Can you reference Xib files from static libraries on the iPhone?

Question

In my app, i currently have all my code separated into a static library, to make it easier to set up the xcode project targets for the actual app and for unit tests for my code. The problem with this is that i want to put most of my xib files in the static library as well, but it seems that when i run my app and try to reference the xib it can't find it unless it is included in the actual app's target instead of the static library target. Is it possible to have xib files and other resources included in static libraries that can be referenced by code in that same library, and if so, how?

Answer 1

No it isn't possible, because a static library is not the same as a "bundle".

A bundle is a directory that may contain all manner of files including resource files (xib), executable files and static libraries. It exists on the filesystem as a group of individual files.

A static library is a single file that contains classes, code and variables that were linked together by the library creator. It does not "contain" other files, it is essentially a database of compiled code.

Although it would be possible to put the data for the xibs in there, Xcode would have no way of knowing that it was in there, as it looks for them as individual files on the filesystem.

In Mac OS, you may create a "Framework" which is essentially a bundle of code, resources, settings etc which may be reused by multiple projects. However, Apple does not seem to support custom framework creation for iPhone OS.

Bundles https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/CoreFoundation/Conceptual/CFBundles/BundleTypes/BundleTypes.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/10000123i-CH101-SW1

Static Libraries http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Static_library