What is the difference between Embedded Binaries and Linked Frameworks

When using external framework Xcode now has an Embedded Binaries as well as Linked Frameworks section.

When you download an external framework and Finder->drag it into Xcode, it will place the framework into the Linked Frameworks and Libraries section.

When you build a library with Carthage it recommends dragging into the Embedded Binaries section.

Both seem to be working in terms of linkage, as the API becomes available either way, further more when adding a framework into the Embedded Binaries section is it also automatically gets added into the Linked Frameworks and Libraries section.

So, who is right? Carthage or the rest of the internet? and why are there 2 options for including external resources into Xcode projects?

Solution 1:

1. Linking- We must link a framework if we use any API defined in it.

2. Embedding - This process will ensure the added framework will be embedded within the App bundle, and potentially will help sharing code between the app, and any extension bundles. We embed only third party frameworks and not the ones provided by iOS as they are readily available in the device. If we are embedding, that means that, we will need to link to them too so that Xcode can compile and create the build. When the app runs in the device, then the embedded framework will be loaded into memory when needed.

Solution 2:

If you embed the binary it will be included into your product. If you only link a library or framework without embedding it, it will not be part of your product.

However, in iOS8 all 3rd party frameworks need to be "embedded". Even a framework that is shared between various programs needs to be "embedded" into every single one of those programs. In the case where it was installed on the device in a shared location, any other installation process using the same "embedded" code from the shared location can re-use that existing installation. This is specific to iOS8, it has not been possible before iOS8 and outside the iOS world this answer would not be accurate.