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When I use a prototype table view, I always have to conform to the protocol TableViewDataSource. I always forget what methods I need to implement, so I have to look at the source of the protocol every time. This is really time consuming.

I think Xcode must have a feature that automatically implements the needed methods for you, right? Just like IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and Visual Studio.

I want to know where can I find this feature. If there's isn't, is there a workaround for this? At least I don't have to open the source code of the protocol each time I conform to it.

If you don't understand what I mean, here's some code:

I have a protocol

protocol Hello {
    func doStuff ()
}

When I conform to it,

class MyClass: Hello {

}

I often don't remember the names of the methods that I need to implement. If Xcode has a feature that turns the above code, into this:

class MyClass: Hello {
    func doStuff () {
        code
    }
}

Now you understand what I mean? I just want to ask where to find such a feature.

Sweeper
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    See similar question http://stackoverflow.com/questions/27331588/autoimplement-swift-protocol-methods-in-xcode – chiarotto.alessandro Jan 02 '16 at 09:08
  • The linked answer is the only approach. After you have created a couple of tableview controllers the methods will be in your memory :) – Paulw11 Jan 02 '16 at 09:11
  • As far as I understand this question, it is not the same as the above link from @AlessandroChiarotto. This question here is about implementing the needed functions when I conform to a protocol. Hope somebody knows an answer soon. – AlexWoe89 Jan 02 '16 at 09:27
  • Xcode is great for one thing: the interface builder, that one is amazing. Regarding code and dev features it is on the level of a simply text editor, don't even start comparing it to IntelliJ :/ – luk2302 Jan 02 '16 at 09:37
  • I have implemented a [Xcode plug-in](https://github.com/xlc/XLCXcodeAssist) to provide suggestion for missing methods for both Swift and ObjC. – Bryan Chen Jan 23 '16 at 03:50

5 Answers5

15

Xcode 9 : you can add missing Protocol Requirements by add new shortcut to your Key Bindings Set

  1. From the top Xcode menu (top left) choose Preferences.
  2. Choose Key Binding.
  3. Search about protocol. you will find Command called Refactor -> Add Missing Protocol Requirements
  4. Press on Key column then add your shortcut. ex: cmd + shift + M

Now you can add missing Protocol Requirements by clicking on class name name (or his extension) then press your shortcut

enter image description here

Amjad Tubasi
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  • i added key like your example. i am pressing the same but it not showing me my protocol method. what i did wrong here please tell me thanks ... – Yogesh Patel Jan 28 '20 at 12:12
  • This only does it for missing protocol methods and not optional child inheritance right? The menu is blank for me in that case – fobbymaster Jul 01 '21 at 17:23
6

Well if i understood your problem then here is a workaround:

try to define methods with protocol as prefix like here hello then you'll not have to remember the methods just start typing protocol name and XCODE will prompt you with all available methods see here:

enter image description here

And if you want autocomplete protocol try Snippets

Hamza Ansari
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    Bad naming practices are hardly a valid solution for what is a shortcoming of the IDE. – Raphael Dec 12 '16 at 14:45
  • Its according to iOS naming practices as you can see in AppDelegate application functions naming or tableView dataSource naming. You can also refer raywanderlich [swift guidelines](https://github.com/raywenderlich/swift-style-guide#delegates) – Hamza Ansari Dec 16 '16 at 05:29
  • I found this quite nasty as this is hindering my common programming workaround. I rather prefer to the built-in functionality of adding missing protocol requirements through Refactoring. – Maschina Dec 17 '18 at 20:37
6

Xcode 9, takes care of implementation of mandatory methods of Swift Datasource & Delegates.

Look at these snapshots, with example of UICollectionViewDataSource:

Indicating warning to implement protocol methods:

enter image description here

By clicking on 'Fix' button, it has added all mandatory methods:

enter image description here

Krunal
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  • Does this require a specific setting being turned on? I am still not getting the option to auto generate methods with Xcode 9.2 – slackwars Dec 11 '17 at 16:34
  • @slackwars - Can you please share, what (which protocol) have your tried. This warning/error will be visible, if there is any mandatory function to be compulsory implemented. If all functions/methods are optional (or if already you have added/implemented in your code) , then this warning won't be indicated/shown. – Krunal Dec 11 '17 at 16:42
  • class ViewController: UIViewController, UICollectionViewDelegate, UICollectionViewDataSource { – slackwars Dec 11 '17 at 20:06
  • Link to gist image: [link]https://gist.github.com/linuxjet/bed2add074ef32fe38639e9c5809fe2e – slackwars Dec 11 '17 at 20:12
2

Very similar to Amjad's post, Xcode 9/10 brings the functionality to add missing protocol requirements right from within the code editor.

Just "right click" on the class name: "Refactor" --> "Add Missing Protocol Requirements" enter image description here

Maschina
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-3

Xcode won't do it for you.

If you look at the documentation for the protocol, it's clearly marked which functions you have to implement:

https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/UIKit/Reference/UITableViewDataSource_Protocol/

chedabob
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