Outlining The Major Differences Between Swift & Objective C
Overview of Swift vs. Objective C
Swift is a language based on newer technologies, providing an interactive and user-friendly interface for app development solutions. Released in 2014, it is considerably younger as compared to Objective C, which dates back to the 1980s. Objective C provides an object syntax-based on SmallTalk and a non-object syntax-based off C Language.
Swift is at core based on the same programming competencies that Objective C provides but adds on a set of essential functionalities that the latter lacks. Skeptics view the viability of Swift as transformative yet forgetful, but depending on the needs of developers, the following concerns are considerable:
- Syntax
- Compiler
- Safety of code
The major differences between Swift vs. Objective C are as follows:
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Performance
According to Apple, Swift is two and a half times faster as compared to Objective C, however, research suggests the difference is not that large enough to make an impact. Both are typed languages that work with the iOS SDK and LLVM compiler. However, Objective C uses runtime code compilation whereas Swift is based on an FFT algorithm that performs close to C++.
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Safety
Swift was crafted to better code safety features for iOS products. Being a memory-safe and type-safe language, it attracts modern developers. On the other hand, Objective C uses null points which can yield internal vulnerabilities which result in more bugs.
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Maintenance
An extra effort for maintaining two code files in Objective C just to improve efficiency and development time may prove to be an unnecessary hassle. Swift is a self-completing language when it comes to incremental development or builds. The LVVM and Xmind compilers do the trick. Hence, it’s an easier language to maintain.
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Syntax
The aim of Apple when designing Swift was to provide a friendly and simple language to write code. Objective C on the other hand is very complex when it comes to coding. Moreover, Swift uses market benchmarks in its entirety to write clean coding. Developers familiar with JS, C++, and Python can easily learn and understand Swift.
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Complexity
An Objective C code looks something like a combo of the following, which is complex coding:
- ;
- (conditional)
- _
- @
- ‘If’ clauses
- ‘Else’ clauses
Swift is more dependent on sentences that avoid ‘@’ by utilizing separation lists using commas within brackets or parentheses.
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Management
Memory management in Objective C is a no-brainer for most. Since it only works with ARC inside a code. The issues these presents are under:
- No access to C code
- No access to APIs
- No access to Core Graphics
On the contrary, Swift is more cohesive with its ARC suited to the procedure and object-oriented pathway coding. Memory leaks are not possible with Swift.
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Libraries
Objective C only supports static libraries, which is a big disadvantage. With the increase in technology, dynamic libraries are the go-to for linking executable code parts to apps. Swift on the other hand fully supports dynamic libraries.
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Long-run Perspective
Objective C was the founding benchmark for Apple’s coding language for iOS development. But even since Swift was introduced, it has taken the first place in the cue, leaving behind the former. It is the leading Apple language. However, Objective C still holds loyal developers.