What’s Best for Your App – Objective C Or Swift?

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If you are thinking of making an app that runs on iOS Devices than you need to read this blog before you start weaving your idea into an Application!

Before proceeding ahead, first of all, we need to know the basic difference between Objective C and Swift as both have their own features which sometimes make us confused that what language to choose to create our ideal application.

So, today we will try to clear all your issues regarding the same!

Objective C: A Brief

Let’s first learn about Apple’s first Programming language, which is Objective C.

Objective C is a general purpose, oriented programming language that adds some style to C programming language. It can be categorized as the main programming language used by the Apple for IOS operating systems to develop the applications runs on iOS Devices prior to the introduction to Swift language.

The Language was originally developed in the early1980s. It was selected as the main language used by the NeXTSTEP operating system.

Objective C is fundamentally simple language. Its syntax is easy, unambiguous and easy to learn. A well-organized language like Objective C can make becoming a proficient object-oriented programmer that much less difficult.

Swift: A Brief

Now, let’s learn about Apple’s second Programming language, which is Swift.

Swift is a general purpose, multi-paradings, compiled programming language developed by Apple Inc. for iOS, macOS, watchOS etc.

Swift was introduced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2014. Swift won the first place for highly loved Programming Language in the Stack Overflow Developer Survey in 2015.

It’s a safe, fast and interactive programming language that combines the best in modern language thinking with the developers worldwide with its community.

Which is Easy to Learn?

Sometimes a question pops into our mind that how typical is to learn these languages, and my answer is, “It actually depends on your C Programming Skills.”

Yes, if you are good in solving the C programming codes and understands that language easily then, congratulations you can learn Objective C and Swift as well but if you are not good in C then don’t worry, with some efforts you can easily understand it too if you are not a good programmer yet.

Is it Important to Learn a Language before Making an App?

It’s like you want to learn running but you don’t know how to walk…

Yes, it is mandatory to learn a programming language if you want to make an app as Apple’s applications support two language only which is Objective C and Swift hence to make an app that can run on OS X you need to learn it.

What are the Tools Required to Learn These Languages?

First of all, you required a Mac if you want to learn Objective C or Swift. If you are less with your budget then you can go with Mac mini.

Secondly, you need to install Xcode. Xcode is the integrated development environment for making iOS apps. It’s free and you can download it from the Mac’s App Store.

What Type of Application Supports Objective C?

There are a lot of applications that can be developed using Objective C and some of them are mentioned below:

1.    E-Commerce Applications.

2.   Health and fitness Applications.

3.   Entertainment Applications.

4.   Social Networking Applications.

5.   Apps for Kids.

6.   Utility Applications.

7.   Games Applications.

8.   Photos and Video Applications.

9.   News Applications.

Difference Between Objective C and Swift

Now I am going to explain the difference between both the language Objective C and Swift by highlighting some major points.

Processing speed

If we compare the code processing speed of both the language then Swift performs code execution much faster then the Objective C code due to the presence of one file which is named as .swift as compared to the two files presents in Objective C which are .h or.m.

Control Flow

Anyone who is familiar with C language can understand the meaning of Control flow, for others I mean to say the use of curly braces {} these are almost used everywhere in Objective C whenever we required using the control flow statements whereas in Swift they are not required anymore in control flow.

String Manipulation

Swift offers a lot of advantage over Objective C in terms of string manipulation. If you are a starter you don’t need to worry about manipulating and de-manipulating string just use var if you want to change it in future and you are good to go.

Memory Management

ARC in Objective C language is supported inside of code itself but it cannot access C code and APIs as Core Graphics. Whereas Swift is more unified so that its arc is complete for such code path. This way Swift allows coders not to worry about the memory for each object anymore.

Cleaner

With the new syntax added to Swift, it seems way too easier to read, compile and execute the code as compared to Objective C but this may vary for every other developer out there as some are comfortable with Objective C or some go with the Swift.

Number of Line of Code

Yes, here Swiftt wins the ground as Swift is more readable and have much less line of code as compared to Objective C due to presence of less files and we discussed earlier.

Safety

Apple considers Swift as safe, modern and powerful coding language. Playground feature which is present in Swift language allows user to interact with running applications , side by side.

Classes

Objective C and Swift both are good in creating great classes for programmers but sometimes Swift required much less efforts and provide more flexible and lightweight classes as compared to Objective C .

How Much Time is Required to Learn These Languages?

This totally depends on your learning skills and programming skills as well because these language do not have any limits hence, the more you work with them, the more you know about them. You just need to have some patience before you go and make apps professionally .

According to me just start with the basic of programming and learn all the syntax which are required and are the most important part of the language.

Now, you know what is the major difference between both the languages and you can judge which one is best for you so, that you can make the best application that fulfil all your requirements for an ideal application.

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