Programming languages are similar to human languages, only with the help of which people are able to work with computers.
They are used in many different fields: from business and entertainment to science and military-space technology.
There are quite a few programming languages, the choice depends on the purpose and type of platform.
Xcode and Swift are two particular tools used to develop software for Apple platforms. In this article we will explain the difference between them.
What is Swift?
Swift is a programming language developed by Apple for developing software applications for its operating systems. The first developments started back in 2010 and the full version was released in 2014. At first the code was closed, but a year later it was opened to the public.
Applications were originally written in C/C++, then Objective-C, and now Swift, recently updated to version 5.7 in 2023, has replaced them.
Swift has become the default language for development on “macs,” from macbooks to iPhones to smart watches, thanks to its brevity and lower development entry threshold.
The most important advantages:
- performance speed – 3 times faster than Objective-C, 8 times faster than Python, with near-term plans to outperform C++ on the speed parameter;
- Dynamic proprietary libraries and frameworks – components for writing iOS applications: Alamofire, Swifty JSON, ObjectMapper, Quick, Eureka, RxSwift, SnapKit, Spring, Kingfisher, CoreStore;
- memory management based on the concept of “ownership” of an object;
- syntax is very different for accessing methods or properties;
- free access to all parameters and open source code;
- availability of the optional Playground helper tool for visualization, code testing, and quick bug fixes;
- security: checking array indexes for errors;
- Multiparadigm – different programming models are available: functional, object-oriented, imperative.
Developing applications running on iOS/MacOS/PadOS/tvOS/watchOS requires a corresponding operating system – MacOS 12.05 and higher. Without Mac OS, it is virtually impossible to compile a program. It is possible to develop both simple widgets and complex applications on the iOS platform.
The sphere of application of the Swift programming language is:
- Creating applications based on macOS and iOS software;
- development and writing of C and Objective C code;
- product validation and testing.
In the near future, the programming language Swift will be used more and more often and constantly improve, because the Apple gadgets and desktops are increasingly popular, developers are not losing demand and have the highest average earnings.
What is Xcode?
Xcode is an integrated development environment (IDE) for Apple operating products, providing the means to develop software in programming languages such as Swift, Objective-C and C++.
The tool is used to create applications for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Apple Watch. It was first released in 2003, with the latest version being 14.
Using Xcode:
- Writing code quickly and easily with a special text editor with syntax highlighting and checking, line counting, and other features.
- Creation and structuring of large projects that include many folders and documents.
- Compiling source code – converting the source code of a program to machine code.
- Executing the code. Using the IDE, you can run the program and trace the results of its work.
- Automation of the assembly of the finished project.
- Debugging and testing – work to find and fix bugs in the code.
- Simplifying architectural and design tasks: they can be solved by auxiliary tools that clearly show the structure of the code or project.
Technical requirements for developing a project with Xcode:
- macOS operating system, version – 10.14.4 or newer;
- 7.76 GB or more of free hard disk space.
Xcode – an excellent auxiliary tool that helps you write code for Apple platforms, but not from scratch. However, beginners should already have some prior knowledge of coding in order to work with Xcode.
What is the difference between Xcode and Swift?
Xcode – a software development tool, and Swift – a programming language for Apple platforms, ie using this IDE the developer writes, tests and builds code written in Swift. However, I should add that Xcode can also be used for many other languages. For example, to edit a script written in Python or Ruby.
Conclusion
Swift is a strictly typified language and you should have some experience with languages similar to C and it shouldn’t take too much time to get used to this handy and thoughtful development tool.
However, the novice specialist who is just choosing your path in IT, should immediately determine the platform with which he will work in the future, for Android Swift is not used.