Objective-C: Build powerful and robust iOS and macOS apps
Objective-C is a powerful and mature programming language that has been the cornerstone of iOS and macOS app development for many years. While Swift has gained significant popularity, Objective-C remains relevant, especially for maintaining and updating existing applications. Hiring a skilled Objective-C freelancer can be a valuable asset for projects requiring expertise in this established language.
What to look for in an Objective-C freelancer
When searching for an Objective-C freelancer, consider these key aspects:
- Proficiency in Objective-C and related frameworks: Look for freelancers with a strong grasp of Objective-C syntax, memory management (including ARC and manual retain-release), and experience with essential frameworks like Foundation, UIKit (for iOS), and AppKit (for macOS).
- Experience with iOS or macOS development: Depending on your project, ensure the freelancer has relevant experience building apps for the specific platform.
- Understanding of design patterns: Knowledge of common design patterns like MVC (Model-View-Controller), MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel), and others demonstrates a deeper understanding of software architecture.
- Version control systems: Familiarity with Git is crucial for collaborative development.
- Communication and collaboration skills: Effective communication is essential for remote work. Look for freelancers who are responsive and proactive.
Main expertise areas
Clients should inquire about a freelancer's expertise in these areas:
- iOS app development: Creating and maintaining iPhone and iPad applications.
- macOS app development: Building desktop applications for Mac computers.
- Legacy code maintenance and updates: Modernising or debugging existing Objective-C projects.
- Integration with third-party libraries and APIs: Connecting applications to external services.
- Performance optimisation: Improving app speed and responsiveness.
Relevant interview questions
Here are some interview questions to assess an Objective-C freelancer's skills:
- Explain your experience with memory management in Objective-C.
- Describe your experience with different iOS or macOS frameworks.
- What are your preferred design patterns for Objective-C development, and why?
- How do you approach debugging and troubleshooting in Objective-C?
- Describe a challenging Objective-C project you worked on and how you overcame the difficulties.
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review their portfolio and check for relevant projects.
- Assess their communication skills during the initial contact.
- Check their references and testimonials.
- Conduct a technical test or code review to evaluate their practical skills.
Potential red flags
- Lack of demonstrable experience with Objective-C.
- Poor communication or responsiveness.
- Inability to explain key concepts or answer technical questions adequately.
- Negative feedback from previous clients.
Typical complementary skills
Objective-C freelancers often possess skills in:
- Swift
- C/C++
- Cocoa Touch (iOS)
- Cocoa (macOS)
- RESTful APIs
- Agile development methodologies
What problems an Objective-C freelancer can solve
Hiring an Objective-C freelancer can address various needs, including:
- Developing new iOS or macOS applications: Bring your app idea to life with a dedicated freelancer.
- Maintaining and updating existing apps: Keep your app current with the latest OS versions and features.
- Adding new functionalities to existing apps: Extend your app's capabilities with new features and integrations.
- Fixing bugs and resolving technical issues: Ensure your app runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Migrating legacy code to newer technologies: Gradually transition your older Objective-C codebase to Swift or other modern technologies.
For example, an Objective-C freelancer could help you update an existing iOS app to support the latest iOS version, integrate a new payment gateway, or develop a macOS companion app for your existing iOS product. Or perhaps you need to optimise the performance of a legacy application; a skilled Objective-C freelancer can identify bottlenecks and implement solutions for a smoother user experience.
