The decision between a classic tool and a newer modern one can often be tricky. Similar is the case when it comes to choosing between Swift and Objective C for app development. While Objective C has been around since the early 90 as the combination of C and Smalltalk, Swift came about much later in 2014. Objective C has earned users’ trust over the years, while programmers are still getting used to the functioning of Swift. But which one is ultimately the better choice for app development? Let’s find out.
What Is The Difference Between Swift and Objective C
When you compare Swift Vs. Objective, you might notice a few similarities. For example, both the languages are supported by Apple and are frequently used for their products exclusively. But that may be where their similarities end. Even though Swift came after Objective C, it isn’t precisely its successor since the two languages feature significantly varying capabilities.
There are a number of differences between Swift and Objective. From talent pool to overall maturing of the programming language over the years, the two languages, though serving the same function, are strikingly different. Following is a detailed comparison that would allow you to view the difference between Swift Vs. Objective C.
Swift and Objective C: Code Reusability
If you look at the two programming languages and compare them in terms of their code reusability, you will see the difference between the two is that Swift features generics and higher-order functions that Objective C lacks. These unique features are what allow the codes in Swift to be more reusable. The reusability of the code, in turn, makes Swift a lot faster to use as compared to Objective C.
Swift and Objective C: Cost To Develop App
Regardless of the platform being used, Objective C serves to be the more stable language between the two. Swift comes up with regular updates, and these updates may require the written code to be transferred to the new updated version. This process consumes not only time but money as well. But since Objective C is already fully stable and has no more updates, the same doesn’t apply to it. This is why the cost to develop an app is lesser when using Objective C than it is with Swift.
Swift vs Objective C: Reach (Cross-platform) Of The App
Both Objective C and Swift are known to have some level of cross-platform reach, but being an older programming language, the code presented by Objective C is not as close to other platforms as it is by Swift. This is why Swift can provide a better cross-platform reach through React Native as well as with Iconic.
React Native Vs. Ionic: Popularity
There was a time when programmers at React Native and Iconic both preferred Objective C as their go-to programming language. But that may no longer be the case. Specialists have been finding their interest in Objective C decreasing overall. Their inclination, now, is towards Swift that is a newer and more convenient programming language. So if you want to compare Swift VS Objective C in terms of popularity across platforms, then Swift is a clear winner.
React Native Vs. Ionic: Development Framework And Developer Tools
While using Objective C, be it across React Native or Iconic, programmers, find for themselves the availability of a great number of tools. While the range of tools may be extensive, they are all comparatively old. In contrast to that, Swift is a programming language that is equipped with a wide range of top-tier and absolutely cutting edge solutions for programmers.
UI Components And Development API
When it comes to UI components and Development API, we may have a bit of a tie in the objective C vs. swift comparison. While the UI components of Swift are known to be considerably better and advanced, it isn’t highly known for its API stability. Objective C, though not as thorough with the UI components, is excellent in terms of API and even provides more comfortable use of private APIs.
swift vs objective c: Productivity
Using Swift on any platform is proven to be faster and allows more productivity than Objective C. This not just because Swift is a newer language and is quicker but also because it requires less code. The amount of work that you need to put in for repetitive statements and string manipulation, compared between Swift Vs. Objective C code is significantly lesser for swift since it adopts a number of modern programming features that Objective C lacks.
Customer Support
There was a time when customer support offered for both Objective C, and Swift was the same since both were backed by Apple equally. But that too has changed. Objective C has received a decreased engagement from Apple, so the customer support offered for apps programmed with Objective C may not be great. But Swift is highly back, not only by Apple but by some other big companies as well. Therefore, Swift-based apps can expect to receive considerably better customer support.
Installation And Configuration
As mentioned before, Objective C is an older language, while Swift is a smarter successor. The installation and configuration of apps that are written in Swift are known to be a lot easier than those written in Objective C. This is mainly because of the intuitiveness of the younger programming language.
Code Structure
When it comes to the code structure observed by each programming language in question here, it is clear to see which one is the better choice. Objective C and Swift both are known to form unique code structures, but those formed by Swift are very easy to read. Since Swift is free from all the C language-based warts, it simply drops the conventional coding requirements and makes the code structure not only easier to create but also to read, as compared to that created by Objective C.
Performance
In the comparison of Swift Vs. Objective C, performance plays a crucial role. Objective C, even though belonging to an older era, can accomplish a number of tasks, but when it comes to performance, it is not as fast as other younger languages. This may serve to be a drawback that could discourage programmers from using this language.
Swift is not just faster than Objective C. It is 2,6 faster than Objective C. It features automatic reference counting and dynamic libraries that make its use all the better.
User Interface
Be it Swift or Objective C, both the programming languages are native for iOS. Given this, one would expect the app interface created by these languages to be the same. But that isn’t the case. Swift, having greater support from Apple, receives better tools and possibilities that allow it to build a better UI for the app users.
Stability
Objective C has seen its time in the programming industry and gone through a number of changes and modifications. But the objective C that we know today is not meant to be targeted to any further changes. So it is safe to say that it is stable and won’t see any more developments.
Swift hasn’t been around for as long but has managed to establish itself as a stable programming language. However, it is still growing and adapting to the programming world. Therefore, we can expect to see some more changes in the future.
Community
When we talk about the community and support that each of these programming languages is backed by, we can say that each language wins in its own way. Given the fact that Objective C has been around for a long time, it has a very vast community. However, the community is aging as more and more time passes.
Swift, on the other hand, is backed by an ever-growing community. It may not be as big as that of Objective C, but it is still progressing and finding its way to the top.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, yes, Objective C has been around for quite a while and has already established it’s worth. But is old, always gold? Not exactly. When it comes to technology and programming, we need to move on as our tools evolve and make use of the best available tools. So while you can still use Objective C to develop a decent app, if you want to create the best, Swift would be a better choice.
How many developers use Swift Vs. Objective C?
While an exact estimate of the number of developers using Swift and Objective C each is not possible, it is safe to say. There are more developers using Swift than there are using Objective C.
What Is Swift Vs. Objective C?
To put it in simple words, Swift Vs. Objective C is the comparison of an old programming language that is now stable and has an established community to a newer programming language that comes with cutting edge solutions and better tools.
Objective C Vs. Swift key differences, and what is new?
In an overview, Swift is more object-oriented and comes with procedural features and a number of more in-built functionalities than Objective C does. The latter mostly have tokens that can recognize different assignments and can define constants.
Swift Vs. Objective C, which is better?
When comparing the two, Swift would be a better option for those who want to develop a modern app with better features, greater customer support, and a better user interface.
What are the advantages of Swift over Objective C?
It is not only easy to run and learn but also easier to maintain, safer to use, and allows better memory management than Objective C.
Can you use Objective C in Swift?
Yes, you may use Objective C in a Swift project without any issues. In fact, it is also possible to use Swift in an objective C project as well, as the created app would run just as smoothly.