You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


Q:

Swift -Add loading cell while paginating

Right now I use the code at the bottom of this question to paginate and everything works fine but I would like to add a loading cell to the the collectionView once the paginating starts and remove it after the paginating stops.
I tried the following but it just adds the loading cell to the bottom of the cv and the loading cell never leaves.
func collectionView(_ collectionView: UICollectionView, numberOfItemsInSection section: Int) -> Int {

    return datasource.count + 1
}

func collectionView(_ collectionView: UICollectionView, cellForItemAt indexPath: IndexPath) -> UICollectionViewCell {

    if indexPath.item == tableData.count {
        let cell = collectionView.dequeueReusableCell(withReuseIdentifier: loadingCell, for: indexPath) as! LoadingCell
        cell.spinner.startAnimating()
        return cell
    }

    return cell // this is a normal cell
}

func collectionView(_ collectionView: UICollectionView, layout collectionViewLayout: UICollectionViewLayout, sizeForItemAt indexPath: IndexPath) -> CGSize {

    if indexPath.item == tableData.count {

        return CGSize(width: collectionView.frame.width, height: 40) // loading cell is 40 pts
    }

    return CGSize(width: width, height: 80) // normal cell is 80 pts
}

I also tried using sections but the same problem occured
func numberOfSections(in collectionView: UICollectionView) -> Int {
    return 2
}

func collectionView(_ collectionView: UICollectionView, numberOfItemsInSection section: Int) -> Int {
    if section == 0 {
        return datasource.count
    } else {
        return 1
    }
}

func collectionView(_ collectionView: UICollectionView, cellForItemAt indexPath: IndexPath) -> UICollectionViewCell {

    if indexPath.section == 1 {
        let cell = collectionView.dequeueReusableCell(withReuseIdentifier: loadingCell, for: indexPath) as! LoadingCell
        cell.spinner.startAnimating()
        return cell
    }

    return cell // this is a normal cell
}

func collectionView(_ collectionView: UICollectionView, layout collectionViewLayout: UICollectionViewLayout, sizeForItemAt indexPath: IndexPath) -> CGSize {

    if indexPath.section == 1 {

        return CGSize(width: collectionView.frame.width, height: 40) // loading cell is 40 pts
    }

    return CGSize(width: width, height: 80) // normal cell is 80 pts
}

How can I remove add and remove the loading cell only when handlePaginating() is called/finished?
var startKey: String?

override func viewDidLoad() {
    super.viewDidLoad()

    handlePagination()
}

func scrollViewDidEndDragging(_ scrollView: UIScrollView, willDecelerate decelerate: Bool) {

    let contentOffset = scrollView.contentOffset.y

    let maximumOffset = scrollView.contentSize.height - scrollView.frame.size.height

    if maximumOffset - contentOffset <= 10 {

        handlePagination()
    }
}

func handlePagination() {

    if startKey == nil {

        Database...Ref?.queryOrderedByKey().queryLimited(toLast: 10).observeSingleEvent(of: .value, with: { [weak self](snapshot) in

            guard let children = snapshot.children.allObjects.first as? DataSnapshot else { return}

            for child in snapshot.children.allObjects as! [DataSnapshot] {
                    // append child to datasource
            }
            self?.startKey = children.key
        })

    } else {

        Database...Ref?.queryOrderedByKey().queryEnding(atValue: startKey!).queryLimited(toLast: 11).observeSingleEvent(of: .value, with: { [weak self](snapshot) in

            guard let children = snapshot.children.allObjects.first as? DataSnapshot else { return}

            for child in snapshot.children.allObjects as! [DataSnapshot] {
                // insert child in datasource at statIndex
            }
            self?.startKey = children.key
        })
    }
}

A:

I used the idea of a flag property from @PratikPrajapati answer in conjunction with the first part of my question.
I declared a property and initially set it as var isPaging = false. Then insidecellForItem and sizeForItem I check to see if the bool value is either true or false.
Inside the else clause of handlePagination(), I set the flag to isPaging = true and then call collectionView.reloadData() so that when the cv is reloaded, cellForItem and sizeForItem will now show the spinner inside the loading cell and give it a height of 40.
Last inside the else clause's callback I set the flag back to false and call collectionView.reloadData() again so that all the cells are updated, the spinner is no longer spinning, and the loading cell’s size is .zero:
Database...Ref?.queryOrderedByKey() ....
    // callback
    self?.isPaging = false
    // ...
    UIView.performWithoutAnimation {
        self?.collectionView.reloadData()
    }
...

Here is the complete code:
var isPaging = false
var startKey: String?

override func viewDidLoad() {
    super.viewDidLoad()

    handlePagination()
}

func collectionView(_ collectionView: UICollectionView, numberOfItemsInSection section: Int) -> Int {

    return datasource.count + 1 // *** make sure to add the + 1 to this ***
}

func collectionView(_ collectionView: UICollectionView, cellForItemAt indexPath: IndexPath) -> UICollectionViewCell {

    if indexPath.item == tableData.count {
        let cell = collectionView.dequeueReusableCell(withReuseIdentifier: loadingCell, for: indexPath) as! LoadingCell

        if isPaging {
            cell.spinner.startAnimating()
        } else {
            cell.spinner.stopAnimating()
        }

        return cell
    }

    return cell // this is a normal cell
}

func collectionView(_ collectionView: UICollectionView, layout collectionViewLayout: UICollectionViewLayout, sizeForItemAt indexPath: IndexPath) -> CGSize {

    if indexPath.item == tableData.count {

        if isPaging {
            return CGSize(width: collectionView.frame.width, height: 40) // if it's true then set the loading cell's size
        } else {
            return .zero // if it's false then set the loading cell's size to .zero
        }
    }

    return CGSize(width: width, height: 80) // normal cell is 80 pts
}

func handlePagination() {

    if startKey == nil {

        Database...Ref?.queryOrderedByKey().queryLimited(toLast: 10).observeSingleEvent(of: .value, with: { [weak self](snapshot) in

            guard let children = snapshot.children.allObjects.first as? DataSnapshot else { return}

            for child in snapshot.children.allObjects as! [DataSnapshot] {
                    // append child to datasource
            }
            self?.startKey = children.key
        })

    } else {

        isPaging = true
        collectionView.reloadData()
        // add a function to auto scroll to the last cell

        Database...Ref?.queryOrderedByKey().queryEnding(atValue: startKey!).queryLimited(toLast: 11).observeSingleEvent(of: .value, with: { [weak self](snapshot) in

            self?.isPaging = false

            guard let children = snapshot.children.allObjects.first as? DataSnapshot else { return}

            for child in snapshot.children.allObjects as! [DataSnapshot] {
                // insert child in datasource at statIndex
            }

            self?.startKey = children.key
            UIView.performWithoutAnimation {
               self?.collectionView.reloadData()
            }
        })
    }
}

func scrollViewDidEndDragging(_ scrollView: UIScrollView, willDecelerate decelerate: Bool) {

    let contentOffset = scrollView.contentOffset.y

    let maximumOffset = scrollView.contentSize.height - scrollView.frame.size.height

    if maximumOffset - contentOffset <= 10 {

        handlePagination()
    }
}