notes

Core Data Fundamentals

Notes is a simple application for iOS that manages a list of notes. It's a fine case study to teach you the fundamentals of the Core Data framework. In this episode, I'd like to show you what Notes is capable of.

in Core Data

What Is Core Data

Core Data Fundamentals

Developers new to Core Data usually don't take the time to learn the framework. Not knowing what Core Data is, makes it hard and frustrating to wrap your head around the ins and outs of the framework. I'd like to start by spending a few minutes exploring the nature of Core Data and, more important, explain to you what Core Data is and isn't.

in Core Data

Welcome to Core Data Fundamentals

Core Data Fundamentals

Welcome to Core Data Fundamentals. In this series, you'll learn the ins and outs of Apple's popular Core Data framework. Even though we'll be building an iOS application, the Core Data framework is available on iOS, tvOS, macOS, and watchOS, and the contents of this series apply to each of these platforms.

in Core Data

Be Critical

The primary goal of Cocoacasts has always been to help developers become better at their craft. It can be challenging to put that into words. But there's one trait I feel every good developer should have, being critical. This means being critical of your own work. And that of others.

in Opinion

Fetching Records With Core Data: Type Methods

Fetching Records With Core Data

Developers often complain that Core Data has an arcane syntax and a complicated API. "It's tedious to work with Core Data." seems to be the general consensus. It's true that Core Data used to be difficult to use and the framework's syntax wasn't as elegant as it could be. That's something of the past, though. The more Core Data matures, the more I enjoy and appreciate the framework.

in Core Data

Improve Swift Performance Through Access Control

A few years ago, Apple's Swift team posted an interesting article titled Increasing Performance by Reducing Dynamic Dispatch. It is a very interesting read, highlighting some of the more subtle aspects of the Swift language and the compiler.

in Swift

A Primer on CloudKit Containers and Databases

CloudKit is an amazing framework, giving developers direct access to Apple's iCloud servers. Several of Apple's flagship applications are powered by CloudKit, including Photos and Notes. It shows that Apple's iCloud infrastructure is robust and scalable, demonstrating that CloudKit is a viable solution for storing data in the cloud.

in CloudKit