Picking the right iOS programming language can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, yet it’s crucial to your app’s success.
Because it can help you to deliver superb performance and stunning user interface.
For instance, look at popular iOS apps out there, like Spotify or Airbnb.
Users may not recognize the coding languages used to build these apps, but the positive effects on their user experience speak for itself.
In this article, we’ll show you some of the best programming languages that are often used by professional iOS app development agencies.
Let’s find out!
What is iOS Programming Language?
iOS programming language refers to the specific languages used to create applications for Apple’s iOS operating system.
These languages enable developers to write the code that controls the behaviour, appearance, and functionality of iOS apps.
But you might wonder, why is it important to pick the right programming language?
Well, it can directly impact the performance of your app.
For instance, Swift is a language that is optimised for speed and performance, which makes it ideal for resource-intensive applications.
Furthermore, languages that are designed to integrate with Apple’s ecosystem will help you leverage the full potential of Apple’s hardware and software frameworks.
5 Best Programming Languages for iOS App Development
Now that you understand the importance of choosing the right programming language, let’s see some of the best programming languages for iOS app development in 2024!
1. Swift
Swift is often regarded as the most popular programming language for iOS app development.
This is no surprise, since it was created by Apple.
That’s why it can seamlessly integrate with Apple’s ecosystem (obviously).
With Swift Playgrounds, you can also experiment with Swift code and see the results in real-time.
Hence, it’ll help you to learn the basics of Swift syntax and concepts easily.
Here are some key features of Swift:
- Performance: Swift is designed to be fast, with performance on par with C-based languages.
- Safety: Swift includes features like optionals, which help prevent null pointer exceptions, and automatic memory management, which reduces the risk of memory leaks.
2. Objective-C
Objective-C is an object-oriented programming language that became the primary language for iOS app development before Swift was launched.
It was created in the early 1980s and has been a cornerstone of Apple’s software ecosystem for decades.
It’s also a superset of the C programming language, which means it can incorporate both C and C++ code, making it highly versatile and powerful.
These are several key features of Objective-C:
- Dynamic Runtime: Dynamic runtime allows you to make changes and query objects at runtime, which makes the coding process more flexible.
- Object-Oriented Programming: Since Objective-C supports object-oriented programming (OOP) principles, it can help you organise code into reusable and modular components.
3. C#
C# is another object-oriented programming language that is popular among iOS app developers.
Although primarily used for Windows applications, C# can be used for iOS app development as well through the Xamarin framework.
This framework allows developers to write cross-platform applications using a single codebase.
So, why does iOS app developers use C#? Here are the reasons:
- Rich Standard Library: C# comes with a comprehensive standard library that provides a wide range of functionalities, from data structures and algorithms to network communications and user interface design.
- Cross-Platform Development: Through Xamarin, C# allows developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows.
4. Flutter
Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit (SDK) which is used to develop cross-platform applications for iOS, Android, web, and desktop from a single codebase.
It was created by Google and uses the Dart programming language, which was also developed by Google.
Since its release (back in 2017), Flutter has gained significant popularity among developers for its ease of use and versatility.
Here are some features of Flutter:
- Hot Reload: This feature enables developers to see the results of their code changes in real-time without restarting the entire app, which may speed up the development process.
- Rich Set of Widgets: Flutter comes with a comprehensive library of pre-designed widgets that follow Material Design and Cupertino (iOS) standards.
5. React Native
React Native is an open-source framework that will allow you to build natively rendered apps for both iOS and Android platforms.
You can use it to build mobile applications with JavaScript or React.
Similar to C#, React Native has gained widespread adoption due to its ability to produce high-quality, cross-platform apps efficiently.
To understand the charm of React Native, let’s see some of its key features:
- Third-Party Plugin Compatibility: React Native supports integration with native code and third-party plugins, which provides flexibility and enables the use of native device features.
- Reusable Components: This framework uses reusable components, making it easier to maintain and update code.
Conclusion
Choosing the right programming language will help you create a high-performing and user-friendly iOS app.
The best choice depends on your development goals and team expertise.
By understanding the features of each language, you can choose the one that aligns with your app’s needs.
If you ever need support in developing your ideal iOS app, think about partnering with a trusted app development company like London App Development.
We’ll bring your app ideas to life.
