Declaring an array of UIImageViews globally in Xcode - arrays

Question

I created an array of ImageViews in a Buttonclicked method:
UIImageView *arrayOfImageViews[10]
I successfully loaded them on the screen using a loop. (Big accomplishment for this beginner!)
But I want to refer to them in other methods (e.g. touchMove).
Where do I declare arrayOfImageViews to be both an array and a class of UIImageView so that I can use them in other methods? From what I can find, I'm to declare them in the .h and above Implementation in the .m. But I can't figure out the code and location to define the object as an array of UIImageViews in anything but the original function.

Answer 1

Try using a property. So in the .h file, you want to define the property something like this:
#interface MyClass: UIView {
NSArray *arrayOfImageViews;
}
#property (nonatomic,retain) NSArray *arrayOfImageViews;
Now in the implementation (.m file) You need to bind this property like this
#implementation MyClass
#synthesize arrayOfImageViews;
//now you need to initialize the array of images like this (look for the method viewDidLoad or //just add it)
- (void)viewDidLoad
{
NSMutableArray *tmpImages = [[NSMutableArray alloc]init];
//initialize images here
[self setArrayOfImageViews:tmpImages];
[tmpImages release];
[super viewDidLoad];
}
That should do it... Sorry I didn't have time to post code that actually compiles but it should help. Basically now you have a property on the class and you can access it like self.arrayOfImages, or even just arrayOfImages (from within MyClass). Also, I used NSArray which I suggest you do too. However you can also use UIImageView* arrayOfImages if you prefer.