With the advent of smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices, creating user interfaces has become a crucial part of app development. The interface builder tool that comes bundled with Xcode makes this task incredibly easy for developers. Known as Interface Builder, it is an intuitive visual editor that simplifies the process of creating user interfaces.

Interface Builder was launched by Apple in 2003 as a standalone tool for Apple's legacy System 7 operating system. By 2005, it was integrated with Xcode, Apple's development environment for macOS, and iOS applications. It's now an essential tool for developers of all levels.

In general, Interface Builder lets developers create user interfaces visually by dragging and dropping items from the library onto the main canvas, also known as the canvas. It offers a variety of layout options, such as pinning views to the borders or centers of the screen, as well as resizing views based on their content, to achieve a neat and well-designed interface.

With the tool's many features and functions, developers can customize their design by specifying the color, size, text, or image on each element of the canvas. Interface Builder also permits the creation of view controllers, which allows developers to create interactive apps with multiple screens easily.

Interface Builder offers two modes of use, namely design and content mode. The design mode allows developers to create a visual representation of the user interface. Developers can experiment with the appearance of their app and add functionality while viewing the results in realtime. The content mode, on the other hand, exposes the properties of each element of the canvas. This mode enables developers to add text, images, and other content to the user interface.

Interface Builder offers several benefits and advantages to developers. Firstly, it saves time by simplifying the design process. Developers can use the drag and drop technique to quickly create their interface without having to write any code. Secondly, it provides a more natural way to design the app since developers can see how the app will look like while working on it. This overlooks the need for back and forth testing between the design and coding phases. Finally, as it is compatible with Xcode, developers can easily switch between Interface Builder and other project-specific files.

To start using Interface Builder, launch Xcode and create a new project. Choose the appropriate template for your app, and then open the file ending in "Storyboard.". A storyboard file is a visual representation of the app's user interface. You can add or remove elements from the panel on the right-hand side, or you can drag and drop the elements onto the editor canvas.

When creating user interfaces with Interface Builder, developers should keep the following best practices in mind:

1. Use Autolayout: This feature permits developers to create a responsive and flexible design that adapts to various screen sizes and orientations.

2. Incorporate Accessibility: Ensure that the user interface is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Use the tools provided by Interface Builder to create elements that are readable and understandable.

3. Keep it simple: Creating a simple and user-friendly interface requires striking a balance between usability, flow, and aesthetics. Too many colors, fonts, or animations may make the app appear cluttered and unprofessional.

In conclusion, Interface Builder is a powerful tool that allows developers to create stunning and user-friendly interfaces effortlessly. Rather than focusing on writing code, developers can use Interface Builder's intuitive and interactive interface to design their app's interface. It's an essential asset for any iOS developer looking to create an impactful and user-friendly app.