I read this question: Understanding MVC pattern used in iOS apps, and loaded and ran the sample and found it helpful to understand how to collect external data such as images from the web. I can see how the IconDowloader works with the ViewController to collect the images and return them to the ViewController via a delegate.
I do not understand where the IconDownloader (or any ‘helper’ that retrieves data from an external source) fits into the MVC model. It seems to be bolted onto the side of the controller to me.
Is it part of the controller?
The IconDownloader is part of a hierarchy of controllers which collectively form ‘the controller’.