Markdown vs Objective-C: What are the differences?

Introduction

Markdown and Objective-C are two different languages used for different purposes. Markdown is a lightweight markup language used for formatting text in a simple and readable way, while Objective-C is a programming language primarily used for developing iOS and macOS applications. Despite their differences, both Markdown and Objective-C have their own set of features and uses. In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Markdown and Objective-C.

1. Syntax:

Markdown: Markdown uses simple syntax and symbols to format text. It is easier to learn and write compared to other markup languages. Markdown files have a '.md' or '.markdown' extension.

Objective-C: Objective-C, on the other hand, is a full-fledged programming language with a complex syntax that follows the conventions of C language. Objective-C files usually have a '.m' extension.

2. Purpose:

Markdown: Markdown is mainly used for creating content which doesn't require complex logic or programming. It is commonly used for creating documentation, readme files, blog posts, and other types of written content.

Objective-C: Objective-C is specifically designed for developing applications on Apple's iOS and macOS platforms. It is used to write code with complex logic, implement user interfaces, interact with APIs, etc.

3. Execution:

Markdown: Markdown files are rendered as HTML elements when viewed in a web browser or dedicated Markdown editor. They do not require any compilation or execution to display the formatted content.

Objective-C: Objective-C code needs to be compiled before it can be executed. The source code is converted into machine code or byte code, which is then executed by the computer or device.

4. Programming Paradigm:

Markdown: Markdown is a markup language and is not a programming language. It does not support variables, loops, conditionals, or any other programming constructs. It is primarily used for formatting and structuring text.

Objective-C: Objective-C is an object-oriented programming language that supports features like classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, etc. It follows the imperative and object-oriented programming paradigm.

5. Tooling:

Markdown: Markdown can be written in any basic text editor. It does not require any specific development environment or specialized tools. There are various Markdown editors available that provide syntax highlighting and preview features.

Objective-C: Objective-C development requires a specialized Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Xcode. Xcode provides various tools and features like code editor, debugger, compiler, and interface builder, tailored specifically for Objective-C development.

6. Community and Support:

Markdown: Markdown has a large community and is widely used. It is supported by many platforms and has extensive documentation and resources available online. It is easy to find help and solutions for any Markdown-related issues.

Objective-C: Objective-C also has a large community, especially within the Apple developer ecosystem. It has been around for a long time and has extensive documentation and resources available. There are many online forums and communities dedicated to Objective-C development.

In summary, Markdown is a lightweight markup language used for simple text formatting, while Objective-C is a programming language used for developing iOS and macOS applications. Markdown has a simpler syntax, is widely used for creating content, and does not require compilation. Objective-C, on the other hand, has a complex syntax, is used for programming applications, requires compilation, and has specialized development tools.