General How extensions work.

[digi999]

Just because I couldn't find a straight answer, can someone clarify how extensions work? Like, take Pinterest. Would each app have to individually implement the "pin this" share ability or would the Pinterest app implement the ability once and then every app has that ability as long as the Pinterest app is installed?

 

[Telp]

Here are two articles that do a pretty good job of explaining extensions:

http://arstechnica.com/apple/2014/0...opening-the-platform-while-keeping-it-secure/

http://www.macstories.net/stories/ios-8-extensions-apples-plan-for-a-powerful-app-ecosystem/

 

[FSMBP]

Just because I couldn't find a straight answer, can someone clarify how extensions work? Like, take Pinterest. Would each app have to individually implement the "pin this" share ability or would the Pinterest app implement the ability once and then every app has that ability as long as the Pinterest app is installed?

Straight answer: Pinterest makes an extension (which is included when you download Pinterest onto your iPhone), then anytime you see a 'share' button in iOS, Pinterest will be there. It's an extension at the system-wide level (no need for other 3rd party apps to have to add other apps' extensions).

 

[TrenttonY]

If this is know implemented than why is the Facebook an Twitter log in still in settings?

 

[C DM]

If this is know implemented than why is the Facebook an Twitter log in still in settings?

Because they are integrated into the OS natively.

 

[BeeGood]

Here are two articles that do a pretty good job of explaining extensions:

http://arstechnica.com/apple/2014/0...opening-the-platform-while-keeping-it-secure/

http://www.macstories.net/stories/ios-8-extensions-apples-plan-for-a-powerful-app-ecosystem/

Thanks for the links. That was helpful.

I'm really excited about this and like the author said, hopefully the big guys will implement these from day one and set an example for the whole Dev community.

 

[afsnyder]

If this is know implemented than why is the Facebook an Twitter log in still in settings?

They are integrated so you don't need to download the apps to get the extensions and they existed before extensions for iOS existed. In the future, Apple may drop native support to keep everything consistent.

 

[digi999]

Thanks - very helpful.

So this means things like Safari and Mail should have things like that too (obviously if you have the app, of course). Good to know as they're often not as integrated in the past.