Dependency Management in iOS Development: A Developer Survey Perspective

Rising complexity in iOS development necessitates robust dependency management tools, facilitating efficient integration of third-party and open-source libraries. This study explores current trends amongst iOS developers, focusing on their preferred tools, challenges encountered, and potential shifts in tool usage. A survey revealed Swift Package Manager (SPM) as the dominant choice $(70.5 \%$), valued for its user-friendliness and official support. However, performance concerns persist. CocoaPods usage declines (26.8%), prompting further investigation. Notably, $20.54 \%$ of developers have switched tools, highlighting potential dissatisfaction and a search for improved solutions. This study underscores the need for deeper analysis of developer preferences, tool-specific challenges, and the evolving dependency management landscape, paving the way for future tool development and best practices tailored to developer needs.