5 Reasons Why I Love Swift

5 Reasons Why I Love Swift

Like most people, their first introduction to programming is either Python or HTML/CSS/Javascript. These were also my first programming tutorials when I started. But now that I've been learning Swift, I have totally fallen in LOVE with the language.

Here are 5 Reasons Why:

5. Created By Apple

applecon.jpeg

Apple, in my opinion, is a centennial company and will not be going anywhere anytime soon. Apple released Swift in 2014 in order to replace Objective-C. Swift will be the main language for iOS development in the future. So job security is definitely there, and so long as Apple is around there will be a market for Swift developers.

4. General Purpose

generalpurpose.jpeg Definition- (Noun)A programming language that is used to solve a wide variety of problems. Languages such as C, C++, and Java are examples. Being a general Purpose language, Swift can do a lot of things outside of just iOS development. It can be used for web development, even though the technology is not ready, but within due time. Also, knowing a general-purpose language allows developers to easily transition between other languages. It also uses OOP, which is a core skill to learn for anyone building complex applications. Knowing Swift will only benefit a developer's career, and if one can present an app, the opportunities are endless.

3. SwiftUI

Here's a Weather app by Chris Iwan, who provided the screenshots and colors. Here is the screenshot:

Screen Shot 2021-09-17 at 8.53.15 PM.png

SwiftUI is a UI framework that uses declarative syntax. In the past, one had to use Storyboards, and this led to a lot of frustration during development. SwiftUI is also one to develop the UI programmatically. Code Example:

import SwiftUI

func ColorFromRGB(rgb: UInt) -> Color {
    return Color(
        red: Double((rgb & 0xFF0000) >> 16) / 255.0,
        green: Double((rgb & 0x00FF00) >> 8) / 255.0,
        blue: Double(rgb & 0x0000FF) / 255.0
    )
}

struct Palette {
    static let color1 = ColorFromRGB(rgb: 0x0F32E3)
    static let color2 = ColorFromRGB(rgb: 0xC6C6B3)
    static let color3 = ColorFromRGB(rgb: 0xABB7D2)
    static let color4 = ColorFromRGB(rgb: 0x506ED1)
    static let color5 = ColorFromRGB(rgb: 0x65737E)
}

SwiftUI can also be used on tvOS/iPhone/apple watches, so this allows a uniform way to create beautiful UI for different applications. This will allow developing UI to be a lot smoother and less annoying when a new developer arrives to the team.

2. iOS Platform

applelogo.jpeg

I wrote an article about the App store , in regards to the case dealing with Epic games. The App store made around 630 billion in 2020, and the new pricing guidelines that Apple is being forced to change will create more revenue for developers. iOS users are more likely to spend money than Android users.

1. Specialization

iosdevsalary.png This is the number one reason, in my opinion. Being specialized gives a developer more power when looking for jobs or clients. Generalists tend to be paid less, and it's not generally the best path. Specialists can show their skills and knowing a specific language and toolset will allow them to be in higher demand. Being more specific in your job search will provide more benefits, and give a developer more power.

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