How to move non static variables from interface to implementation in objectiveC? - objective-c

Question

I am trying to write a cocoa touch static library.
To keep it simple I would prefer not to use private variables within my interface file.
The code right now looks like this:
interface file (myView.h):
#interface myView: UIView {
NSTimer * myTimer;
}
#end
implementation file (myView.h)
#implementation myView
#end
This NSTimer pointer is just a private variable so I tried this:
(not working)
interface file (myView.h):
#interface myView: UIView {
}
#end
implementation file (myView.h)
NSTimer * myTimer;
#implementation myView
#end
It seems to work however it turned out that the timer is now a static variable.
Am I doing sth wrong or is there no solution?

Answer 1

You can't define instance variables in your implementation file.
A possible solution is to have a private structure containing the private variables and have one publicly declared private variable pointing to this private structure:
#interface MyView {
void *privateData;
}
Implementation file:
typedef struct {
NSTimer *myTimer;
} PrivateData;
#implementation MyView()
#property (readonly) PrivateData *privateData;
#end
#implementation MyView
- (id) init {
if (self = [super init]) {
privateData = malloc(sizeof(PrivateData));
self.privateData->myTimer = nil; // or something else
}
return self;
}
-(PrivateData *) privateData {
return (PrivateData *) self->privateData;
}
- (void) myMethod {
NSTimer *timer = self.privateData->myTimer;
}
- (void) dealloc {
// release stuff inside PrivateData
free(privateData);
[super dealloc];
}
#end
It's not beautiful, but it works. Maybe there are better solutions.

Answer 2

Just a note; trying to hide iVar's for the sake of security is silly. Don't bother.
For simplicity's sake, though, it has value.
However, a couple of solutions:
(1) If targeting iPhone OS or 64 bit Cocoa, you can #synthesize the ivar:
Foo.h:
#interface Foo:NSObject
#property(readwrite, copy) NSString *publiclyReadwriteNoiVar;
#property(readonly, copy) NSString *publiclyReadonlyPrivatelyReadwriteNoiVar;
#end
Foo.m:
#interface Foo()
#property(readwrite, copy) NSString *privateProperty;
#end
#implementation Foo
#synthesize publiclyReadwriteNoiVar, publiclyReadonlyPrivatelyReadwriteNoiVar, privateProperty;
#end
(2) Use a private subclass kinda like class clusters:
Foo.h:
#interface Foo:NSObject
#end
Foo.m:
#interface RealFoo:Foo
{
.... ivars here ....
}
#end
#implementation RealFoo
#end
#implementation Foo
+ (Foo *) convenienceMethodThatCreatesFoo
{
.... realFoo = [[RealFoo alloc] init]; ....
return realFoo;
}
#end

Answer 3

Depending on the goal of your encapsulation, there's also the #private directive:
Access Modifiers