XCode vs. other depending on C++ vs. Swift

Question

KeRaBe OP

Created Feb ’22

Replies 2

Boosts 0

Views 1.3k

Participants 2

Hey,

I'm very new to the world of Apple now and I'd like to start programming on iOS and MacOS. Till now, I'm very familiar to C++ by using the Qt IDE.

Well, as I'm starting from zero now, I have a fundamental question and depending on that, maybe one other question:

By doing a google research, I read a lot about disadvantages using C++ with XCode. But in other threads and posts, even the more recent posts, I read that XCode can handle C++ very well.

So, what is your opinion? Is it possible to achieve 100 % of the functionallity on iOS and macOS by programming with C++ on XCode (or even an other IDE like VS Code or Qt) or is there always less functionallity then using Swift? If there was no difference between C++ and Swift at all (functionallity, performance, memory and so on...), then my second question is:

Do I have to use XCode for C++ or would it even be better to use VSC oder another editor/IDE?

Again, I'm very new to Apple, I bought an MacBook and an iPhone and I read a lot about XCode beeing the one and only IDE for programming on macOS / iOS, and, for that, Swift was the best language to use it.

So what is your opinion? Is everything achievable on iOS/macOS using C++ instead of Swift? If yes: Is there full functionallity programming C++ in XCode instead of using Swift in XCode or should I better use an other editor/IDE on my device?

Thank you very much in anticipation! Kind regards, KeRaBe

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Answer 1

Hoffman OP

Feb ’22

Apple is focusing on Swift and Swift tooling for new app development, while much of the existing app development for Apple platforms has used Objective C.

Assuming you have a Mac sufficiently capable, C and C++ app development works just fine in Xcode. And I prefer working in Swift and Objective C and C to working in C++, but that’s more about my preferences and experiences around C++. Among other details, the Xcode continuous compilation support is wonderful, and that works in C, C++, Objective C, and Swift.

If you’re interested in learning Swift, consider starting with Playgrounds; a deceptively capable IDE. That lets you focus more on learning Swift and on your Swift code than in Xcode, which is bigger and more complex than Playgrounds.

But the only thing that’s relevant to the questions here is whether Xcode works for you, and that’s something you’re going to have to try and to decide. You might well find a more familiar IDE to your preferences.

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Answer 2

KeRaBe OP

Feb ’22

Hi Hoffman,

thank's a lot for your reply.

It sounds like, as you write, on the one hand it is possible to code on XCode with C++ as well as on any other IDE and XCode was not obligatory needed for app development for iOS/macOS. But on the other hand Apple was more and more focusing on Swift and you advise to learn Swift instead? I don't have many existing self coded C++ libraries or other stuff that should have been converted, so maybe it would be the best way to start learning Swift and for that, taking a look at Playgrounds?

I will give it a try! Thank you.

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