In few of our earlier posts, we discussed the comparison of Xamarin Vs Flutter and why Flutter is an important and emerging cross-platform app development framework. In this post, we’ll be doing a parallel comparison of iOS Native App Development framework SWIFT with the Cross-Platform App Development framework FLUTTER.

1. SWIFT vs FLUTTER: Which Is A Better Language For iOS Development
In few of our earlier posts, we discussed the comparison of Xamarin Vs Flutter and why
Flutter is an important and emerging cross-platform app development framework. In this
post, we’ll be doing a parallel comparison of iOS Native App Development framework SWIFT
with the Cross-Platform App Development framework FLUTTER.
What is Swift?
Swift is the native iOS App Development programming language developed by Apple. It is
dynamic, fast paced and type safe programming language which comes with great toolset,
documentation and frameworks which make it very comfortable for the app developers to
do the development in this language. As it is an evolving language, Apple keeps coming in
with new features and value additions which makes the life of developers easy and hence,
becomes the developer’s preference.
What is Flutter?
Launched and maintained by Google, Flutter is an open-source, cross-platform mobile SDK
used to build iOS and Android apps from the same source code. Flutter also provides in-
depth documentation for its developers and uses Dart programming language for the apps
development. Flutter is very much similar to native with an addition to full support of native
features. Check our detailed comparison between Flutter and React Native in one of our
earlier posts.

2. Key differences between Swift and Flutter:
On boarding and Installation:
Considering both are completely different programming language the setting up and on
boarding process for both these framework are different and contrasting with one another.
Swift, being the Native Mobile App Development framework requires native tools that use
Xcode as the IDE. For installing the development kit, the developer needs to install Xcode in
the macOS device.
While with Flutter, the onboarding process requires installing Flutter’s own binary besides
installing the Xcode. Additionally, Android Studio and IntelliJ IDEA are also needed to be
installed for Flutter.
Overall, considering only little configuration is needed for Swift, it’s on boarding and
installation process is easier than Flutter.
Development Speed:
Swift is considered to be fastest iOS native app development language. In Swift, using Xcode
Build or Xcode, developer can easily keep a tab on the time spent in the app development
process.
Flutter also has range of commands which can be used to track the app development time.
Definitely Flutter is slower than Swift, but once you are through with the initial stages of app
development in Flutter, it picks up the speed.
Reloading:
Reloading means reflecting the changes made in the application in the real-time. It is one of
the important feature for app development as it empowers the developers to check their
changes in real-time.

3. With Swift, to reflect the changes some pre-checks are required like changes in the button
names, data and accessibility. Moreover, you also need to ensure that the device reflects all
the modifications. Overall, approx. 10 secs are needed in Swift to reflect the changes.
Flutter has this new and super-fast feature called ‘Hot Reload’. Using this the changes are
reflected in just couple of seconds hence, putting it way ahead of Swift in terms of speed in
making changes in the app code.
Testing and Documentation:
Swift when coupled with native iOS development is the best possible combination for
testing. However, Swift alone has its own several shortcomings. Though, for native iOS
testing, Apple provides XCTest framework for a variety of native testing tasks such as UI
testing, performance testing, integration testing. However, the critical testing process, such
as snapshot tests, data-driven testing, and grouping of the test are not available.
Flutter comes with a robust testing system. Flutter smoothly guides the Mobile App
Developers during the testing process, right from unit testing level up to the UI level. Flutter
is also a prominent framework for fast-paced documentation, and there are various
examples of usage of Flutter testing at multiple levels.
Conclusion:
Undoubtedly, in our comparison Flutter scores above Swift considering their pace, ease and
sophistication. However, as a standalone application Swift is still dominant language for iOS
native app development whereas, looking at the progress chart of Flutter, we can expect it
to be more accessible.
Author Bio:
Tauseef Anwar is the CEO of Pixel Values Technolabs, a top-rated Mobile App Development
Company. Tauseef believes in making customer satisfaction as the top most priority and
takes care of the Business Development and operations. An entrepreneur by heart, he is
always ready to speak a few words or discuss the latest tech especially if it is mobile
technology.
Contact Information:
Call us at 0712-6611379 OR 9822367795
Skype: Pixel_values
Website: www.pixelvalues.com