Has Swift really taken over Objective-C?
Computers & Technology → Technology
- Author Jignesh Solanki
- Published April 19, 2017
- Word count 423
Deciding between Swift and Objective-C for a new iOS application is not a clear-cut decision, there are multiple factors to think on before building a new iOS application.
As the programming language upgrade goes, Apple has released three versions of Swift so far, and Swift 4 is at the launch this fall.
On the other side, Objective-C is widely favored by senior developers for its stability. Before you waive your Swift or Objective-C flag, think of these factors and decide accordingly.
Stability might be an issue
If you’re working on small applications, you have the flexibility to choose the language you’re most familiar with. And, it does make sense because it takes fewer overheads to make the codes compatible with the newer version, but with larger applications, you have to be very cautious to adopt Swift, as Swift lacks the stability and considered as an immature language.
Each version of Swift can entice the busy work of upgrading codes into new syntax and you would not like to see a broken version of the application on any minor updates.
However, Xcode provides the flexibility to change Swift codes to its +1 version, but it doesn’t compile everything, and you have to do it manually understanding the context behind the codes.
But, migration from Swift 3 to Swift 4 is expected to be less painful than migrating from Swift 2 to Swift 3.
- Ted Kremenek, Head of Swift, Apple
You can read the release process documentation here.
Working with APIs and libraries
Objective-C has been here for ages, so there are tons of third party APIs and libraries compatible with the language. The developers can import Swift files and libraries to objective-c, but importing Objective-C library files has to be done by building wrappers and classes on top of Swift. However, Swift is gradually making progress and we can expect more libraries and APIs to be compatible soon.
Some of widely used APIs and libraries are PoP(to create visual effects), G track(to integrate G-Analytics swiftly), BugLife(to report real-time bugs) and IngeoSDK(for geo-services) to name a few.
Operating system compatibility
Swift runs on iOS 7.0+, Mac OS 10.9+, and all versions of Tv Os and wearable OS. This is not a critical issue but if you’re building the application to support any version below that, Objective-C is the only way to go.
Swift 4 is arriving this fall, it’s believed to solve the biggest issue of migration. We can agree Swift is fast, secure and simple but Objective-C is not fading away anytime soon.
You can read the release process documentation here.
Link: https://swift.org/blog/swift-4-0-release-process/
Bio: A thought leader and speaker, I lead Product Engineering team(Enterprise Mobility& IoT) of Simform.
Link: Text: Simform(www.simform.com
Enterprise Mobility(www.simform.com/case-studies
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Reaching For The Skies! CNC Machining In Aerospace
- Xcode Development services: Riding the Wave of Innovation
- Top 10 Ways Product Configurator Simplifies Manufacturing in Business Central
- One-Way Interviews: A Game-Changer in Modern Hiring
- The Rise Of Quantum Computing: What It Means For Businesses
- Top Six Ways the Enhanced Planning Pack Streamlines Operations in Business Central
- Why You Should Consider Building a Website
- The Transformation of Software Distribution: The Benefits of Selling Digital Licenses
- Round Robin Lead Distribution and Assignment: A Game-Changer for Sales Teams
- Why You Need DRaaS: The Case for MedOne’s Disaster Recovery as a Service
- Blockchain Wallets and Their Integration with Browsers
- Top 10 Ways Maintenance Manager for Business Central Saves Asset Headaches
- Optimizing Your Business with Accounting Workflow Management Software
- IBM: A company that does remarkable things!
- Top Emerging Trends in Quantum Computing for 2024 and Beyond
- How Much Does a Gaming Computer Cost? A Comprehensive Guide for Gamers
- The Future of IT Support: Empowering Businesses in a Digital World
- 10 Ways to Transform Production Scheduling in Business Central
- Grow Your Taxi Business with a Modern Taxi Dispatch System
- Master the Art of Gamification with Our Engaging App
- 10 Reasons Business Central Users Leverage Advanced Inventory Count
- The Ultimate Guide to 3D Animation: From Basics to Advanced Techniques
- Are Computer Towers Better Than Laptops? The Ultimate Comparison Guide for 2025
- Top 10 Software Company in Bangladesh
- Mitsubishi Electric proves heat pump compatibility with microbore pipework
- The Role of AI Services in Customer Experience and Satisfaction
- Google DeepMind Launches Gemma 2: A New AI Model Revolutionizing Research and Development
- How Do AI Solutions Drive Productivity And ROI In Business?
- Is Verizon Total the same as Verizon Prepaid?
- What is the best prepaid phone company?