Concepts / Building Search UI / What is iOS InstantSearch?
Aug. 20, 2019

What Is iOS InstantSearch?

InstantSearch is a family of open-source, production-ready UI libraries that eases the usage and installation of the Algolia search engine.

It provides high-level UI widgets that interact with Algolia’s API, to easily build instant-search applications, where you focus on building your UI instead of needing to understand every detail of the Algolia search engine right away.

You are currently reading the iOS InstantSearch documentation. It is dedicated to iOS.

The InstantSearch family is composed of multiple InstantSearch flavors, no matter your front-end stack we got you covered:

InstantSearch iOS

InstantSearch iOS is a library that helps you integrate various search interfaces with Algolia, built on top of the Swift API client.

Accelerates development

InstantSearch iOS provides out of the box components that work together: search box, list of results, filtering and sorting interfaces, hierarchical menu, federated search, suggestions, highlighting, loading and more. It connects to Algolia servers, performs API calls for you and automatically updates the user interface with the latest state.

Manages complexity

InstantSearch iOS allows you to focus on the look and feel of your user interface, by handling the search-specific logic for you, and simplifying management of complex state like filters, hierarchical menus or federated search.

Easy to integrate

InstantSearch easily fits into existing code: It follows a strict separation of concerns, has few dependencies, and doesn’t make assumptions on how your app is built.

Customizable

Components shipped in InstantSearch can easily be customised and configured, from high-level parameters to custom presentation logic. Most common search use-cases are covered with these components.
Beyond those, writing your own component is as easy as implementing a single interface.

InstantSearch is a powerful tool for builders that want to stay in control.

Get started with InstantSearch iOS now.

Need help?

iOS InstantSearch is worked on full-time by Algolia’s JavaScript team.

Join the community

Ask questions and find answers on those following platforms.

Provide feedback

Stay up to date

Contributing?

We welcome all contributors, from casual to regular. Feel free to open a Pull Request

Did you find this page helpful?