Question 1

How does DarkLightning compare to using Bonjour for iOS-macOS communication?

Accepted Answer

DarkLightning uses USB and usbmuxd for direct, high-speed connections up to 480 MBit, while Bonjour is for network-based discovery over Wi-Fi. DarkLightning is faster via USB but limited to physical connections and specific Apple devices.

Question 2

Can DarkLightning transfer data in the background on iOS?

Accepted Answer

The README doesn't specify background support; developers need to handle iOS background modes and ensure the app remains active, as TCP connections might be affected by app state changes and require additional implementation.

Question 3

Is DarkLightning secure for sensitive data transfer?

Accepted Answer

It uses TCP sockets without built-in encryption; developers must implement their own security measures like TLS if transmitting sensitive data, as the library focuses on speed and reliability rather than security features.

Question 4

How to set up DarkLightning for large file transfers?

Accepted Answer

Implement the DevicePort on iOS/tvOS and USBDaemon on macOS, then use the writeData methods to send bytes in chunks. The example shows basic messaging, but for large files, you'll need to handle streaming and memory management manually.

Question 5

Does DarkLightning work with multiple devices connected at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes, device discovery callbacks allow managing multiple devices, but you must implement logic for handling concurrent connections and data routing, as the library provides low-level control without built-in multi-device abstractions.

Question 6

What are the performance trade-offs of using TCP with DarkLightning?

Accepted Answer

TCP ensures reliable data delivery but can add latency and overhead compared to UDP, making it less ideal for real-time applications like gaming or live audio where speed is critical over USB's high bandwidth.

DarkLightning

What is DarkLightning?

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