Hot reload options for Swift and iOS development in 2024

Recently I was looking for a hot reload tool for latest Swift and iOS development. I found a few options that I wanted to share with you.

Here's a look at the top hot reload tools for Swift and iOS in 2024:

Inject by Krzysztof Zabłocki

Inject is a solid option for hot reloading in Swift, designed to be easy to use and supports various frameworks. It integrates well with Xcode.

• Supports Swift, including UIKit, AppKit, and SwiftUI
• Easy setup with Swift Package Manager, CocoaPods, or manual steps
• Safe for production with no-op behavior in non-debug builds
• Features like ViewControllerHost and ViewHost for UIKit/AppKit, with options for visual changes

Inject GitHub Repository

InjectionIII and InjectionNext

InjectionIII is a well-known open-source tool that brings hot reloading to Swift and Objective-C projects in Xcode. It lets you see code changes without having to recompile the entire project. InjectionNext, the latest version, adds new features but might require a bit more setup.

InjectionIII GitHub Repository

InjectionNext GitHub Repository

• InjectionIII:
  • Supports Swift and Objective-C
  • Works directly with Xcode
  • Allows reloading individual files
  • Free and open-source
• InjectionNext:
  • Updated version of InjectionIII with extra features
  • May need more manual integration compared to Inject
  • Offers more control for advanced users
  • Works with Swift and Objective-C; broader support details are less clear

SwiftUI Previews

SwiftUI Previews give you a way to see UI changes live in Xcode. It’s not true hot reloading, but it’s handy for front-end tweaks in SwiftUI.

• Built directly into Xcode
• Only updates UI elements; backend changes still need recompiling
• Great for UI design and layout tweaks in SwiftUI

React Native

React Native offers hot reloading for both iOS and Android, making it a good choice for cross-platform apps. It reloads JavaScript code instantly, but you'll need to work within the React Native framework.

• Supports JavaScript for iOS and Android
• Requires using the React Native framework
• Not compatible with native Swift code

React Native GitHub Repository

Considerations and Limitations

iOS has some restrictions on dynamic code loading, so true hot reloading isn't as smooth as with Flutter or Android. Each tool has trade-offs, from setup complexity to what kind of changes you can make without recompiling.

Your best choice will depend on what you need: cross-platform support, easy integration, or specific frameworks. Whether you’re mostly dealing with UI tweaks or need something more comprehensive, these tools can help speed up your workflow and make coding for iOS a bit more enjoyable in 2024.

By exploring these options and addressing common questions, you can improve your development process and keep your focus on building great apps.

FAQs

• What are the best hot reload libraries for Xcode development?
  InjectionIII and InjectionNext are top picks. InjectionIII is simpler to use, while InjectionNext offers more control.
• Can you recommend any third-party tools for hot reloading in Xcode?
  Inject is a standout option, offering wide framework support and a simple setup process.
• How does SwiftUI Previews compare to hot reload libraries?
  SwiftUI Previews are great for live UI updates, but they don’t handle backend code changes like Inject or InjectionIII.
• Can you recommend any third-party tools for hot reloading in Xcode?
  For cross-platform needs, React Native is an alternative, especially if you’re working with JavaScript.
• What are the limitations of using SwiftUI Previews for hot reloading?
  They’re limited to UI changes and won’t update backend logic without a full recompile.
• Are there any open-source hot reload libraries for iOS development?
  Check out each of these tools most of them are open-source.