Swift is an open-source programming language developed by Apple for developing applications for operating systems spanning the entire family of Apple products, including macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. While learning C and Objective-C to program on Apple platforms was traditionally less of a priority for developers than programming languages for PCs, the incredible popularity of the iPhone has made Swift programming for iOS app development a very important skill for mobile developers in particular.

Programming in Swift is intended to be fast and easy, with concise syntax, built-in safety and security, and additional developer tools as part of Apple’s Xcode integrated development environment (IDE) that can help speed the design of user interfaces and other tasks. According to Apple, Swift was “designed to be anyone’s first programming language,” making it a great choice for new computer science students or professionals from other fields looking to change careers.

Having a background in programming with Swift and Xcode is essential for software developers working on mobile applications, since it is the primary language used for iOS app development. While Android is used in more phones worldwide, the iPhone and iOS remain the most popular mobile device platform in the U.S. market, making Swift a must-learn for most large tech companies.

Becoming a mobile software developer with the ability to program in Swift is a gateway to a high-paying career with lots of job opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers earned a median annual wage of $107,510 in 2019, and these jobs are expected to grow much faster than the economy-wide average over the next decade. And, as mobile platforms become increasingly important for companies of all kinds, having skills in mobile application development ensures you’ll be at the leading edge of the industry.

Certainly. Computer science topics are some of the most popular learning opportunities on Coursera, including individual courses in Swift development as well as Specializations spanning multiple courses. You can learn from top-ranked schools like University of California Irvine and the University of Toronto, or get a professional certificate in Swift programming through LearnQuest. Regardless of whether you’re a student or a mid-career professional looking to acquire a new skill, Coursera lets you learn about Swift on a flexible schedule and at a lower tuition than on-campus alternatives.