Should I Learn Objective C

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by

Vector Linux
in

Should I Learn Objective-C?

As a developer, the question of which programming language to learn is always on my mind. Recently, I’ve been contemplating whether or not I should invest my time in learning Objective-C. In this article, I will discuss my personal thoughts and provide a deep dive into the details of Objective-C to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to Objective-C

Objective-C is a general-purpose programming language that was developed by Apple Inc. It is primarily used for developing software for various Apple platforms, including macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Objective-C is an extension of the C programming language, but it adds object-oriented programming capabilities and a dynamic runtime.

One of the main reasons why Objective-C gained popularity is because it was the primary programming language for developing iOS applications before the introduction of Swift. Many legacy iOS apps are still written in Objective-C, making it essential for developers looking to maintain or update existing applications.

Advantages of Learning Objective-C

Although Objective-C is no longer the primary language for iOS development, learning it can still be beneficial for several reasons:

  1. Legacy Code: As mentioned earlier, there are numerous iOS applications written in Objective-C. Understanding Objective-C will allow you to work with and maintain legacy codebases.
  2. Industry Knowledge: Objective-C has a rich history and is considered a foundational language in Apple’s ecosystem. Learning Objective-C will give you a deep understanding of the iOS development landscape and strengthen your overall programming knowledge.
  3. Transition to Swift: Swift, Apple’s modern programming language, was designed to be interoperable with Objective-C. By learning Objective-C, you will have a smoother transition to Swift and be able to leverage existing Objective-C libraries and frameworks.
  4. Career Opportunities: While the demand for Objective-C developers may not be as high as it once was, there are still job opportunities available. Having Objective-C on your resume can set you apart from other candidates and open doors for iOS development positions.

Drawbacks of Learning Objective-C

Despite its advantages, learning Objective-C also comes with some drawbacks:

  1. Complexity: Objective-C has a steeper learning curve compared to newer languages like Swift. Its syntax and dynamic runtime can be challenging for beginners.
  2. Declining Usage: With the introduction of Swift, the usage of Objective-C has been on the decline. While there are still legacy codebases to maintain, the majority of new iOS apps are written in Swift.
  3. Time Investment: Learning Objective-C requires dedicating time and effort. If your primary goal is to develop modern iOS applications using Swift, you may want to prioritize learning Swift instead.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision of whether or not to learn Objective-C depends on your specific goals and circumstances. If you have a keen interest in iOS development, have a need to work with legacy iOS projects, or want to strengthen your overall programming knowledge, learning Objective-C can be a valuable investment. However, if your main focus is developing modern iOS applications using Swift, it may be more efficient to prioritize learning Swift instead.

Ultimately, both Objective-C and Swift have their strengths and are important languages to consider in the iOS development landscape. Whichever language you choose, the most important factor is to keep learning and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the iOS development community.