Learn Swift: The Best Courses and Resources
There are many programming languages out there, serving a range of purposes. Unfortunately, there are so many options that it can be hard to decide where to start. But, if mobile application development is of particular interest to you, learning Swift should be on the top of your list.
To find out more about how you can learn Swift, keep reading.
What Is Swift?
Swift is a general-purpose programming language developed by Apple and the open-source community. Its release in 2014 marked the replacement of Apple’s older programming language, Objective-C, which the company had used since the 1980s.
Developers designed Swift to replace all C-based languages, including Objective-C. With the new language, the developers’ goal was to create a quicker, more structured workflow that would minimize mistakes. Swift users who work with macOS usually build software for other Apple devices using Apple’s Xcode software.
The language has many uses outside of app development. The official Swift website points out that it can also be used to program systems and scale up cloud services.
What Jobs Use Swift Skills?
Swift is at the center of all Apple platforms, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. But the language can also be used to develop applications for Windows, Linux, and Android. Because of its wealth of uses, there are many jobs available for Swift experts.
- iOS developer. Some companies employ iOS developers to ensure that their Swift code is bulletproof. Usually, these are companies that deploy and update apps consistently. Swift programmers can make sure these releases meet their deadlines, and can also maintain them long-term.
- Software developer. Outside of mobile, software developers also often work on more general products. In this case, developers will often have to adapt their code to work across platforms, including Apple, Windows, and other devices. Because of this, it can be very useful for prospective software developers to learn Swift so they can create products for Apple, if necessary.
- Code instructor. As the job opportunities in software development grow, many people are looking to get into programming. Because of this, there are plenty of individuals looking for training. By teaching coding languages like Swift, you’ll have a fulfilling career spreading knowledge to eager students.
- Full stack developer. Full stack development deals with the client- and server-side of websites. Some full stack developers increase their value by mastering Swift so that they can work for companies that develop Apple products.
Steps to Learn Swift
Swift is in a unique position because it is a tech giant’s proprietary software and is also open-source. This means anyone can access the software for free and build up the necessary skills to work with Swift.
Below are some steps to help you start learning this language.
1. Download the Software
Swift is available for free on the programming language’s website. You can download the compiler and other components that you’ll need to get started there. There is even a free tour available on the website that you can watch to learn the basics of Swift.
2. Take Swift Courses
Once you have taken the basic Swift tour, you will still need to take some courses in order to get a firm understanding of how to use the language.
There are many courses you can take online for free or for a nominal fee. If you’ve got a basic understanding of Swift, you may want to advance your knowledge by taking higher-level courses. Once you feel you are highly skilled in the language, you may choose to attain a certification in Swift app development to prove that you are a professional.
3. Get a Degree
Even though you can sometimes land the job you want without a degree, most job posts will require that you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Plus, some people feel more comfortable learning new skills in a scholastic environment rather than through self-guided online study.
Whichever mode of study you choose, your goal should be to obtain a deeper understanding of the ins and outs of Swift and other coding languages. If you master more than one language, your chances of finding employment will increase.
The Best Courses to Learn Swift
There are plenty of options online for learning how to use Swift. Below are a few that can help you get started.
The Complete iOS Development Course. Swift Programming A-Z
This Udemy course is a complete walkthrough of Swift that can turn beginners into professionals. Over 44 hours of lectures, you’ll build several apps using Swift while exploring the Xcode development environment. There are no prerequisites for this class, but you will need to own a macOS device in order to participate.
Swift 5 iOS Application Developer Specialization
This iOS-focused Coursera program is designed to get students prepared for mobile-first app development. Over four months, you will start from zero and will learn everything there is to know about Swift and how it interacts with mobile devices. Besides the basics, you’ll also learn about networking in Swift and how to set up in-app purchases and subscriptions.
Build our very first iOS app
Curtin University offers this broad look at app development for iOS using Swift. You’ll not only learn about the Swift language, but also about other Apple development tools like Xcode, Interface Builder, and Documentation Browser. The free, eight-week course will fill you in on all the basics before you move on to more in-depth studies of the software.
Swift 5 Programming For Beginners
This Udemy course differs from those above because it focuses on using Swift outside of the Apple ecosystem. It’s perfect for people who are interested in developing with Swift but do not want to start using a Mac. Upon completing the course, you’ll be ready to use Swift on Windows and Linux operating systems without sacrificing any of the functionality you’re used to.
App Development with Swift Certification
In this course, you can learn straight from Apple’s official curriculum. Though they bring students of all ages on to learn to code, you can also teach yourself using Apple’s free book on Swift app development.
By studying materials provided by the business that spearheaded Swift’s development, you’ll get very familiar with the thought process behind the technology. Securing a Swift certification will open up plenty of doors for future employment.
Master Swift
This LinkedIn Learning course consists of several in-depth modules. These modules will cover all the important parts of Swift. However, this is more than just a barebones course. You’ll learn to delegate and use different data sources, and will master Protocol-Oriented Programming, a paradigm recently introduced by Apple.
iOS App Development with Swift Specialization
This course teaches burgeoning developers how to use camera, photo, location, and other phone information in their app development. This course is designed for students who have completed basic Swift training and are looking to hone their skills.
Your final project in this course will involve building a photo-editing program for iOS and watchOS from scratch. Because the project has been designed for XCode users, you’ll need to have a Mac in order to participate.
SwiftUI Masterclass 2021 – iOS 14 App Development & Swift 5
If you’re ready for this Udemy class, then you’ve mastered the basics of Swift. Now, you can work on your UI design skills to learn more about how consumers use apps, and how you can streamline your creations to benefit the user.
In this course, you will be introduced to Swift UI 2 and CloudKit along with other useful app development programs. After you finish this course, you’ll be fully equipped to build apps that users will enjoy.
Why Learn Swift?
Swift is the backbone of popular Apple software products, and developers who know how to use the language are in constant demand. As long as Apple keeps making the iPhone, there will be companies that are looking to develop products to reach their customers who use Apple technology.
So, if you decide to learn Swift, you can expect to have a successful career creating appealing apps and software products.
