👉 Overview
👀 What ?
iOS Custom URI Handlers, also known as Deeplinks or Custom Schemes, are a way for iOS applications to define custom URL schemes that other applications can use to interact with them. When a user taps on a URL with a custom scheme, iOS launches the corresponding application and passes the URL to it. This feature can be used to implement deep linking, which is the ability to navigate directly to a specific piece of content within an application.
🧐 Why ?
Custom URI Handlers are important because they allow applications to interact with each other in a controlled and secure manner. They can be used to implement a variety of features, such as launching a specific application from a web page, sharing data between applications, or navigating directly to a specific piece of content within an application. Understanding how to use Custom URI Handlers is crucial for iOS developers, as they are a key tool for creating seamless user experiences and integrating applications with the wider iOS ecosystem.
⛏️ How ?
To use a Custom URI Handler, an iOS developer needs to do two things. First, they need to define a custom URL scheme for their application. This is done by adding a CFBundleURLTypes key to the application's Info.plist file and specifying a unique URL scheme. Second, they need to implement the application(_:open:options:) method in their AppDelegate or SceneDelegate class. This method is called by iOS when a URL with the application's custom scheme is opened, and it's where the developer can put the code to handle the URL.
⏳ When ?
Custom URI Handlers have been a feature of iOS since its earliest versions. However, they have become increasingly important as the iOS ecosystem has grown and the need for applications to interact with each other has increased.
⚙️ Technical Explanations
On a technical level, a Custom URI Handler in iOS works by registering a custom URL scheme with the operating system. When a URL with that scheme is opened, iOS launches the corresponding application and passes the URL to it by calling the application(_:open:options:) method. The application can then parse the URL and perform whatever action is appropriate. For example, if the URL represents a piece of content within the application, the application could navigate to that content. The specifics of how a Custom URI Handler is implemented can vary depending on the needs of the application, but the basic principles are the same.