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iOS

Posted by Jarrod Parkes
Jarrod Parkes
Courses Plus Student 10,884 Points

Develop iOS Client/Server Application

Disclaimer: Yes, I have read and implemented Ray Wenderlich's client/server example found here http://www.raywenderlich.com/3932/how-to-create-a-socket-based-iphone-app-and-server

My question is slightly different. Obviously, there are many iOS applications/examples that act as a client; however, would it be possible to create a very simple server application which physically runs on a iOS device (phone/tablet)?

Furthermore, could you write a pair of iOS applications (a client app and a server app) to demonstrate a client/server system on one device?

(I understand that this is not the conventional method for such as a task, this is more for sake of example and understanding iOS device boundaries)

Thanks, Jarrod

1 Answer

Amit Bijlani
STAFF
Amit Bijlani
Treehouse Guest Teacher
Amit Bijlani
Amit Bijlani
Treehouse Guest Teacher

You can build an iPhone app that runs a server but it would only be active while the app is open since you cannot have background processes running. Although, there are very limited use cases for doing such a thing.

Jarrod Parkes
Jarrod Parkes
Courses Plus Student 10,884 Points

@Amit: Thank you for the quick response. This verifies what I needed to know. The question stems from a college networking assignment which asks to create simple TCP/IP client/server program(s). It sounds like it is safe to say that iOS applications are almost always built as client applications where the server backend is housed elsewhere.

Jarrod Parkes
Jarrod Parkes
Courses Plus Student 10,884 Points

(Also, is there a way for me to delete the accidental answer below? I meant for that to be a response to your answer)

Ben Jakuben
Ben Jakuben
Treehouse Teacher
Ben Jakuben
Ben Jakuben
Treehouse Teacher

I think posts can only be deleted by staff and moderators. I deleted yours for you. :)

Jarrod Parkes
Jarrod Parkes
Courses Plus Student 10,884 Points

that works. thanks!