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General Discussion

Mohammad Laif
PLUS
Mohammad Laif
Courses Plus Student 22,297 Points

Is learning iOS, Swift improve developing experience on Android, Java?

Recently, I finished Android development tracks along with Java, and built some awesome apps. But I needed more stuffs in programming that could help me to become a better Android Developer. I tried other website for couple months, but I didn't like their way too much. Therefore, I return back here to the lovely TreeHouse ? ! I asked this question because; I fear to get lost in diversity, rather than focusing on one thing which is Android Development.

My question: Is learning iOS, Swift knowledge gonna benefit me in Android Development? at least improve the way I'm thinking in programming! Or should I stack learning more boring stuff of Android APIs?

If there any course suggestions, that would be very helpful.. Thanks for your reading, appreciate your time.

2 Answers

Jonathan Ruiz
Jonathan Ruiz
2,998 Points

Hi Mohammad I think taking a focused approach to one language starting out is the way to go. Im learning Swift right now myself. It comes down to what you want to get out of it. I don't have any experience in android development cause I want to be an iOS Dev so I'm learning Swift. I would suggest learning Kotlin if you haven't. Its a language Google announced this past IO.

https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15654988/goo…

http://blog.teamtreehouse.com/learn-kotlin-java?utm_source=twitter-organic&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=blog-post&utm_content=learn-kotlin-java&cid=4732

Hope this helps !

Mohammad Laif
Mohammad Laif
Courses Plus Student 22,297 Points

Thanks for your replay. Yep I notice Kotlin has become officially supported, maybe I will jump to it soon since I'm already comfortable with Java. Wish you best developing with iOS.

The short answer is no, Learning Swift will not help you become a better android dev, due to Swift being the IOS language for mac, and since you can't program Swift apps on and Android phone, I personally don't see the point of learning a skill that is not compatible with your future endeavors as an Android dev. If you want to be a better android dev, I would suggest diving more into Java, then Swift.

Mohammad Laif
Mohammad Laif
Courses Plus Student 22,297 Points

"I personally don't see the point of learning a skill that is not compatible with your future endeavors as an Android dev" I totally agree with what you said. I was just curious about Swift and iOS (since I have zero experience with them), I still wondering if learning Swift could open more understanding of programming that pour into Java. Or iOS development into Android, at least on the design perspective not as programmatically. Maybe in the future I will go with your advice about diving more deeply into Java. thanks for your replay.

I hear ya man, I also didn't mean to put you down or anything. If you want to learn Swift and start making iPhone apps, then go ahead. Nothing wrong with that. I don't think Swift will help in learning design, for that I would suggest reading Brad Frost's blog He mostly talks about web design not app design, but I think most of his idea are transferable. In the end a loop is a loop, and array is an array, and a variable is a variable. you would only be learning a new syntax rather than design patterns by learning Swift.

Right on!