How to Build a Currency Converter App with Xcode and AI

1. Overview

In this tutorial, we will be building a currency converter app using Xcode and the help of our AI sidekick, Alex. This app will allow users to input an amount in a particular currency and convert it to a chosen currency. We will be using Swift and SwiftUI for our application's development.

Prerequisites:

Xcode installed on your Mac
Basic knowledge in Swift and SwiftUI
A free trial of Alex

2. Implementation Steps

Step 1: Project Setup & Planning

Start by creating a new project in Xcode. Name it 'CurrencyConverter'. For this app, our main features will include user input for initial currency and amount, a variety of currencies to convert to, and displaying the converted amount. Our data model will include the currency names and conversion rates.

Here's a tip: you can describe your basic data models and views to Alex, which will quickly generate initial Swift classes for you. This can save a lot of time in these early stages of project setup.

Step 2: Core Features

Let's start building our UI using SwiftUI. First, we need an input field for the user to enter in the amount they want to convert. Next, we need two drop-down menus: one for the initial currency and another for the conversion currency.

Alex can help streamline this process. For example, you can tell Alex to "Create a SwiftUI view with a TextField for amount input and two Picker views for currency selection," and it will generate the UI code for you.

Step 3: Data & Storage

We need to persist data locally for our currency names and conversion rates. For this, we can use UserDefaults and Codable. First, create two arrays containing the currency names and conversion rates. Then, create functions to save and retrieve this data.

Alex can help generate the boilerplate code for this. Simply ask it to "Create functions to save and retrieve arrays from UserDefaults using Codable," and it will do the initial work for you.

Lastly, we need to add some finishing touches. This includes handling loading and error states, adding animations, and making final performance tweaks.

Alex can offer helpful suggestions at this stage. For example, if you're unsure how to handle a loading state, you can ask Alex, and it will provide you with a suitable solution.

3. Next Steps

In the next tutorial, we will be adding more advanced features to our app, like real-time conversion rates and support for more currencies. In the meantime, you can try adding some optional features yourself, like a history of past conversions.

4. Conclusion

Congratulations! You've just built a basic currency converter app with the help of Alex. Not only did you learn more about Swift and SwiftUI development, but you also learned how AI can speed up and simplify the development process.

Remember, Alex is there to help you with your coding journey. Start your free trial today at alexcodes.app!