How do I reference a controller from within the object it created?

Question

So I have a PanelController which is a NSWindowController, and it instantiates an object called FileUploader. But inside of FileUploader, I want to be able to update some text on the Panel informing the user of the progress that has been made so far. But I don't know how to reference PanelController given that I can't instantiate a new one.

Am I supposed to use ApplicationDelegate as the go-between, and if so how do I reference that? If so, do I need ApplicationDelegate to instantiate both PanelController and FileUploader, but then I still don't understand how to reference the ApplicationDelegate.

score 3 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:29

3

Apple recommends using Delegates in such scenarios.

Here are some SO answers on how to make delegates:

edited May 23 '17 at 12:29

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answered Sep 04 '11 at 13:52

medopal

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score 3 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 11:43

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Also consider using blocks which is another more modern apple approach to callbacks. Apple is using it more and more in their new APIs.

Here's a specific SO on updating UI and also making it async:

GCD, Threads, Program Flow and UI Updating

Here's another SO article on blocks & delegates as callbacks

How to simplify callback logic with a Block?

edited May 23 '17 at 11:43

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answered Sep 04 '11 at 13:57

bryanmac

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Blocks are a great solution to this problem. – kubi Sep 04 '11 at 14:02
Yeah, I'd vote for blocks as well. Together with GCD they're great for async programming. – lbergnehr Sep 04 '11 at 16:01

How do I reference a controller from within the object it created?

2 Answers2