Apple last year had introduced a new programming language designed to make coding an app for iOS and OSX much easier for users of the platform. Today, the company has announced that it is making Swift open source through Swift.org. Furthermore, developers outside of Apple will also be able to look inside the language and bring it to new platforms.
Developers of the platform will now be able to contribute to the language while developing software for different computing platforms as well. The open source codes are now available not only on Swift.org but also on GitHub.
According to Apple, Swift is the "fastest growing programming language in history and combines the performance and efficiency of compiled languages with simplicity and interactivity of popular scripting language." Furthermore, the company also thinks that the ease of use and learning of Swift allow developers and even non-coders to move their ideas forward in developing apps and software.
Reports suggest that Apple's open sourcing Swift's code means that other developers will be able to choose to bring it to other mobile platforms including Windows and Android. Apple wants Swift to be one of the core programming languages in the future, and it being on the biggest mobile and desktop platforms will serve as a key component for the language. It's a win-win situation for Apple. As more users go with Swift, more developers will also be able to code apps for the company's own devices.
Apple going with open source, while being somewhat rare, isn't really that uncommon. The company made its ResearchKit for iOS open source ealier this year, and WebKit, Safari's browser engine, has been open to developers.
Furthermore, Apple open sourcing Swift will be ideal for developers that are part of the enterprise and cloud computing areas. Apple has already partnered with Cisco CSCO to improve its offerings for users in the enterprise, and this marks as Apple's continuous progress in the segment.
