Released in 2014, Swift is among the most well-known programming languages that are currently used to build iOS apps. Swift has dramatically improved the development of apps in a various area and is regarded as the preferred choice by developers using Apple operating systems such as iOS, macOS, iPadOS and watchOS.
Before, creating an iOS app was an arduous and time-consuming process. In addition, the frequency of crashes on apps was at the upper end. Swift for iOS opens new avenues not just for businesses but also for iPhone app development companies, creating the iOS mobile development services more efficient and effective.
For a long time, Objective-C was the most popular programming language that was used to develop macOS along with iOS mobile development. However, its use has decreased ever since Swift entered the market.
The advantages that come with Swift in iPhone App Development
Swift is quick and allows an interactivity level in the development of apps. Swift has attracted the interest of iOS app developers due to the fact that it offers developers numerous powerful frameworks, tools and documentation for working with native apps easily. Features like closure, generics and interfering with type make it user-friendly. It incorporates the features of C and Objective-C but without being directly inbuilt C compatibility.
Let’s dive into the specifics and look over the advantages that come with Swift to iOS over Objective-C and discover why it is the preferred choice of iOS application developers.
1. Simple to Code
The programming languages used in application development require complicated command lines to implement intricate solutions. Swift however, on the other side, is simple and can cut down on LOC making programming more efficient and speedier.
The programming in Swift is more straightforward due to the way it is implemented, and the function calls in it make use of a comma-separated set of parameters contained within brackets. The code’s reusability is impressive as just a couple of lines of code are required for more complex tasks, which helps developers save time and remember which portion of a particular code can be utilized without making any changes in the other part.
Additionally, the codes written in Swift look like simple English text, which makes it simple for developers to comprehend and search for the error. Even non-coders will discover Swift easier to write, read, and comprehend.
2. Easy to Maintain
One of the significant reasons developers choose Swift instead of Objective-C for iOS app development is because Swift is easier to maintain. Contrary to Objective-C, which is heavily dependent upon C, Swift doesn’t come with any dependencies on C and is therefore easy to manage. With C as well as Objective-C, iOS programmers must manage two files of code (Objective-C header (.h) and implementation files (.m)) to be able to speed up the process of building and increase the efficiency of code.
Swift however, on the other hand, merges these two files into one Code file (.swift) and makes it simple to manage. This gives developers more time to design the app’s logic and increases the quality of their code to ensure that the app is running smoothly. This can help eliminate the issue where the method name and the comment between files must be manually synchronized, which is one of the biggest issues with Objective-C.
3. Open-Source
Apple announced Swift as an open-source language in 2015 which increased its popularity with developers. After this announcement, Swift was made free to use and assisted small- to large-scale enterprises in reducing costs for development.
Open-source languages are adaptable, which means that developers can alter the code to meet their own requirements. It is also easy to find bugs and upgrade codes. Additionally, companies can avail highly customized mobile apps according to their needs. Apple receives continuous feedback from its users and adapts the application as needed to make the app more efficient.
4. More Stability and Security
Security and app safety are the main concerns for every app developer and entrepreneur. Swift is the best choice for all iPhone app development companies that want to develop the most secure and reliable iOS mobile application for their customers.
As we’ve mentioned before, Swift uses clear and simple syntax, which minimizes the possibility of developers making errors while creating the code that is often missed in Objective-C, which adds another layer that provides assurance of quality. If an error is made, the chances of making it are much lower than that of Objective-C. This is due to the upgraded typing system and error management features of Swift. The ability to track errors and the brief feedback loop allow developers to look over their coding errors immediately. The instances of troublesome crashes and behavior are less frequent in Swift and are among the main reasons Swift is considered to be a stable programming language suitable for development of apps over Objective-C.
5. Interactive Coding
Adding to the benefits of Swift for iPhone app development is Interactive coding. Swift Playground enables iOS developers to test an innovative algorithm in real-time without creating the whole application. This is often referred to as Read-Eval-Print Loop or REPL and is extremely beneficial for learning, testing and rapid prototyping. Apple has also added an inline execution of code to help developers create a variety of code or algorithms with feedback. The feedback can help increase the speed at which code is written using the help of data visualization. Swift and Playground altogether result in more user-friendly, accessible and more accessible development of apps.
6. Speed
Speed is among the main factors that push iOS developers to choose Swift in place of Objective-C. Swift provides high-speed when it comes to the development process or during testing, which aids in reducing the development cost too.
Swift has one of the most efficient algorithms for the calculation of metrics. An app made using Swift will be 3.9 times quicker than an application developed with Python, which uses identical algorithms were utilized. Swift is also able to provide faster speed than Objective-C since it only requires one codes file instead of two. Swift allows iPhone programmers to utilize high-order functions and generics and makes the code simple and reusable.
Swift’s performance is also regarded as comparable with C++ by many developers, but Swift is superior to the former in terms of speed. Apple has stated clearly at the time of its Swift launch that Swift’s principal focus was on speed enhancement and making software faster.
7. Dynamic Libraries’ Support
Swift supports dynamic libraries, unlike Objective-C. Dynamic libraries can be helpful components of code that can be integrated into the application either at runtime or during load-time. This feature allows applications that were developed using older versions of Swift to apps developed with the most recent releases. Simply put, it allows applications That are built using a specific version to be easily updated to the upcoming releases of Swift. Dynamic libraries are directly uploaded into memory, which reduces the size of the app initially and improves the app’s performance.
Final Word
Swift has become one of the top programming languages to create exciting, user-friendly, easy-to-use iOS mobile applications in just a few years. Apple continually strives to enhance Swift and other iOS languages more sophisticated to improve their efficiency. We can anticipate significant improvements in the Swift programming language in the future.
Here, at Mpiric Software, we can help you create mobile apps that have the potential to change the world. Let’s discuss Mobile App solutions for your business, contact us.
