What Is the Objective-C Language?

When designing an app, you can choose to write your own code, hire an app developer, or use low-code app development software. If you have coding knowledge or want to learn, choosing to write your app’s code directly can be an exciting process. Different types of code work for different aspects of an app. However, they all share a similar goal: to create a scalable, secure, and easy-to-use app. Developers often use Objective-C, an object-oriented programming language, when building apps for operating systems such as OS X or iOS. 

Read on to discover more about Objective-C, including its benefits as a coding language and how you might use your Objective-C skills in the IT field.'

What is Objective-C, and what is it used for?

Objective-C is a programming language that has existed since 1980. Today, developers primarily use it for app development for Apple’s OS X and iOS, although it is only one of several languages used for those purposes. 

Programming languages create sets of instructions for a machine to follow, and different programming languages have different goals. Objective-C is object-oriented, which means it breaks functions into smaller tasks and sorts those tasks into classes. These classes allow developers to create modules, each handling a smaller portion of a larger task. Modules are reusable, which makes building apps that handle more extensive, complicated functions, such as messaging, easier. Objective-C supports extended data types and is safe for interacting with various data types.

Objective-C’s primary goal is improving code reusability while simplifying syntax. Its design makes it more flexible than traditional object-oriented programming languages, making it easier for programmers to design interactive user interfaces for apps. Objective-C has been around since 1980 and is part of the larger C programming language. It provides the functionality of procedural languages with the flexibility of the object-oriented framework.

Difference between Objective-C and C

C is a general-purpose language for building systems and desktop apps, and Objective-C is an extension of it. C is the foundation of all other C languages, originating in the 1970s as a general-purpose language for Unix systems. Having experience with C means you have the skills necessary to branch out into learning other programming languages. Unlike Objective-C, the C language doesn’t have any object-oriented features.

Difference between Objective-C and C++

C++ is a programming language that originated before Objective-C, and it was developers’ first attempt at creating an object-oriented language. C++ is critical for developing effective desktop apps. Objective-C is an expansion of C++’s functionality and flexibility.

Difference between Objective-C and Swift

Swift is the newest programming language designed for app building. Swift is best for people with a limited coding background since its creators designed it with coding beginners in mind, and the syntax is much simpler. Swift also offers a more type-safe environment and better memory management, improving on a few key areas that Objective-C lacks. While many people consider Swift the next step in app development, many developers find it valuable to know both Objective-C and Swift.

Reasons to use Objective-C

Objective-C’s ability to easily create classes and reusable modules makes it an efficient option for developers. It also enables static and dynamic typing, so you can choose which one best fits your development goals. Objective-C offers coding flexibility, allowing you to change your variable types as needed to best suit your goals. Objective-C also provides data-hiding features, which makes it a great choice to better secure your code and protect against undesired access. 

How to learn Objective-C

To learn Objective-C, you’ll want to find a course that helps you build foundational knowledge and provides opportunities for gaining direct experience writing code. Online courses, such as those offered on Coursera, are an excellent starting point, particularly if you need a flexible schedule or want to learn skills at your own pace. Some companies and universities also offer online bootcamps, which are weeks-long intensives focusing on specific skills and objectives.

Companies using Objective-C

Apple is a well-known company that uses Objective-C. It builds all iOS, iPad, and MacOS applications using the Objective-C language. Companies like Facebook and LinkedIn also use Objective-C for their iOS apps. 

While you might feel tempted to pick either Objective-C or Swift, several companies, such as Uber and Slack, were actually built with a combination of Objective-C and Swift. By learning both languages, you can take advantage of the different programming features in each and experience the best of both worlds. 

Jobs that use Objective-C

Many jobs that require coding and software development, especially related to app development,  benefit from the knowledge of Objective-C. Some of these jobs and the average annual base salary of each, according to August 2024 data from Glassdoor, include the following. 

Application developer

Average annual base salary: $102,709 [1]

Requirements: Application developers typically need a bachelor’s degree in software engineering and specific coding-related technical skills.

Application developers design, test, implement, and upgrade apps based on customer needs and goals. In this position, you will often work as a liaison between customers and engineering teams. You will likely have higher-level responsibilities and lead teams through projects from inception to launch. 

iOS developer

Average annual base salary: $93,533 [2]

Requirements: iOS developers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or computer science, but extensive skills in iOS development can sometimes make up for missing formal qualifications. 

iOS developers are similar to application developers but focus exclusively on creating iOS apps. In this role, you will review code to ensure it’s functioning correctly and work with a development team to reach objectives. You will also often troubleshoot problems occurring with daily use and address them accordingly. 

Mobile engineer

Average annual base salary: $107,512 [3]

Requirements: You will typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering for this role. 

Mobile engineers often specialize in one type of operating system, such as iOS. As a mobile engineer, you will design, build, and monitor smartphone, tablet, and mobile device apps. You’ll also write the foundational code for apps and ensure it performs as intended. 

In this role, you can expect to troubleshoot issues and install upgrades as needed to keep apps secure and usable. As a mobile engineer, you will likely work as part of a larger IT team that works on a specific app for a company using iOS apps for its customer base.

Build Objective-C and other programming skills on Coursera

By learning Objective-C, you can build relevant skills for various roles in application development. Objective-C is one of the foundational languages for many popular Apple OS X and iOS apps, including Uber and Slack. As an extension of the general C language, Objective-C offers many features that make it useful for today’s software programmers and mobile engineers.

Sharpen your software development skills and learn foundational knowledge about app development and Objective-C with courses and other programs offered on Coursera. Options such as the Meta iOS Developer Professional Certificate provide opportunities to learn Objective-C and its functions in app development. It's an excellent way to cultivate skills and understand what a career in app development or IT involves.