How to create static library from an existing framework in iOS?

Question

I have been provided with a framework by a third party vendor for an iPhone hardware accessory. So I have a folder like Device.framework. Inside that folder is a binary file

Answer 1

A *.framework is simply a package containing: the static library, headers, associated meta data. Copy and paste the .framework and extract the static *.a file and related header files.

Then it's simply a matter of using the MonoTouch btouch tool to bind the static library for use in your MonoTouch project. There is a great example of how to bind a native library to MonoTouch on Github. With guidance on targeting simulator + device and using the LinkWith attribute to embed the static library in a single *.dll:

• https://github.com/xamarin/monotouch-samples/tree/master/BindingSample

Also, make sure to check out the btouch Reference documentation here:

• http://docs.xamarin.com/ios/advanced_topics/binding_objective-c_types

Answer 2

Rename that binary file to Device.a. You can do that as the framework you mention is not done by Apple, hence it has to be a static library and not a dynamic one.

Make sure your project links that library (Device.a).

Include the headers in your project and reference them where appropriate.