Should You Learn Objective-C for iOS Development in 2023?

The decision of whether to learn Objective-C for iOS development depends on your current situation and future plans. In the context of modern iOS development, Swift has become the preferred language, making Objective-C less relevant. However, there are still valid reasons why developers might need to learn or at least understand Objective-C. This article will explore the pros and cons of learning Objective-C and provide recommendations based on different scenarios.

Why Swift is the Preferred Choice

Apple has made a clear shift towards Swift as the primary language for iOS development. This decision is driven by several factors:

Compatibility and Dependency: Most new projects are built using Swift, and as a result, if you are new to iOS development, starting with Swift is more aligned with industry practices. Many existing libraries, frameworks, and tutorials available today are written in Swift, making the learning curve smoother. Company Requirements: Many companies, including Google (as noted in the example), prefer to develop in Swift, both for new projects and for migrating existing projects. Jobs listing for iOS developers often prioritize Swift over Objective-C. Stability and Growth: Swift was designed to be more modern, efficient, and easy to use compared to Objective-C. It offers better performance, easier syntax, and a cleaner approach to common coding tasks.

Why Objective-C Might Still Be Relevant

While Swift has taken the lead, there are several compelling reasons why you might still need to learn or at least understand Objective-C:

Legacy Systems: Many companies and projects still use Objective-C. Learning to read and work with Objective-C code can be a valuable skill, especially if you plan to work with these legacy systems. Knowledge Retention: As a fan of Objective-C, you might be more familiar with its syntax and ecosystem. While Swift is more modern, retaining a strong understanding of Objective-C can enhance your overall programming knowledge and problem-solving skills. Career Flexibility: Being able to understand and read Objective-C can provide additional flexibility in your career, allowing you to work on diverse projects that may require both languages.

Practical Recommendations

Given the current landscape of iOS development, here are some practical recommendations:

Focus on Swift: Start with Swift as your primary language. Swift offers better performance, a cleaner syntax, and is in line with current industry trends and Apple's own recommendations. Learn to Read Objective-C: While you may not need to write Objective-C code, understanding how to read and interpret it can be beneficial. This can help you debug or maintain legacy projects and provide additional insights into the iOS ecosystem. Learn When You Need It: Follow the principle of learning something only when you need it. If you encounter a situation that requires Objective-C, take the time to learn it without distraction from other, less immediate needs.

For developers new to iOS, the path to success is learning Swift and staying current with Swift's evolving features and best practices. However, understanding Objective-C can be a valuable addition to your skill set, especially in certain niche areas or when dealing with legacy systems.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is no longer necessary to learn Objective-C as your primary language, understanding it can be beneficial in many ways. The shift towards Swift is undeniable, but the ability to read Objective-C will serve you well in a variety of scenarios, making you a more versatile and knowledgeable developer.