The Mobile View Controller Pattern (MVC) has grown to become one of the most popular design patterns in iOS development, as well as the development of other types of software and web apps. It provides an excellent and stable architecture onto which the apps can be built. Of course, it is important to have an understanding of how the design pattern works, as well as some of the benefits that it can convey. Check this guide Major Benefits of iOS Design Patterns for more information.
How the MVC Design Pattern Works
When using this type of design pattern, the input, processing, and output of the application are separated. Within the pattern, there are three different elements. These are known as the model, the view, and the controller.
The controller will receive the requests for the application, which will then prepare any information that needs to go to the view. The model and the view never communicate with one another directly. All of the communication will go through the controller instead. The information that is sent to the view through the controller will be the final output that the user sees in the app. Let’s take a closer look at each of the elements.
The model level is what will represent data to the user, and it will define where the data objects are stored in the application. The model works independently from the view and controller. If there are changes to the model, the observers will be aware of the changes that are made. It is possible to have a model that is a single object, as well as a model that is a structure made from a number of objects.
The view is the visual representation of the model. This is the actual interface that will show the output directly to those who are using the app. The controller or model will let the viewers know what it should display to that user. The view is also the portion of the system that will take the requests from the user, which then informs the controller as to what needs to be displayed. It is sometimes possible for the view to update the model by sending messages.
The controller is essentially the brain of the system. It is a link between the system and the user and provides the user with the input needed by sending that information to the view, which is then seen on the user’s screen.
Why Choose to Use the MVC Design Pattern?
There are many benefits to using this type of pattern, which is why it is popular and so commonly used in iOS development, and in other types of software. One of the biggest benefits is the fact that it can help to speed up the development process. It can even support parallel development. This means that one member of the development team might be working on the controller while another team member is working on the view, and a third is working on the model at the same time. Because the three separate elements can be worked on at the same time, it has the potential to speed up the creation of the app greatly.
Because of the way that the MVC architecture works, it means that it is possible to create applications that can work with a wide range of elements. This includes widgets, browsers that are site-specific, and PDF files, for example.
Another benefit is that when you make modifications, it will not affect the entire model. The user interface is often changed on many different types of apps for one reason or another. It might be as simple as changing out colors or fonts, or it might be as complex as changing out the screen layouts.
However, adding new types of views in the MVC Design Pattern tends to be very easy. This is because the model does not depend on the view portion of the architecture. Making changes to the model will not cause there to be any changes to the architecture. Naturally, this helps to eliminate the chance of making one change that negatively affects the entire app.
With the MVC Pattern, it is also possible to create more than one view for the model. This allows the developers to provide additional ways that a user can access the app. It also reduces the need for code duplication.
For businesses that are creating apps, one of the top benefits will be the fact that the MVC pattern is SEO-friendly. This is true for webpages, web apps, and mobile apps alike. Those who are looking for ways to ensure that their apps are SEO-friendly will certainly want to consider this option when going into development.
Finally, developers find that the MVC Design Pattern is overall very easy to understand and to use. It makes sense from a logical perspective, and it is possible to create the apps in less time. Less development time will mean less money spent, and it will also be possible for a company to get their app out in front of their audience in a timely manner. Many development teams and companies are choosing to use the MVC Design Pattern as the architecture for their apps.
They may also incorporate other design patterns and elements depending on just what it is they are creating. A development team may want to start with this pattern as a way to build out the most important architecture that is needed for the app. It has a lot of benefits and there are very few potential drawbacks.
One of the only potential issues that some developers might have is that there are strict rules on the methods in order to get the app to function properly. Therefore, great care and attention need to be paid when constructing the architecture. Some developers may have a hard time understanding the architecture when they first start to use it, as well. However, the advantages of using the pattern will far outweigh the drawbacks, which is why this remains one of the most popular design patterns for iOS app design.
