Evaluating strings in Objective-C

Question

In Ruby, I was able to execute strings as code like

eval("print 5")

Is it possible to do exactly the same in Objective-C?

possible duplicate of stackoverflow.com/questions/2550897/… — Jan Dragsbaek
– Jan Dragsbaek, Commented Nov 28, 2011 at 14:11

JeremyP · Accepted Answer · 2011-11-28 14:32:50Z

3

No. Objective-C is a compiled language. To evaluate strings like that, there would have to be a compiler embedded in the runtime, and there isn't.

There is a limited form of executing strings using methods like-performSelector and valueForKey: and NSInvocation.

answered Nov 28, 2011 at 14:32

JeremyP

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4 Comments

Jamshed Alam Over a year ago

So, if i want to make an app for compiling co code from iOS app, what would be possible best way ? Already there are many apps on appstore.

JeremyP Over a year ago

You either have to include an interpreter or a compiler in your app. Or you can probably leverage the Webkit Javascript interpreter, if you don't mind Javascript.

Jamshed Alam Over a year ago

So, can i compile my C code with a local JS file (which return eval result) from app ? or i have to use it from server ? please, elaborate or give me some link to get help. I am going to dev an app regarding this function.

JeremyP Over a year ago

@JamshedAlam It would be better if you authored a question rather than ask in the comments here, then more people will see it and answers can be written more easily.

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