How to Add Core Data to an existing Utility Application

Question

Hi,

I´ve created an utility Application which is nearly complete, but now I´m on a point were I really have to persist Data. Since XCode provides only Core Data Templates in an Navigation or Window Based App, is there an easy way to add Core Data to my Application? I´ve never worked with Core Data and just have to persist messages with 460 Characters and a contact Name tp it as a history of send Messages.

Or should I start with a new Window Based Application incl. Core Data and try to build the Utility / Flipside Part by hand?

Can someone suggest me the best practice for my situation?

Thank you

twickl

Answer 1

You'll need to add the CoreData framework to your target, create a data model, and instantiate the NSManagedObjectModel, NSPersistentStoreCoordinator, and NSManagedObjectContext objects.

Adding Core Data to an existing application is discussed briefly in this Apple document (search for "existing application")

You should also view the Apple tutorial to get a feel for what is involved.

You can always consider just using SQLite as well.

Answer 2

Create a new project in XCode, using the templates provided - find one that has a box to check for using Core Data for storage.

That gives you an xcdatamodel file, and some code/class variables in the application delegate that you can copy from that project into your current one.

I also highly recommend the Apple tutorial mentioned by nall.

If you do decide to just use SQLLite directly instead, strongly consider using FMDB, which simplifies SQL code. It's one file you add to a project.