The internet has gone by storm with the release of iOS 11. Migrating from 32 bit to 64-bit apps comes with new challenges. The early warning signs were given by Apple and required developers to migrate to 64 bit since December 2014.
The final call has been issued with the iOS 11 beta 10 release note, authorizing that older apps won’t be supported any longer. Apple is committed to its words and comes with the release of iOS 11 beta with the advance software upgrade. This means that 32 bits apps will no longer be running on iOS 11.
The users of iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and iPad 4th Generation having 32-bit processors will be disappointed to see the support end. Moreover, besides removing the 32-bit apps, users of new iPhones, iPods and iPads will not be able to restore their devices. Instead of blaming Apple directly, the lazy app developers should be accused of not taking the action timely.
The changes have given rise to the new challenges and things are being a bit more complicated for the developers. Firstly, the market is already divided in iOS 9.3.5 supported devices (including iPad Mini, iPad 2 and iPhone 4S) along with iOS 10 devices. For this reason, the developers and testers have to support three devices simultaneously. The workload and size of the test lab will increase and could drop the app release cycle. No doubt, developers have to work hard and face challenges to overcome these discrepancies.
It has been a long time since 64-bit hardware has been released. However, the 64-bit operating system did not catch on as rapidly as it was expected. The reasons are quite a number of a lag in adoption as well as the issues that has to be faced by developers. In this article, we will discuss the biggest challenges for developers migrating 32-bit applications to 64 bits.
1. Data Access
When moving the code from 32-bit to 64-bit data environment, a number of problems can arise. For example, the 32-bit application accessing the similar database will access the same data in 32 bits with errors. In fewer cases, the data becomes entirely distorted before anyone notices that there is data organizing problem. Before making an update, ensure that 32-bit data values are still written as 32-bit values instead of 64-bit values.
Sometimes, the data organization can be quite elusive. For example, code from a .Net or Java can call into the operating system. The value that seems to be 32 bits, but the 64-bit operating system will read it as 64-bit data, which makes it difficult for developers to find an error.
Data issues include data in memory and on storage on disk. Most of the developers know how data structures work perfectly on the 32-bit environment and do not work in a 64-bit environment. The data structure works differently on 64-bit environment packs, even if the data elements are of the same size, they are not located in the same memory.
2. 64 Bit Libraries
Due to lack of 64-bit libraries, many application upgrades fail. The reason is that 64-bit app works ideal on 64 bit support libraries. If you are utilizing 32-bit libraries, ensure the organization of data between the two environments. It would reduce the aped of application with the rise in errors. Arranging pointers can be quite daunting when the pointer is of data structure, which may not change between 32-bit and 64-bit environments.
A number of libraries comprise of the custom core or from vendors who add value to platforms like .NET and Java. Moreover, you also need to handle platforms with care. For instance, 64-bit versions of .Net framework exists in WindoesMicrosoft.NETFramework64 folder, instead of WindowsMicrosoft.NetFramework folder. Open source libraries need to recompile to bid 64-bit functionality. Make sure to find the 64-bit download so that you don’t need to perform the required optimization.
3. 64-bit Programming Rules and Skills
Codes are updated by humans and if your mobile app development teams lack 64-bit programming experience, it would be a big hindrance in upgrading application. Team members must be well-versed with rules for converting data from 32-bit to 64-bit. If you are directly associated with hiring developers, make sure to ask the candidate about their experience. If the candidate lacks this experience, there might be a possibility of errors occurring in the 64-bit application. Moreover, it would cost time and money, which is not affordable at any cost.
4. Trick Code
A number of developers depend on the trick code to accomplish goals, which include hacks to work on un-doable error. It does not matter what language you use, all developers have some sort of trick code. It is shortcut to writing a longer code that does not perform efficiently. Before switching to 64-bit code, make sure to carry out a code review to find problems.
Developing a more reliable code by rewriting it makes it more secure. In this case, you are swapping a bit of speed for optimal reliability and security by rewriting the code. Rewriting a code will add convenience to pay off great reward in the end.
5. Supporting Hardware
There are a few devices and gadgets that simply don’t support 64-bit access, especially when it comes to older hardware. The problem will not affect business application but will have massive effects on a scientific application that depends on any type of external sensor. For instance, if you have a security system, you need to know that the cameras will interact with a 64-bit application before you go through the upgrade and find that they will not work.
6. Operating System Feature Access
It is not always possible that your 64-bit operating system would have access to operating system features. For example, Windows offer an unusual method of allowing access to the registry. On a 64-bit version of operating system, a 32-bit application will suddenly find their keys moved and 64-bit application may find it hard to locate data generated by 32-bit. The solution is to find whether you are working with a 64-bit version of operating system and offer code that looks for the required 32-bit data in an alternate location.
Conclusion
If you have not taken immediate actions to upgrade your 32 bit to 64 bit, now is the time. However, a number of platforms and applications require action to particular upgrade needs. By addressing the above issues, you can improve the chances of upgrade project succeeding.
