Paul Krill
Editor at Large

Latest Apple Xcode IDE improves code completion

news
Jun 6, 20232 mins

Builds are faster, and the tool platform also supports Apple's new Vision Pro device.

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Apple has spruced up its signature Xcode IDE with enhanced code completion and an improved compiler, with Xcode 15. The Xcode platform itself also supports development for new Vision Pro devices.

Unveiled June 5 and now in beta, Xcode 15 offers enhanced code completion to help developers write safer code faster, now referencing all development assets. Projects build faster due to improvements in the compiler and a new linker, optimized for the multicore architecture of Apple silicon hardware. Other capabilities in Xcode 15 include live animations and interactive previews. Developers can use Git to stage a next commit without leaving code. Also, Version 15 offers redesigned test reports with video recording. Developers can deploy to the TestFlight testing application and the App Store from the Xcode Cloud continuous integration and delivery service.

Xcode, which leverages the Swift programming language and the SwiftUI tool, enables development, testing, and distribution of apps for all Apple platforms. Development for Apple’s new Vision Pro spatial computing headset and visionOS is supported with the overall Xcode platform, via a visionOS SDK. Vision Pro also was announced June 5 but will not be available in the United States until early 2024.

Downloadable from Apple’s Developer website, the Xcode 15 beta supports the latest SDKs for iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Version 15 is 50% smaller on the Mac App Store, with downloadable simulator runtimes for all platforms. Other features of Xcode 15 include:

  • A new Bookmark navigator helps developers track landmarks in code and organize tasks.
  • Localization assets are streamlined in a String Catalog, providing a centralized way to review and update them.
  • Documentation has been redesigned.
Paul Krill

Paul Krill is editor at large at InfoWorld. Paul has been covering computer technology as a news and feature reporter for more than 35 years, including 30 years at InfoWorld. He has specialized in coverage of software development tools and technologies since the 1990s, and he continues to lead InfoWorld’s news coverage of software development platforms including Java and .NET and programming languages including JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Rust, and Go. Long trusted as a reporter who prioritizes accuracy, integrity, and the best interests of readers, Paul is sought out by technology companies and industry organizations who want to reach InfoWorld’s audience of software developers and other information technology professionals. Paul has won a “Best Technology News Coverage” award from IDG.

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