Combine Framework vs RxSwift

Developers should learn Combine when building Apple platform apps that require reactive or asynchronous data flow, such as handling user input, network requests, or real-time UI updates meets developers should learn rxswift when building ios/macos apps that involve complex asynchronous workflows, such as real-time data updates, event-driven ui interactions, or managing multiple concurrent tasks. Here's our take.

Combine Framework

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Combine when building Apple platform apps that require reactive or asynchronous data flow, such as handling user input, network requests, or real-time UI updates

Pros

• It is particularly valuable in SwiftUI-based projects for managing state and binding data to views, and it simplifies complex asynchronous code by replacing traditional patterns like delegates, closures, and NotificationCenter with a unified, composable approach
• Related to: swift, swiftui

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

RxSwift

Developers should learn RxSwift when building iOS/macOS apps that involve complex asynchronous workflows, such as real-time data updates, event-driven UI interactions, or managing multiple concurrent tasks

Pros

• It is particularly useful in MVVM architectures for binding view models to UI components, handling API calls with retry logic, and implementing debounced search inputs
• Related to: swift, reactive-programming

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Combine Framework is a framework while RxSwift is a library. We picked Combine Framework based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Combine Framework wins

Based on overall popularity. Combine Framework is more widely used, but RxSwift excels in its own space.