Question 1

How to generate models from a REST API with Plank?

Accepted Answer

First, define a JSON Schema that matches your API response structure, then run Plank on the schema file to generate model classes. You'll need to map the API data to the schema format manually, as Plank doesn't directly fetch from APIs.

Question 2

Plank vs Swift Codable for iOS development?

Accepted Answer

Plank generates immutable Objective-C models with builders and type safety from JSON Schema, while Swift Codable is integrated into Swift and supports mutable structs with less boilerplate. Choose Plank if you need immutability and Objective-C compatibility; Codable is better for pure Swift projects with simpler serialization.

Question 3

Can Plank handle nested JSON objects?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Plank supports nested objects through schema references ($ref), allowing you to define complex data hierarchies. It generates corresponding model classes with proper type safety for each nested level.

Question 4

How to update models when the JSON schema changes?

Accepted Answer

You must regenerate the model files using Plank with the updated schema, then replace the old files in your project. This process might require manual adjustments if there are breaking changes, and it doesn't handle backward compatibility automatically.

Question 5

Does Plank work with Android Studio or Xcode?

Accepted Answer

Plank is a command-line tool that generates files you need to manually add to your project. It doesn't integrate directly with IDEs like Android Studio or Xcode, so you'll have to manage the generated files externally.

Question 6

Plank or Jackson for Java model generation?

Accepted Answer

Plank focuses on immutable models with builders and type safety from JSON Schema, while Jackson is a runtime library for JSON parsing with annotations. Plank is better for schema-first design with immutability; Jackson is more flexible for existing codebases and dynamic use cases.

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