Question

In objective c, should I overwrite the init method to initialize my variables? If the variables are properties can I still access them the usual way to set their initial value?

Answer 1

In objective c, should I overwrite the init method to initialize my variables?

Yes. Specifically, the designated initializer(s).

Your subclass may also specify another construction stage (e.g. viewDidLoad). Also, the object’s memory is zeroed when it is allocated, so you do not need to set them explicitly to 0/nil (unless you find it more readable).

If the variables are properties can I still access them the usual way to set their initial value?

You should avoid using the object’s instance methods/accessors, and access ivars directly in partially constructed states (notably the initializer and dealloc). There are a number of side effects you will want to avoid – Example Here;