Introduction to UISplitViewController

In this post, we’ll explore the world of UISplitViewController, a powerful and versatile view controller that enables the creation of split-screen user interfaces. We’ll delve into the basics, discuss common use cases, and provide practical advice on how to create a UISplitViewController in portrait mode.

What is a UISplitViewController?

A UISplitViewController is a built-in iOS view controller that allows developers to create complex, split-screen interfaces with ease. It’s part of Apple’s UIKit framework and provides a simple way to manage multiple views and controllers within a single navigation controller.

The core concept behind a UISplitViewController is the ability to divide its main view into two sections: the primary view and the secondary view. The primary view serves as the main content area, while the secondary view offers additional information or features that complement the primary view. By using a UISplitViewController, developers can create intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that cater to various use cases.

Common Use Cases for UISplitViewController

UISplitViewController is an incredibly versatile tool with numerous applications in various fields:

• News and Magazine Apps: Create a split-screen interface where users can browse articles on one side and access additional features, such as bookmarking or search functionality, on the other.
• Email Clients: Use a UISplitViewController to provide users with a primary view for displaying emails and a secondary view for features like attachments or filters.
• Shopping Apps: Implement a split-screen interface where users can browse products on one side and access additional information, such as product reviews or availability, on the other.

Creating a UISplitViewController in Portrait Mode

To create a UISplitViewController in portrait mode, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a New Project

Create a new Xcode project using the Single View App template. This will serve as the foundation for your app’s navigation structure.

// Project Structure
- AppDelegate.swift
- ViewController.swift
- NavigationController.swift

Step 2: Set Up Navigation Controller

In your AppDelegates, you’ll need to set up the navigation controller:

import UIKit

class AppDelegate: UIResponder, UIApplicationDelegate {
    func application(_ application: UIApplication, didFinishLaunchingWithOptions launchOptions: [UIApplication.LaunchOptionsKey: Any]?) -> Bool {
        // Set up navigation controller
        let navigationController = UINavigationController(rootViewController: ViewController())
        window?.rootViewController = navigationController
        
        return true
    }
}

Step 3: Create ViewController

In your ViewController, create a new view with two sections. Use the UISplitViewController initializer to create the split view:

import UIKit

class ViewController: UIViewController {
    let primaryView: UIView = {
        let view = UIView()
        view.backgroundColor = .systemBackground
        
        return view
    }()
    
    let secondaryView: UIView = {
        let view = UIView()
        view.backgroundColor = .systemGroupedBackground
        
        return view
    }()
    
    override func viewDidLoad() {
        super.viewDidLoad()
        
        // Set up primary and secondary views
        view.addSubview(primaryView)
        view.addSubview(secondaryView)
        
        // Configure split view controller
        let splitViewController = UISplitViewController(style: .fixed, showPrimaryInline: false)
        splitViewController.delegate = self
        
        // Add primary and secondary views as child controllers
        splitViewController.viewControllers = [self.primaryController(), self.secondaryController()]
    }
    
    func primaryController() -> UIViewController {
        let controller = UIViewController()
        controller.view.backgroundColor = .systemBackground
        
        return controller
    }
    
    func secondaryController() -> UIViewController {
        let controller = UIViewController()
        controller.view.backgroundColor = .systemGroupedBackground
        
        return controller
    }
}

Step 4: Configure Split View Controller

Configure the UISplitViewController to display its primary view in portrait mode:

import UIKit

extension ViewController: UISplitViewControllerDelegate {
    func splitViewController(_ controller: UISplitViewController, willShow viewControllers: [UIViewController]) {
        if let secondaryVC = viewControllers.last as? UIViewController {
            // Configure secondary view for portrait orientation
            secondaryVC.view.frame = CGRect(x: 0, y: UIScreen.main.bounds.height - 44, width: UIScreen.main.bounds.width, height: UIScreen.main.bounds.height)
        }
    }
}

Conclusion

In this post, we explored the world of UISplitViewController and provided a practical guide on how to create a split-screen interface in portrait mode. By following these steps and understanding the basics of UISplitViewController, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle complex user interfaces and provide your users with an intuitive experience.

Additional Resources

For further learning, we recommend checking out:

• MGSplitViewController by Matt Gemmel: A powerful implementation of UISplitViewController that offers advanced features and customization options.
• Apple Developer Documentation: Apple’s official documentation for UISplitViewController provides detailed information on its properties, methods, and usage guidelines.

With practice and patience, you’ll become proficient in creating stunning split-screen interfaces using UISplitViewController. Happy coding!

Last modified on 2023-06-11