Dart vs Objective-C: What are the differences?
Introduction
Dart and Objective-C are two popular programming languages used for different purposes. Dart is a language developed by Google and mainly used for building mobile, web, and desktop applications, while Objective-C is a language used for developing software in iOS and macOS.
1. Syntax Differences:
Dart uses a more simplified and modern syntax compared to Objective-C. Dart uses a C-style syntax with a strong focus on simplicity and readability, which makes it easier for developers to learn and write code. In contrast, Objective-C uses a more verbose and complex syntax that can be challenging for beginners.
2. Type System Differences:
Dart has a strong static type system that allows developers to catch errors at compile-time and write safer code. Objective-C, on the other hand, has a dynamic type system where types are determined at runtime, making it more flexible but also more prone to runtime errors.
3. Memory Management Differences:
Dart uses garbage collection and automatic memory management, which means developers don't have to manually allocate and deallocate memory. Objective-C, on the other hand, uses reference counting memory management, where developers need to manually manage memory by retaining and releasing objects.
4. Platform Differences:
Dart is a cross-platform language that can be used to build apps for both Android and iOS using the Flutter framework. Objective-C, on the other hand, is specific to Apple's ecosystem and can only be used for developing iOS and macOS apps.
5. Tooling and Libraries Differences:
Dart has a rich ecosystem of tools and libraries, especially for mobile app development with Flutter. It has a built-in package manager called Pub and a powerful IDE called DartPad, making development easier and faster. Objective-C has a mature ecosystem with many third-party libraries but lacks the streamlined development experience provided by the Dart ecosystem.
6. Performance Differences:
Dart is known for its high-performance capabilities, thanks to its Just-in-Time (JIT) and Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation approaches. This allows Dart apps to have fast startup times and efficient execution. Objective-C, on the other hand, can also deliver high performance but may suffer from slower startup times due to its dynamic nature.
In summary, Dart and Objective-C differ in their syntax, type system, memory management, platform support, tooling and libraries availability, and performance characteristics.