Does it support dispatch groups?

Yes, it includes detailed syntax and patterns for using dispatch_group_t to synchronize and notify when multiple asynchronous operations have completed.

How does this skill handle memory management in blocks?

The skill provides implementation patterns for the 'weak-strong dance' to prevent retain cycles and explains how to use the __block qualifier for mutable variable capture.

Can I use this for both iOS and macOS development?

Yes, Objective-C blocks and GCD are foundational technologies utilized across all Apple platforms, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

How does this skill improve app performance?

By guiding the correct usage of global background queues for heavy processing and main-thread dispatching for UI updates, it ensures maximum application responsiveness.

Objective-C Blocks & GCD

Name: Objective-C Blocks & GCD
Author: TheBushidoCollective

byTheBushidoCollective

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Mobile Development

Implements asynchronous programming and concurrent task management using Objective-C blocks and Grand Central Dispatch.

About

This skill provides expert guidance on Objective-C's block syntax and Grand Central Dispatch (GCD) API, enabling developers to build responsive, thread-safe iOS and macOS applications. It covers essential patterns such as the weak-strong dance to prevent retain cycles, managing serial and concurrent dispatch queues, coordinating multiple asynchronous tasks with dispatch groups, and implementing thread-safe singletons. Whether refactoring legacy code or optimizing performance, this skill ensures professional-grade concurrency implementation following Apple’s best practices for memory management and thread safety.

Key Features

Block syntax and closure context management
Memory safety and retain cycle prevention
Thread-safe singleton and initialization patterns
Dispatch group coordination for complex tasks
GCD queue orchestration (Serial and Concurrent)
39 GitHub stars

Use Cases

Refactoring legacy thread management to modern GCD queues for better performance
Updating UI components from background threads without blocking
Coordinating multiple network requests before executing completion handlers

About

Key Features

Block syntax and closure context management
Memory safety and retain cycle prevention
Thread-safe singleton and initialization patterns
Dispatch group coordination for complex tasks
GCD queue orchestration (Serial and Concurrent)
39 GitHub stars

Use Cases

Refactoring legacy thread management to modern GCD queues for better performance
Updating UI components from background threads without blocking
Coordinating multiple network requests before executing completion handlers