Understanding the Xcode user interface

You've just created your first Xcode project! As you can see, the Xcode user interface is divided into several distinct parts, as shown here:

Figure 1.7: Xcode user interface

Let's look at each part in more detail. The following descriptions correspond to the numbers shown in the preceding screenshot:

• Toolbar (1) – Used to build and run your apps, and view the progress of running tasks.
• Navigator area (2) – Provides quick access to the various parts of your project. The Project navigator is displayed by default.
• Editor area (3) – Allows you to edit source code, user interfaces, and other resources.
• Inspector area (4) – Allows you to view and edit information about items selected in the Navigator area or Editor area.
• Debug area (5) – Contains the debug bar, the variables view, and the Console. The Debug area is toggled by typing Shift + Command + Y.

Next, let's examine the toolbar more closely. The left side of the toolbar is shown here:

Figure 1.8: Xcode toolbar (left side)

Let's look at each part in more detail. The following description corresponds to the numbers shown in the preceding screenshot:

• Navigator button (1) – Toggles the Navigator area on and off.
• Stop button (2) – Only appears next to the Play button when the app is running. Stops the currently running app.
• Play button (3) – Used to build and run your app.
• Scheme menu (4) – Shows the specific scheme to build your project (Exploring Xcode) and the destination to run your app on (iPhone SE (2nd generation).

Schemes and destinations are distinct. Schemes specify the settings for building and running your project. Destinations specify installation locations for your app, and exist for physical devices and simulators.

• Activity View (5) - Displays the progress of running tasks.

The right side of the toolbar is shown here:

Figure 1.9: Xcode toolbar (right side)

Let's look at each part in more detail. The following description corresponds to the numbers shown in the preceding screenshot:

• Library button (1) – Displays user interface elements, code snippets, and other resources.
• Inspector button (2) – Toggles the Inspector area on and off.

Don't be overwhelmed by all the different parts, as you'll learn about them in more detail in later chapters. Now that you are familiar with the Xcode interface, you will run the app you just created in the iOS simulator, which displays a representation of your iOS device.