Which Language Should You Learn First: C or Objective-C?

When embarking on a journey to learn programming languages, especially in the realm of iOS app development, two popular choices often come to mind: C and Objective-C. While both languages are fundamental to iOS development, the question arises: should you learn C or Objective-C first? This article aims to provide clarity on this decision by examining the benefits and drawbacks of each language and offering a structured approach to learning for both novice and experienced programmers alike.

Overview of C and Objective-C

C is a powerful, low-level language used extensively in system and application development. It is the basis for many other languages and is widely supported by a variety of compilers, making it universally accessible. On the other hand, Objective-C is a higher-level but still low-level language primarily used for iOS app development, albeit now mostly replaced by Swift. Although Objective-C is built on top of C, it adds object-oriented features to enhance its functionality.

Why Learn C or Objective-C First?

Choosing to learn C or Objective-C first depends on various factors, including your development goals, experience, and the specific requirements of your project.

Learning C First

Many developers recommend starting with C before moving on to Objective-C. C provides a solid foundation in programming concepts and low-level memory management, which can be particularly beneficial for understanding more complex programming languages and frameworks. Familiarizing yourself with C can improve your understanding of system-level programming, debugging, and performance optimization.

However, if your primary goal is to develop iOS apps, learning Objective-C directly might be less practical due to the widespread adoption of Swift. While Objective-C is still supported for legacy projects, Swift offers a more modern and streamlined approach to iOS development. Learning Objective-C without C knowledge can make it harder to understand the language's nuances and limitations.

Learning Objective-C First

If your focus is specifically on iOS development and you have no prior experience with programming, learning Objective-C right away can be more beneficial. Objective-C is built on top of C, which means you can leverage your C knowledge to understand its syntax and features more easily. Additionally, many Objective-C resources and tutorials start from beginner-level concepts, making it a good starting point for those new to programming.

However, it's important to note that Objective-C is not the most popular language for iOS development anymore. If you plan to focus on iOS for a short term or are part of a project that still requires Objective-C, learning it might be beneficial. Nevertheless, investing time in learning Swift would be a more strategic decision for long-term development goals, as Swift is designed to replace and improve upon Objective-C in modern iOS development.

Conclusion

The choice between learning C or Objective-C first depends on your goals and experience level. If you want a solid foundation in low-level programming and are planning a broader career in software development, starting with C might be a better option. However, if your focus is specifically on iOS app development and you have no prior programming experience, learning Objective-C could be more practical, even if it is being replaced by Swift.

Regardless of which language you choose to start with, always keep in mind that the best language to learn is the one that aligns with your current and future goals. For iOS app development, especially for long-term success, learning Swift is highly recommended due to its modern features and performance improvements over Objective-C.