In the fast-paced world of iOS app development, the battle between Swift vs Objective C has been raging. It’s a clash of coding titans, each vying for the top spot in the hearts of developers worldwide. But this isn’t just a typical tech rivalry. It’s a showdown between tradition and innovation, between the old guard and the new kid on the block.
Picture this: a classic Broadway musical versus a cutting-edge virtual reality experience. That’s Swift versus Objective-C in a nutshell. On one side, Objective-C, the seasoned veteran with decades of experience and a loyal following. On the other side, Swift, the fresh-faced prodigy shaking things up with its modern syntax and intuitive features.
In this blog, you will know from the battle: Swift vs Objective C. The ideal programming language for your iOS app development. By thoroughly understanding these two programming languages and comparing them through multiple factors like differences, features, etc. Hence, dive deep to get complete information about it.
Swift vs Objective C: Thoroughly Understanding Both The Programming Languages
Firstly, you might ask, What is Objective C & Swift? Then, let’s take a brief overview of both languages with their evolution, market and much more within this section by comparing the difference between swift and objective c:
Brief Overview of Swift
It is a popular, powerful and intuitive programming language developed by Apple platforms. And firstly, it was introduced to the world in 2015. Swift is an open-source language that mainly emphasizes modern technology. Moreover, this programming language supports development in iOS, macOS, Linux, tvOS, and the watchOS environments.
Now, let’s take a sneak peek about the features of this programming language.
Swift Features
Brief Overview of Objective C
Objective C is a general purpose, object-oriented Programming Language. The initial release of this iOS language happened in the 1980s by Stepstone Company. Mainly as the name suggests, it is a C programming-based language.
Moreover, C concepts like pointers are applicable in Objective C language programming and are apt for mobile app development services providers.
Besides, this language is dynamic and is even more universal to use. Let’s discuss the Objective C features to learn more about this programming language.
Features of Objective C
Now, after knowing the concepts of both programming languages in brief, let’s move on to find the primary distinction: Objective C vs Swift.
Objective-C vs Swift: Know The Key Differences
Comparatively, let’s understand the primary difference: Swift vs Objective C. The image shows the comparison in detail below.
Point of Difference | Objective C | Swift |
---|---|---|
Design & Developed | Brad Cox and Tom Love designed it. Mainly keeping C++ in mind, and Objective C is an object-oriented programming language. | Created by Apple developers that can help to make a robust system |
Based On Maturity, | Objective C is Mature. Mainly it was founded in 1984. | Swift is much younger. Besides, it was founded in the year 2014. |
Syntax | Objective C uses more complicated Syntax. | Whereas Swift uses more not-so abbreviated Syntax, which mainly helps developers to understand the language even faster. |
More Secured | Objective C has a lower security level than Swift programming language. | Swift provides a high-security level compared to Objective C as it is both Type-Safe and memory safe. |
Functionality | Due to the Objective C matured version. The functionality remains less than in Swift programming language. | Swift has more advanced functionality than Objective C. That can be a plus for iOS app development. |
License | Objective C Program is licensed under General Public License. | Swift programming is an Apache-licensed open-source project. |
Documentation | This programming language has comprehensive documentation. | Mainly, Swift still needs more documentation. And that is a drawback, mainly because good documentation makes communication and code easier for developers. |
Support for Earlier Versions of iOS | The earlier version of OS fully supports Objective C. | Moreover, you need help finding support for the earlier versions of OS with Swift. |
Objective C vs Swift: Comparing Through Pros & Cons
Knowing the upside and downsides of both languages will help in giving better clarity to you about which language is apt for your choice in Swift vs Objective C for your iOS mobile app development:
Pros of Objective-C
Cons of Objective-C
Pros of Swift
This programming language is highly secured and will help cut off the basic errors from the code, which can help smooth Swift app development.
Cons of Swift
After the pros and cons, let’s learn more about Swift vs Objective C from the Developer’s point of view and understand the compatibility and integration of both programming languages.
Objective C and Swift App Development: Developers’ Take on Compatibility & Integration
In this section, we will study both language’s compatibility and Integration of both languages. After reading this line, the first question that might arise in your mind is:
How do the two languages work together?
