Why do I get a delay when executing animations first time?

Question

I am using imageWithContentsOfFile: to load my .png images into an array. When the IBAction triggers the animation, there is a noticeable delay before the animation starts. Then, each time after that, it executes smoothly. I originally tried to load them with the imageNamed: method but experienced the same delay plus big performance problems on the device.

Answer 1

Load the images in ViewWillLoad instead.

If that doesn't work, use the developer tool Instruments (built into xcode) to find what is causing the performance hit. Choose Open GL ES driver, under the iOS -> graphics menu. Then tick Hide system libraries. Then it will show you which methods are taking a long time, click into those methods to see exactly which lines, then just try and figure out alternative ways to do it.