Last week, Apple’s Swift programming language team unleashed Swift version 5! This is a major milestone were we now have ABI stability, compatibility with code compiled with future versions of Swift compilers and new coding features for developers.
Err, but what does ABI mean really?
Application Binary Interface stability. This means that Swift has matured as a language to the point where there will no longer be huge changes in how its compiler works that breaks compatibility with Swift apps and libraries that have already been compiled into binary.
This also means Swift 5’s ABI stability means app code compiled with today’s compiler won’t need to be recompiled to work reliably with dynamically linked libraries compiled in future versions of Swift.
In my opinion, this is the best time to learn the Swift programming language. Now we all learn the fundamentals for this language without fear of grammar changes, deprecated functions, etc. If you need help learning the Swift programming language, Apple has created the Swift Playgrounds app.
Swift Playgrounds is a revolutionary app for iPad that makes learning Swift interactive and fun. It requires no coding knowledge, so it’s perfect for students just starting out. Solve puzzles to master the basics using Swift — a powerful programming language created by Apple and used by the pros to build today’s most popular apps.
Adafruit also has a playground-book within the Swift Playgrounds app. Our Robot Rover playground-book has bluetooth capabilities that allows users to test their Swift programming skills by sending basic motion commands to the mini robot rover that would assemble from the My Mini Race Car Project Pack.
