When to use self on class properties?

Question

When is self needed for class properties? For example:

self.MyProperty = @\"hi there\";

vs

MyProperty = @\"hi there\";
         


        

Answer 1

If you use automatic Key-Value Observing (or any Cocoa technology that builds on it - like bindings, ...), it is also important use the setter. The observer would not receive any notification if you assign to the ivar. If you bind "MyProperty" to a NSTextfield and you change your "MyProperty" ivar via code, the bound textfield would still display the old value as it did not receive any change notification.