Swift structure vs class

Comparing structure and class in swift

 

In common, both can

• Define properties to store values

• Define subscripts to provide access to their values using subscript syntax

• Define initializers to set up their initial state

• Be extended to expand their functionality beyond a default implementation

• Conform to protocols to provide standard functionality of a certain kind

 

Only Class

• inherit another classes characteristics.

• Define deinitializers to free up assigned resources

 

Main difference

 

1 . Class is reference type otherwise structure is value type

 

- what is reference type?

 

from swift official document

Unlike value types, reference types are not copied when they are assigned to a variable or constant, or when they are passed to a function. Rather than a copy, a reference to the same existing instance is used.

 

-  what is value type?

 

from swift official document

A value type is a type whose value is copied when it’s assigned to a variable or constant, or when it’s passed to a function.

 

 

2. Only structure can use codable protocol

 

- what is codable?

Codable is a type alias for the Encodable and Decodable protocols. When you use Codable as a type or a generic constraint, it matches any type that conforms to both protocols.

 

 

Happy Coding :)