Tate’s IP Utility – New version available!
An update to Tate’s IP Utility has been released! (Version 2.0.0)
The is a free update for existing users, but does require macOS Monterey. You can download the update via the macOS App Store.
If you’re unfamiliar with the app, it allows you to display your IP address in the macOS menubar in realtime, and can show either local interfaces (local network address, virtual machines, connected devices), or your public address with country information (good for folks with VPNs, or client / server development, or things like that.)
In terms of what’s new, the binary size is smaller, and overall the app should be more performant than before. There are also a few more descriptive errors based on why an IP address can’t be displayed, like having “No network interface” if say your computer is completely disconnected from a network.
Behind the scenes, the app was completely rewritten from scratch in Swift, whereas the original app was written in C++ and Objective-C. If you had asked me three years ago (when I first published this app) if I would have ever fully embraced Swift, I probably would have rolled my eyes. In my mind, C++ had everything and could do anything, as long as you put in the hard work to do so.
But what can I say, Swift is a little language I’ve grown quite fond of over the last few years. There’s a certain expressiveness and modern-ness that the language has to it. The automation tools developed by the community are just amazing to have as time savers and just make the experience in writing apps that much easier, and with less “hard work” to do.
Shows what getting out of your comfort zone and overcoming your own stubbornness can get you.