NSArray getter method not returning right value - objective-c

Question

I'm making a program where one Class (classA) generates a random number and adds it to a mutable array. A view controller (viewControllerA) calls a method from classA and receives the array of random numbers and stores it in its own array.
I have another class (classB) that needs the same array. After viewcontrollerA is finished doing what it needs to do with the array, it calls the setter method for an array in classB. I call NSLog in the setter and getter methods for the array in classB to check to see if it loads.
-(void)setRandomNumberArray:(NSArray *)randomNumberArray{
_randomNumberArray = randomNumberArray;
NSLog(#"%# setter", _randomNumberArray);
}
-
-(NSArray *)randomNumberArray{
if (!_randomNumberArray) {
_randomNumberArray = [[NSArray alloc] init];
}
NSLog(#"%# getter", _randomNumberArray);
return _randomNumberArray;
}
When I call the setter method in viewControlerA, NSLog returns the value of the array.
When I call the getter method in viewControllerB, NSLog prints nothing from the getter method.
2012-05-29 23:57:43.589 SwipeGame[8603:f803] (
) getter
It's obviously setting the array but not retaining it for when i want to get it. What is going on? I've tried multiple other techniques and it always sets the array but doesn't retain it for when i want to "get" the array.
the property for my array is set to retain btw..
UPDATE:
Yes I am using ARC. my property declaration is:
#property (nonatomic, strong) NSArray *randomNumberArray
SOLVED:
Thanks for all your help! It was a problem with instances.

Answer 1

Your setter method does not mention viewControllerB. You are just setting an internal variable. How is viewControllerB going to know about the array having been set?
The easiest way is to just use #properties and #synthesize:
// in A
viewControllerB.array = _array;
As for the retain question: if you use ARC you should not worry about it.

Answer 2

Do you use ARC?
ARC version bellow:
#interface Foo : NSObject {
NSMutableArray *_randomNumberArray;
}
#property (nonatomic, strong) NSMutableArray *randomNumberArray;
#end
#implementation Foo
#synthesize randomNumberArray = _randomNumberArray;
- (void)setRandomNumberArray:(NSMutableArray *)randomNumberArray {
_randomNumberArray = randomNumberArray;
NSLog(#"%# setter", _randomNumberArray);
}
- (NSMutableArray *) randomNumberArray {
if ( _randomNumberArray == nil )
_randomNumberArray = [[NSMutableArray alloc] init];
NSLog(#"%# getter", _randomNumberArray);
return _randomNumberArray;
}
#end
Not ARC version bellow:
#interface Foo : NSObject {
NSMutableArray *_randomNumberArray;
}
#property (nonatomic, strong) NSMutableArray *randomNumberArray;
#end
#implementation Foo
#synthesize randomNumberArray = _randomNumberArray;
- (void)setRandomNumberArray:(NSMutableArray *)randomNumberArray {
[_randomNumber release];
_randomNumberArray = randomNumberArray;
[_randomNumberArray retain];
NSLog(#"%# setter", _randomNumberArray);
}
- (NSMutableArray *) randomNumberArray {
if ( _randomNumberArray == nil )
_randomNumberArray = [[NSMutableArray alloc] init];
NSLog(#"%# getter", _randomNumberArray);
return _randomNumberArray;
}
- (void)dealloc {
[_randomNumberArray release];
}
#end

Answer 3

If you are creating this random number array using an NSMutableArray, and passing that to the setter, the array could be mutated later by the caller (e.g. all items removed) and the array can change from under your feet.
For types like NSArray and NSString which have mutable subtypes, you should declare your property as copy instead of strong. This will ensure the array passed to you cannot be mutated at a later date by somebody else. Copy performance is not a problem because the regular immutable types handle copies very efficiently.