How do I use a macro in Swift?

Use the @MacroName attribute or #macro syntax to apply macros to your code.

Are macros available in all Swift versions?

Swift macros are available starting in Swift 6 and iOS 18+.

Macros can automate some protocol/extension patterns, but are best for code generation and reducing repetition.

Overusing macros can make code harder to read. Use them for DRY and cross-cutting concerns, not for everything.

Macros in Swift are compile-time code transformations that help reduce boilerplate and automate patterns.

With iOS 18 and Swift 6, Apple introduced powerful macro support that allows you to reduce boilerplate code and write more expressive Swift.

Macros in Swift are compile-time transformations. They let you generate code, validate structure, or automate common patterns.

@Codable
struct User {
    var name: String
    var email: String
}

This macro auto-conforms to Codable, removing manual conformance code.

print(#localized("greeting_message"))

Transforms into:

print(NSLocalizedString("greeting_message", comment: ""))

Macros are best for DRY principles, but overuse can lead to opaque code. Use judiciously for cross-project improvements.

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Senior iOS Developer & Educator

Bhumika Patel is a senior iOS developer with over 4+ years of experience building successful applications for companies like Apple and Google.