Have you ever played games like Subway Surfers or used apps like YouTube, WhatsApp, or Instagram on an iPhone or iPad? These devices use something called iOS. But have you ever wondered how these apps are made? Just like we use English or Hindi to talk to each other, phones and computers also use languages – special computer languages – to understand what to do.
Today, we are going to learn about the language that iOS uses. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it very simple and fun. By the end, you’ll know something really cool that even many adults don’t!
What is iOS?
Before we talk about the language, let’s first understand what iOS is. iOS is the operating system that runs on iPhones and iPads. You can think of it like the brain of the iPhone. It helps the phone know what to do when you tap an app, swipe the screen, or take a selfie.
Just like your brain controls your body, iOS controls everything in your iPhone. And just like we learn things using words, iOS also learns and works using programming languages.
What are programming languages?
Programming languages are special ways to tell a computer or phone what to do. Humans speak languages like English, Hindi, Tamil, and Marathi. But phones speak in their own languages – like Swift, Java, Python, and more.
Using these programming languages, people who make apps – called developers – can write instructions. These instructions tell the iPhone or iPad how to show a game, how to play music, how to open the camera, and much more.
So now the big question – what language does iOS use?
The main language of iOS: Swift
The main language that iOS uses is called Swift.
Swift is a programming language made by Apple – the company that makes the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple made Swift in 2014 to help developers make better apps, more easily and quickly.
Swift is fast, safe, and easy to learn. That means apps made in Swift work smoothly, don’t crash often, and are easy to fix if there is a problem.
Imagine if you had to build a Lego car. You would want blocks that fit well, are colorful, and don’t break. Swift is like that for app developers – it helps them build fun, beautiful apps easily.
Before Swift: Objective-C
Before Swift, iOS used another language called Objective-C.
This language was also good, but it was a bit hard to learn. It had a lot of rules and was not as modern. Think of it like a really old phone – it works, but it’s not as fast or fun as a new smartphone.
Some big apps still use Objective-C today, but most new apps are made with Swift because it is much better for modern times.
Why is Swift great for kids in India to learn?
Now, here’s something really exciting. Even though Swift is used by big companies to make big apps, it is also a great language for kids to learn.
Why? Here are a few simple reasons:
- Swift is easy to read. It looks more like normal English than many other coding languages.
- You can start learning it using a fun iPad app called Swift Playgrounds. This app turns coding into a game!
- Coding in Swift can help you make your own iOS apps one day – maybe a game, a photo editor, or a learning app.
- It’s a good skill for your future. Coding is like learning a superpower that can help you build anything with your imagination.
In India, many schools are now starting to teach coding to students from Class 6 onwards. But even if you are in Class 4 or 5, you can begin exploring Swift. All you need is curiosity and a bit of patience!
How do apps get made using Swift?
Now let’s look at how developers actually make apps for iOS using Swift.
- They use a tool called Xcode. This is like a big art and design book where you can draw, write, and build an app all in one place.
- They write code using the Swift language.
- They test the app to make sure everything works – like buttons, sounds, and screens.
- When the app is ready, they send it to the App Store, so people like you and me can download and use it.
It’s just like drawing a comic book and then putting it in a shop so people can read and enjoy it.
Is it hard to learn Swift?
It might sound tricky, but learning Swift is not hard if you are excited and ready to try. In fact, many kids around the world have already started learning it. Apple even has programs to teach kids coding, and there are fun websites and YouTube videos to help beginners.
You don’t need to become a big expert right away. Just start with small things – like how to move a character, how to change colors, or how to make a small game.
One small step at a time, and one day you might be making your own iPhone app!
Final thoughts – Why this is worth knowing
So now you know something special – the language that iOS uses is called Swift. And it’s not just for grown-up coders. It’s fun, simple, and made for the future.
If you have an iPhone or iPad at home, or if you like playing games on a mobile, learning about Swift helps you understand how those games are made. And if you enjoy computers and like solving puzzles, then coding with Swift might be something you’ll really love.
One day, maybe you’ll create the next big app that people in India and all over the world will use and enjoy. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
Just like reading, writing, or learning math – coding is becoming a super useful skill. And with Swift, it can also be a lot of fun!
