Getting started: Chat with Swift

This guide will help you get started with Ably Chat in a new iOS Swift application built with SwiftUI.

You’ll learn how to create chat rooms, send messages, and implement realtime features like typing indicators and presence.

Prerequisites

1. Sign up for an Ably account.

2. Create a new app, and get your first API key.

3. Create a new iOS project with SwiftUI in Xcode.

4. Add the Chat dependency to your project using Swift Package Manager:

   • In Xcode, go to File > Add Package Dependencies
   • Enter the repository URL: https://github.com/ably/ably-chat-swift
   • Select the latest version and add it to your target

Step 1: Set Up Ably

In production, you should use token authentication to avoid exposing your API keys publicly.

Replace the contents of your ContentView.swift file:

Step 2: Create a Room and Send Messages

Add functionality to create a room and send messages:

Next Steps

• Understand token authentication before going to production
• Read more about using rooms and sending messages
• Find out more regarding presence

Explore the Ably CLI further, or check out the Chat Swift API references for additional functionality.