CGContextDrawLinearGradient versus cagradientlayer?

Question

What is the difference between CGContextDrawLinearGradient, called in a UIView's drawRect method, and a CAGradientLayer? How do they compare performance wise? What is the best practice for creating gradient views? I'd really like a nice explanation of how they relate to each other and why one is better performance than the other.

Thanks.

What do you mean by a "gradient view" - just a plain box with a gradient in it? — jrturton, May 19 '12 at 06:10
Yes. So either using the layer.colors method, or the CGGradientCreateWithColors method. — Stephanie, May 24 '12 at 13:04

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered May 24 '12 at 15:07

If you just want a box with a gradient in it then performance isn't really an issue. You should go with whatever is simplest to implement for your particular requirements.

Adding a CAGradientLayer means you don't have to create a view subclass, you can just add the layer to an existing view. The setup is also slightly easier, since you don't need to worry about frame sizes or any c-style core graphics functions. You can also add rounded corners, shadows etc without too much effort.

However, if you want more than one gradient view, a subclass might be a good idea, so you can just instatiate new ones.

So, unfortunately, there isn't a clear cut answer to your question. Neither is definitively better. If you are concerned with performance, implement both and test using instruments.

Thanks. I was wondering if there was a clearcut better one to use. I will do as you suggest as just use whichever is easier. — Stephanie, May 24 '12 at 15:22

CGContextDrawLinearGradient versus cagradientlayer?

1 Answers1