Yes, both the languages Swift and Objective C are highly compatible. Moreover, you can easily integrate Swift into Objective C and vice versa. Mainly possible by using the ‘bridge header’ file that allows the Swift code to be accessible by Objective C code and otherwise.
Another way is to use ‘mixed language frameworks’ mainly by creating a framework that can help to modify Objective C to Swift and Vice versa. The framework can be used in iOS app development. Now, after knowing the Integration moving on to know the compatibility of Swift and Objective C
Compatibility of Objective C and Swift
In terms of compatibility, Swift is backward compatible with Objective-C. It means that you can call Objective-C code from Swift without any issues. However, the reverse is invalid, and you may need to modify your Objective C code to work with Swift.
After knowing the compatibility and Integration, let’s know if both the languages can be used with AI, ML and Blockchain integrated apps or not.
Integrating Swift & Objective C into AI, ML & Blockchain Apps
In this world of technological advancement, it is crucial to know whether Swift and Objective C are upbeat enough to adapt to new emerging tech like AI, ML & Blockchain. Also, know which language is better to adopt such a futuristic technology:
Is It Possible To Merge AI, ML & Blockchain In Swift & Objective C?
Though they are not specifically designed for AI, ML & Blockchain development, can still be used in these areas with the help of specialized libraries and frameworks. AI and ML app development can use Swift and Objective C through machine learning models, preprocess data, and deploy models available on various platforms. Several open-source libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and CoreML can easily support both languages and be used to develop AI & ML apps.
Regarding Blockchain development, both the languages Objective C and Swift can be used to create decentralized applications(DApps) on blockchain platforms such as Ethereum. Many blockchain Development frameworks, such as Truffle, Embark, and Web3Swift, support both languages and can be used to develop several user-friendly blockchain integrated apps.
Swift or Objective C: Which Language Is Better To Integrate?
We have gained knowledge about both languages in the prior section, and that makes it easy to say that Swift can be considered better for such high-tech app development. Due to its robust support in advanced technology and frameworks, it is well suited for such new-tech app development.
On the other hand, Objective C is an older language that needs Swift’s modern features and syntactic elegance. While Objective C still can be used, Swift’s advancements have better support for modern programming paradigms such as functional programming and are optimized for better performance. And all of these factors make Swift an apt choice for AI, ML & Blockchain amalgamated apps.
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Now, let’s understand the developer’s community & resources available for each language to programmers.
Objective-C vs Swift: Developers Community & Resources Available For Programmers
The hired iPhone app developers are the prime users of both programming languages, so let’s take a view at how they will be affected by choice of Swift or Objective C:
Objective C enables developers to have a more comprehensive community with an experienced user base for many years. Moreover, numerous forums and communities can ask questions, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects.
Besides, Swift app development programming language is new but growing tremendously. Mainly, many forums are available, like Swift and more. Besides, Swift, in comparison to Objective C, has many contributors to its development.
Regarding resources, Swift and Objective C have extensive lists ahead of them, like the considerable documentation available on Apple’s developer website and many other resources.
After knowing this much, it’s time to end the battle and know who the winner is in Objective-C vs Swift.
Swift vs Objective C: Wrapping Up This Long-Time Debate
In this iOS Swift vs Objective C comparison, we have given you every information you need to choose the best programming language. And it is crucial to do so as the chosen programming language directly impacts the app’s architecture and framework.
The Swift mainly wins the battle here as it is fast, safe, modern, etc. Mainly, it consists of all the attributes to create the best iOS app.
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FAQs
It is a general-purpose, high-level programming language that adds to small-talk messaging in the C programming language. It is Apple’s primary programming language for the OS X and iOS operating systems and their respective APIs like Cocoa and Cocoa Touch.
Swift is a powerful and intuitive programming language. Besides, this programming language supports IOS, iPadOS, macOS, and TvOS.
Swift’s simple and direct syntax makes it two times faster than Objective C. That is why developers choose Swift Playgrounds to learn more about this robust programming language.
In terms of comparison of Swift vs Objective C, Swift might take over Objective C entirely by looking at the pace. There is a high chance of Swift being a go-to programming language for iOS app development.
The main difference between Swift and Objective C is that Swift is shorter and easier to grasp. At the same time, Objective C is based on C style and OOPs syntax.