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iOS Swift Functions and Optionals Optionals What is an Optional?

Posted by Martin Langeder
Martin Langeder
3,335 Points

if culprint != nil

Why not just check if culprint is nil? 

if culprint != nil{
    println("Apt found: \(culprint!)")
}
Austin Murtha
Austin Murtha
4,843 Points
Austin Murtha
Austin Murtha
4,843 Points

I notice this often as well. Interested as well.

1 Answer

Unsubscribed User
Unsubscribed User
11,496 Points

I think the "if let" syntax comes in handy for more complex situations. Imagine if you had a long switch or if/else block that uses the optional value. You have to make sure to unwrap it in every case if you use the "if != nil" solution. The "if let" unwraps and stores it in the constant so you can just reference the constant as needed within your block.

When you're using optionals that store UIViews, the compiler doesn't know what properties a wrapped object has, so you'll end up with a bunch of errors all through your block telling you your label doesn't have ".text" when what's really going on is you needed to use "myLabel!.text"