How to launch asset compiler from iOS based game development IDE.

I'm writing a game development IDE for iOS. On macOS I launch a separate process to load an FBX file, process it and save it out as a special package in the host's sandbox. I'm porting the IDE over to iOS because it would be exceptionally cool and I've hit a snag.


What is the best way to launch my asset compiling process to convert an FBX file to my engine's native format? Can I use an iOS app extension to run in the background and service these requests and if so which one is the best choice? An Action extension or a Document Provider?

Thank you so much.

Brian Hapgood

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What is the best way to launch my asset compiling process to convert an FBX file to my engine's native format?

There isn’t a good way to do this. iOS apps can’t launch child processes and your app extension idea won’t work for a variety of reasons.

Most folks resolve this issue by running the helper tool’s code within the app’s process. Is there a reason that won’t work for you?

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