Choosing Between Swift and Objective-C for iOS App Development: What Should You Learn First?

When embarking on the journey of developing mobile applications, choosing the right programming language is crucial. For iOS app development, two popular options come to mind: Objective-C and Swift. But which one should you start with? This article will help you decide by exploring the pros and cons of both languages and providing practical insights to guide your decision.

Why Swift is the Way to Go

Swift is the preferred choice for iOS app development today. Apple's development environment is heavily biased towards Swift, and the company is encouraging developers to adopt this language. Swift is built with modern features, improved syntax, and better performance, making it a more powerful tool for building iOS applications.

Developers who are new to both programming and iOS development should start with Swift. Here’s why:

Widely Adopted: Almost all companies that require iOS applications also need Android applications. Swift, being compatible with tools like MAUI, allows developers to code once and deploy across both platforms. However, given that Swift is the native language for iOS development, starting with Swift ensures a more straightforward and efficient development process for iOS-specific apps. Future-Proof: Apple has clearly stated that Swift is the future of iOS development. Learning Swift now will ensure you remain relevant in the tech industry long-term. Simplicity: Swift is designed to be more beginner-friendly and less verbose, making it easier for newcomers to learn and understand. This simplicity accelerates the learning curve, allowing you to focus on core programming concepts without getting bogged down by complex syntax. Community and Resources: With a larger number of developers using Swift, you'll find more tutorials, resources, and a broader community to support your learning journey.

Should You Learn Objective-C?

While Swift is the recommended language for iOS development, it's still possible (and sometimes beneficial) to learn Objective-C. Here are some scenarios where knowing Objective-C might be advantageous:

Curiosity: If you're interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of iOS applications, learning Objective-C can provide valuable insights into the framework and libraries. Legacy Projects: Many existing applications and projects are still written in Objective-C. If you plan to work with these legacy systems, knowing Objective-C can be a significant asset. Employment Needs: Some job postings still require Objective-C proficiency. Understanding both languages can enhance your employment possibilities.

However, Objective-C is slowly becoming obsolete. Many aspects of Objective-C are being phase-out by Apple, and it is expected to go away in the near future. This transition makes it less strategic to focus on Objective-C as your primary focus.

Starting Your iOS App Development Journey

If you are entirely new to programming, consider starting with a foundational programming course using languages like Pascal or Wirths. These languages provide a solid understanding of programming concepts and can help you build a strong foundation before diving into iOS development.

Once you have a basic understanding of programming, you can focus on learning iOS-specific skills. If you're just starting with iOS development, choose to learn one language at a time. Swift is the best choice for iOS development due to its wide adoption, ease of use, and future-oriented nature.

Building on Your Skills: UI Frameworks

After mastering Swift, the next step is to choose a UI framework to work with. There are two primary options:

UIKit: With a slight mismatch between Swift and UIKit, this framework is mature, stable, and fully featured. Many more projects use UIKit, making it the preferred choice for reliability and widespread compatibility. SwiftUI: This framework is newer, evolving, and more closely aligned with Swift. While it is fantastic when fully implemented, SwiftUI is still buggy and not yet fully developed. It is clearly the future of UI framework development but might not be suitable for all current projects.

Regardless of your choice, focus on writing a lot of code and practicing. The best way to become proficient in iOS development and UI frameworks is through hands-on experience and continuous practice.

Conclusion

For beginners and those focused on iOS app development, Swift is the recommended language. Its modern syntax, ease of use, and alignment with Apple's future plans make it the best choice. However, if you plan to work with legacy systems or need specific skills for certain jobs, learning Objective-C can still be valuable.

No matter which path you choose, the key is to start learning and stay committed to the process. With dedication and practice, you'll be well on your way to creating successful and impressive iOS applications.