When one dives into the capabilities of AirPrint-enabled printers, a world of wireless printing from devices like the iPhone and iPad emerges. Within this walkthrough, the focus shifts to printing the contents within a Text View. Designed utilizing Xcode 10, this guide is tailored for those on iOS 12.
Project Initialization
One initiates by firing up Xcode, opting for a new Single View App.
In the product name field, type in ‘IOSAirPrintTutorial’. Following that, populate the Organization Name and Organization Identifier based on personal preferences. Swift should be the language of choice. Click on ‘Next’.
To harness the magic of AirPrint, the Printer Simulator proves essential. It’s available at developer.apple.com/downloads/, under the ‘Additional Tools’ section for the relevant Xcode release. Launching the Printer Simulator reveals a slew of virtual printers, ripe for integration within our app.
Crafting the Storyboard
Venture into the Storyboard. Here, one drags a Text View onto the principal view. Below this, a button finds its place, labeled ‘Print’. Subsequently, to resolve any layout discrepancies, select the ‘Resolve Auto Layout Issues’ button, opting for ‘Reset to Suggested Constraints’. Once completed, the Storyboard metamorphoses into the visual depicted below.
Creating Connections for Outlets and Actions
With the Assistant Editor in play, ensure visibility of ViewController.swift. Establishing a link between the Text View and the ViewController class is a mere ‘Ctrl + Drag’ away. This forms the initial Outlet. A similar ‘Ctrl + Drag’ from the Button to the ViewController class results in the subsequent Action.
Coding Essentials
Here’s the blueprint for the `printText` method:
```swift
@IBAction func printText(_ sender: Any) {
...
}
```- UIPrintInteractionController oversees the user interface and streamlines the print process;
- UIPrintInfo encapsulates data pertinent to the print job. This corpus of information is channeled to the `printInfo` property within UIPrintInteractionController;
- Customizing the print layout is achievable. This step accentuates the margins for the print page;
- An intuitive interface greets the user, prompting printer selection and copy quantity.
Project Execution
Concluding the guide, compile and initiate the project. Clicking the ‘Print’ button unveils printer options.
Wrapping It Up
In this journey through wireless printing via the iPhone, the prowess of AirPrint is undeniably evident. By integrating Xcode with iOS 12 features and utilizing the Printer Simulator, users can seamlessly print content from their Text Views. This tutorial not only provides a step-by-step guide but also underscores the symbiotic relationship between software and hardware, opening the doors to endless possibilities. Here’s to effortless printing, and may your projects always find their way from the digital realm to tangible prints with ease!