Struct vs Class in Swift: Choosing the Best Option

When it comes to choosing between a struct and a class in Swift, it's important to understand the differences in order to make the best decision for your project.

Structs

Structs are value types, meaning they are copied when they are assigned to a new variable or passed as a parameter to a function. They are typically used for smaller pieces of data, such as coordinates or simple data models.

One advantage of using a struct is that they are immutable by default, which can help prevent unexpected changes to the data. Additionally, because they are copied, they are thread-safe and can be passed around without worrying about synchronization.

Classes

Classes, on the other hand, are reference types. This means that when they are assigned to a new variable or passed as a parameter to a function, the reference to the original object is passed, rather than a copy. They are typically used for more complex objects, such as user interfaces or network requests.

One advantage of using a class is that they can be subclassed, allowing for more complex inheritance hierarchies. Additionally, because they are reference types, they can be mutated and shared across multiple parts of your code.

Choosing the Best Option

So, which should you choose - a struct or a class?

If you're working with smaller data models or immutable data, a struct may be the best option. On the other hand, if you're working with more complex objects or need to share data across multiple parts of your code, a class may be the better choice.

It's also important to consider the performance implications of your decision. Because structs are copied, they can be more performant in certain situations. However, classes offer more flexibility and can be easier to work with in more complex scenarios.

Ultimately, the decision between a struct and a class in Swift comes down to the specific needs of your project. By understanding the differences between the two, you can make an informed decision that will help you build better, more efficient code.