High level programming languages meant for different platforms, but they still share similar features and are in high demand. Let’s find out.
Both Kotlin and Swift have distinguished themselves as highly performant platforms for Mobile app development. There is lot to learn about them. Here’s an introduction (which you might be aware about), but just to let you know!
What is Swift?
Swift programming language can be used for a variety of tasks. It is optimized to run on IPhones, iMac’s, Apple TV, and Apple Watches. As the name suggests it is fast, as the code is compiled all at once, instead of waiting to read every line one by one. It is modern, relatively new, fast (due to compilation), and safe. It is easy to use, and open source. It is high-level (it is easy to read and write, does not contain complexity of binary or machine language) and general purpose (can be used for many different purposes). Compared to C, C++, FORTRAN, Pascal, it is easier to learn, understand, and use.
Key Features of Swift
- Swift makes code cleaner and is less prone to mistakes.
- It eliminates headers and provide namespaces.
- It features automatic memory management.
- It offers closures unified with function pointers.
What features of Swift are trending in 2024?
Swift prioritizes security and privacy which is the reason it is ingrained into all iPhone applications (undoubtedly the reason why people buy iPhones even if they cost more than normal Android phones). When iOS developers use Swift, they do not have to code much. Resultant performance of the application is high and such programs are interoperable, meaning they can be used along with another programming language like Objective-C. – C. Swift programming language is designed to eliminate entire classes of unsafe code. Its variables are always initialized before use. So there are no chances of null pointer exceptions. It makes it Typesafe and Type Inferred. Swift will be in demand in 2024 as it is being used to create immersive and responsive applications for iOS, watchOS, macOS, and TVOS. Besides this, error handling, ease of learning and less code requirement make it a lucrative choice for developing modern applications.
Applications and Use Cases of Swift
It can be used to make (1) Countdown mobile app, (2) Break time reminder mobile app, (3) Mood logging mobile app, (4) To-do list mobile app, (5) Mortgage calculator mobile app, (6) Joke telling bot mobile app, (7) Random color pallette generator mobile app, (8) Daily sleep tracker mobile app.
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is one such high level programming language where variables are known during compile time. It makes use of object oriented programming and functional programming concepts. It was originally made for the Java Virtual Machine and Android, and is often used parallel to Java, or along with Java code. It is often assembled in legacy Java applications to bring about new features, and to speed up the application speed.
Key Features of Kotlin
Kotlin code is concise, which makes it readable and maintainable. Its type system has no space for null pointer exceptions. No variable that is not declared in advanced can be used (or else it will not let the code compile successfully). Kotlin is interoperable with legacy Java applications, which gives them an option to extend or scale the applications further. Kotlin is accompanied by many tools, IDE plugins, and debuggers and build tools. Overall, it enhances the workflow. Kotlin supports functional programming features, and supports object oriented principles too. Kotlin also includes wide range of useful functions and classes which helps developers write code efficiently. It is open-source and suitable for various development tasks.
Benefits of Kotlin vs. Swift
Programming Language Swift features a straightforward syntax that is easy to understand, write, learn, read, and maintain. It is high on performance and has advantaged memory management and runtime efficiency. Kotlin is to Android App Development, as Swift is to iOS App Development. It has garbage collector, data classes, and better memory management. Swift and Kotlin target different platforms and cross platform requirements. Kotlin is optimized for Android while Swift is optimized for Apple devices only.
Kotlin vs. Swift: How is Kotlin code different from Swift code? Why do they differ?
- Kotlin is for Android app development while Swift is for iOS app development.
- Kotlin syntax makes use of data classes which Swift does not have.
- Swift makes use of underscores along with variables, while Kotlin does not use.
- Kotlin supports delegated classes and properties, while Swift does not have these properties.
- In Swift, an immutable variable cannot be reassigned, and the variable value cannot be changed, while Kotlin demarcates in between mutable and immutable collection classes.
Conclusive: Kotlin vs. Swift – Which is better?
Android apps made with Kotlin are less likely to crash. Interoperability with Java (which is a robust option for Android Development) makes this combination even more sustainable. Android developers appreciate that Kotlin features (1) short coding excerpts, (2) safer code, (3) interoperability and (4) structured concurrency. Kotlin has support for SDK, Android Studio, Lint, guided docs, API docs, AndroidX, AndroidX specific API’s (KTX, coroutines), online training, multi-platform projects, jetpack compose, compiler plugin). Kotlin is being used in 70% of Android apps, and even Google has been empowered by it. It includes maps, play, drive, home, messages etc. Migration from an existing codebase to Kotlin results in reducing the codebase size and crashes.
On the other hand Swift does not have data classes, function parameters, and has efficient error handling. It is typically easier to use and requires less intensive coding effort while developing native mobile apps. Also, swift can be installed quickly, requires less memory space and is lightweight. It accesses device’s native features and Swift apps are highly performant. These require low maintenance and gives a better user experience.
Although this was a rundown of features, benefits, differences between Swift and Kotlin, both are practically different programming languages. iOS Developers and Android Developers need to choose wisely while hiring Kotlin app development Company or Swift App Development Company, and should also refer to the available examples and client testimonials.