what is binary code in Xcode build process

Asked on 07/31/2024

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Binary code in the Xcode build process refers to the compiled version of a module that the Swift compiler generates. When the Swift compiler encounters a module, such as SwiftUI, it may need to build a binary version of that module. This process happens implicitly, meaning it occurs automatically without explicit instructions from the developer. This binary version is then used by other modules that depend on it.

In Xcode 16, the process of building these modules has been improved with the introduction of explicitly built modules. This new approach coordinates with the compilers to discover and build modules explicitly, rather than implicitly. The build system now splits the compilation of each source file into three separate phases: scanning, building modules, and finally building the original code. This change helps to reduce build times and improve parallelism in the build process.

For more details, you can refer to the session Demystify explicitly built modules (05:55).