The Swift programming language, first released in 2014 with a few revised versions across the years, is an alternative to Objective C, incorporating contemporary programming theory concepts and a simplified syntax. It was simply described during its launch as "Objective-C without the baggage of C".
This language has been existing for more than 7 years now. Are there any hidden interesting facts about Swift that still remain uncovered until today? In this blog, we are going to unwrap some intriguing truths that Apple does not tell you about Swift programming language.
1. Swift is not that fast!
Despite the name, it is unlikely that Swift will lead to applications that are running substantially quicker than Objective-C applications. Although the two languages are distinct, they share many similarities: they both target the same Cocoa and Cocoa Touch APIs (for OS X and iOS, respectively), are statically typed, and use the same LLVM compiler. There will undoubtedly be disparities in performance because the two languages aren't similar, but don't expect big changes.
2. Swift is Objective-C without the C
Apple billed this new programming language as "quick, modern, safe, and interactive." Based on what we've seen during the WWDC 2014 keynote, the objective behind it appears to be to make app development easier than before. Swift programming language, according to CEO Tim Cook, allows developers to eliminate entire categories of typical programming errors that affect their code. Essentially, it cuts through the clutter and aids in the programming process.
3. Swift Continues to Improve
With each language upgrade, Apple adds new features. So it's a good idea to stay up to date on Apple news and become acquainted with the latest changes. Swift isn't just for generating apps for iOS devices; it can also be used to make apps for OS X.
4. Swift is incomplete
The language that is currently available is not the finished product. Apple is still working on it, and new features are very likely to be added in the coming months. While it may be worthwhile to code in Swift programming language to become acquainted with the language, you will need to use Xcode 6 beta and the iOS 8 SDK to do so (also in beta). Remember that Apple's app stores will not allow Swift-built apps until Yosemite and iOS 8 are released.
5. Swift should be a safe(r) language
Apple has made and will continue to make efforts to make Swift secure. If you've taken iOS developer training, you'll know that it's critical for programmers to include brace brackets when incorporating if statements. Because this causes the SSL "goto fail" issue. Furthermore, switch statements must include default statements, which ensure that something is returned at the end of the statement even if none of the conditions in the statement are met.
6. Simple debugging
The Xcode debugging interface includes an interactive version of the Swift programming language called Interactive Playground. This implies that developers may utilize Swift syntax to assess and interact with an existing app, write new code to see how it works in a script-like environment, and even create new algorithms. This is accessible through the Xcode console or Terminal.
7. Better and more stable apps
Apple demonstrated in the WWDC demo that sophisticated object sort runs 3.9 times quicker on Swift than on Python; Object - C runs 2.8 times faster than Python. Generics, closures, type inference, multiple return types, operator overloads, and other features that developers wish to see in their programs are also included. Developers will be able to test apps more readily, allowing them to write code for complex apps more quickly. They'd even be able to create better-tested apps in less time.
8. Apple has mastered Swift
Objective-C, which has been around for 30 years, is showing signs of declining. Nonetheless, Apple did not specify why the new language was introduced. The most probable explanation? Apple is free to add or change any functionalities it wants, whenever it wants, as the developer of Swift.
There's also the benefit that once Swift gets ubiquitous, transferring iOS apps to Android will be considerably more difficult. You won't be able to use existing and relatively developed Objective-C to Java tools.
9. Swift is more adept at handling strings
If string handling in Objective-C drives you insane, you'll adore Swift since the way you deal with strings in the new language is significantly simpler. Most notably, you can simply concatenate strings with "+=" and compare strings with "==" rather than the more onerous "isEqualToString:". Strings can be used in switch statements as well.
10. Developer’s reaction to Swift
It's tough to gauge everyone's reaction to a new application that affects nearly 200 million users, but Swift has received generally positive feedback. While this implies that developers would have to learn a totally new language from the ground up, it also means that creating apps will become easier in the long term.
Objective - C has been around for around three decades and is widely utilized due to the popularity of iOS, thus all developers are familiar with it. Swift programming language, according to Apple, would seem familiar to long-time developers while still being welcoming to a new generation of programmers.
