Apple Announced a new programming Language, Swift, an alternative to Objective-C

Finally, Apple seemed to have bid adieu to its long term programming language, which is the objective-C by developing Swift, a new open source language. But, on the contrary, it is in the process of upgrading its former programming language. Objective-C was the primary programming language for developing OS X and iOS operating systems. But now, Swift was announced as its replacement considering its upgraded features and functionalities. The question is what was the reason behind this move? Will developers find the same leverage through this new-found programming language?

Swift, a Multi-Paradigm, Compiled Programming Language

Currently, a new upgraded version came out which is Swift 2.0, with a promise to provide better security and hardware performance. Also, defined as an Objective-C without C, this programming language creates a greater platform for Apple products. As specified earlier, since Swift is an open source language, the development on other platforms may be possible. For example, the operation on Linux systems is possible.

Compatibility with the Linux platforms implies that developers are given a greater leverage to maintain web applications. Also, Swift is not at all confined only to OS X or iOS but, is also instrumental in the development of iwatchOS, and tvOS apps.

Difference between Swift & Objective-C

Even though Objective-C is not completely out of the map, Swift has completely overtaken its place. Here are few differences that is giving Swift an upper hand over Objective-C,

• Header Files- Leaner code structure, well all the developers would love to achieve this. Swift enables to do so by eliminating the need of header files. Through a single that is .Swift file, all the classes, header information properties are defined. On the other hand, Objective-C uses header files that publicly declare the definitions and functions, resulting in a heavier code structure.
• REPL aka Read-Eval-Print Loop- Swift, through REPL takes the inputs or expression one at a time, analyzes them and provides individual, parallel results. Also, developers are allowed to interpret in between to perform necessary reformations for an easy, error-free development process. While on the other hand Objective-C fails to provide the same.

The REPL for Swift comes in a command line and Xcode, where the space inside Xcode is identified as playgrounds. All the actions are performed inside this playground, from writing a Swift code to the final display of results.

• Type Interference- Manual errors are bound to happen when a programmer fails to provide proper variable tokens, and the chances of such experiences is more while using objective-C. But under Swift, compilers will automatically decide on the type by analyzing the objects assigned to each variable.

Final Thoughts

Business enterprises are sure to benefit from this open source language. With the availability of Linux port, it has become easier for the developers to run web applications in a low-cost structure. Leaner code-structure implies lesser latency or no latency in performance; also it enormously reduces the bugs.