Swift vs Python: Choose the Most Promising One
There are many programming languages that have come and gone in the past few years. Some have generated quite a good following, while others have disappeared. There are currently two languages which have acquired quite a popularity and they are Python and Swift.
In recent statistics, Python was put in the first place for being the language that has become most popular among the users. And Swift is a new software introduced by Apple. After Python, it has become the second-fastest-growing language. Swift was introduced in 2014, and by 2018, it has obtained 10th place in the RedMonk’s ranking of the programming language.
The question on everyone’s mind must be “Which of the two is the most promising in 2019?”. So, let’s do Swift vs Python, and you will be able to find the answer by the end of this article.
Swift Vs Python: Which One Is Better
Here I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both languages. This will make it clear about which one is better and more promising.
Python
Python was introduced in 1991 and is a dynamic high-level programming language. In the beginning, it was used for writing prototype apps and automation scripts. But as time passed, it was being used for other purposes like back-end development, data science, and machine learning.
Advantages of Python
So, let’s see what are the reason that draws so many developers to Python.
1. Easy
One of the most vital benefits of Python is its readability and simplicity of the code. This makes it easy to learn. The language is not very long but is almost identical to English. This allows the users to be able to read it use it without any difficulty.
Due to its simple nature, it is perfect for beginners in the programming world. The PEP8 style guide of Python helps the developers to understand the process of formatting codes. This helps another Python developer to understand the method no matter the level of their skills.
2. Multi-Paradigm
Python is a procedural and also an object-oriented language. Since it supports the procedural paradigm, you can make the reuse of code. On the other hand, the functions, encapsulating data and multiple inheritances are possible due to the object-oriented methodology.
3. Open-Source
Another great feature is its open-source nature. This enables it to alter its source code. Due to this feature, it is being improved more and more by the community of developers to make it as efficient as possible.
4. Ability To Be Integrated With Other Languages
Python is an embeddable and extensible language. This makes it easy to be integrated and use it with Java, C++, and C applications. For this feature, the usability of Python increases to a huge extent.
5. Portability
If you are planning to support your project on another platform, then you don’t have to worry. Python is compatible with numerous platforms. This means that you don’t have to change its code every time you change your platform.
Disadvantages of Python
Python has a ton of advantages which makes it a great language. However, there are some drawbacks also. So, let’s see what are its drawback.
Mobile Development
If you are planning to be a mobile developer or already are one, then Python may not be the right option for you. This is because Python does not work on mobile apps. However, if you are willing to face some challenges, then you can choose Kivy. It is a Python with a cross-platform framework developed for the objective of building mobile apps.
The Restrictions in Design
There are restrictions regarding designs on Python. Because it is a language that is dynamically typed and applies duck typing, it detects some specific variables. It also occasionally make some mistakes. This can make some errors while running the program.
Consumption of Memory
Python takes up a huge amount of memory. This makes it unfit for tasks that require huge memory.
Swift
It was first introduced in 2014 at the WWDC conference. This is a much new program as compared to Python. As stated by Apple- Modern, Interactive and Fast; are the primary characteristics of Swift. Chris Lattner is the creator of Swift. He said that it was influenced by various languages like C#, Ruby and primarily Python. For this reason, you can find some similarities between them.
Advantages of Swift
Apple did its best in providing the developers with the best programming language possible. They tried to make it simple and powerful. Swift has a long list of advantages.
Easy to Use
Minimalism is a common theme of Apple. For this reason, they also made the syntax of Swift easy and simple. This has also made the writing and reading the language easy. Developers who have been using other programming languages till now will be able to understand Swift without any problem. This makes the work of developers much easier and simpler.
Security
Security is one of the strong points of Swift. Finding bugs in Swift is easy because it is a statically typed language. Developers can eliminate errors in compiling with the help of nil pointer. These errors are usually caused due to the null references.
The Management of Memory
Automatic Reference Counting or ARC helps to manage and track the memory used by an application automatically. The developers don’t have to waste their time finding and clearing the memory manually. This makes the building of application faster.
Open-Source
At the end of 2015, Swift was made to be open-source. Due to this improvement, the popularity of Swift saw a huge boost.
Disadvantages of Swift
Apart from all of its great advantages, it also has some issues which still need fixing. Apple is working hard to solve these problems and trying to make it into a multi-purpose language.
Limited Pool of Talented Developers
Since it is so new in the market, there are not many developers who are very talented. Although the number of developers is increasing day-by-day.
Less native Libraries
It still lacks native tools, which can work together to give a seamless experience. Most of the tools are for the older version and are quite useless in the latest versions.
Unstable
Many developers have pointed out that Swift is a bit unstable. Due to this reason, when a developer is planning to switch to another platform, they have to rewrite the code again.
Which One Should You Go For?
Now you have understood the advantages and disadvantages of Swift and Python. So, which one is the most appropriate choice for you? Well, that depends on the purpose you want to use it for. If you are planning to do software development for the Apple ecosystem, then Swift is the best option for you. Whereas if you are planning on doing back-end development, then you must go for Python.
Performance is another factor while choosing a language. Swift is 8.4 times faster than Python.
At the time of choosing a language, a developer must also consider the salaries and the job market. Swift has 6,000 developers and Python has 58,000 developer vacancies. The salary of a regular developer of Python is $114,492 in a year and for a Swift developer, the salary is $111,158 in a year.
Conclusion
Choosing between Swift and Python depends completely on what you are planning to do. If you want to develop mobile apps for the Apple O.S., then Swift is the one you should go for.
Whereas, Python is more suitable for building an artificial intelligence of your own, building a prototype, or a backend. There is no clear winner in Swift vs Python. The choice is completely based on the work you are planning to do.