Sketch+PaintCode vs Storyboard

Question

Sketch is a UX and UI design tool. PaintCode has a code generating plugin for Sketch that can generate CoreGraphic code for all designs.

For iOS designs that are mostly using the standard design elements like navigation bar, table views and simpler stuff, if we use the code generated by PaintCode plugin, then -

1. Performance: Would there be any any performance impact on the app?
2. Complexity: We will have to take care of navigation and allocating and deallocating views but what is the magnitude of code complexity that would be introduced?
3. What other Pros and Cons are there in using code from PaintCode vs Storyboard?

Answer 1

PaintCode and Storyboards are not competitive approaches. In fact, they complement each other if you use IB_DESIGNABLE.

• Interface Builder (for Storyboards or XIBs) allows you build view hierarchy, layout, transitions and relationships.

• PaintCode (standalone app or Sketch plugin) allows you to draw contents of the views in a parametric and responsive way.

^{Image taken from this presentation: IBDesignable x PaintCode}

Also see PaintCode video about StyleKits and their integration with Interface Builder.
Here you can download an example project that demostrates IB_DESIGNABLE.

_{— PaintCode Support}