Hire Objective-C developers pre-screened for technical and cultural fit

Objective-C developers are skilled professionals who use the Objective-C language to build, test, and maintain high-quality apps for Apple devices. Locating and hiring experienced Objective-C developers is often a challenge for both startups and well-established development companies. Moreover, in 2014, Apple introduced Swift, a modern and intuitive programming language, as a successor to Objective-C. As a result, employers find it increasingly difficult to locate developers with up-to-date Objective-C expertise and knowledge.

What Is Objective-C Development?

Objective-C development uses Objective-C to design, code, test, and maintain macOS, iOS, tvOS, and watchOS apps. Objective-C is a high-level, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language—a superset of the C programming language.

Objective-C was the standard programming language used for developing iOS and macOS mobile applications until the introduction of Swift in 2014. Because Swift is easier to maintain, more secure, more concise, and easier to read than Objective-C, many Objective-C developers have shifted to Swift.

However, some companies still prefer hiring Objective-C developers for the following reasons:

• To maintain legacy codebases: If a company has existing projects or a large codebase in Objective-C, it may want to hire an Objective-C developer to maintain, enhance, and support these applications.
• To access third-party application programming interfaces (APIs) and libraries: Companies may want to hire Objective-C developers to use third-party libraries and APIs only available in the Objective-C superset.
• To hire professionals with greater experience and skill sets: Objective-C developers are usually seasoned professionals with many years of experience with the language, especially if they have worked with macOS and iOS apps since before Swift's introduction.

Companies can also use Objective-C for the following projects:

• Frameworks and libraries that provide APIs and functionality for macOS and iOS development
• tvOS and watchOS apps
• Cross-platform apps, such as Android
• System-level programming, such as custom interfaces and integration with specific Apple frameworks
• Large enterprise applications, including legacy systems and architectures

Why Objective-C Development?

In today's tech-centric business landscape, choosing the right programming language for your software development is an imperative step in the software development process. Objective-C stands as a venerable and powerful language, particularly favored for its role in iOS application development. Its necessity and value lie in its robust nature and the mature ecosystem it provides, allowing developers to build resilient and high-performing applications that have stood the test of time.

Leveraging Objective-C is especially beneficial for companies aiming to maintain or update legacy applications that were originally crafted with this language. It ensures compatibility with existing codebases and allows businesses to continue delivering seamless user experiences on Apple devices. Furthermore, Objective-C integrates well with C++ and C, providing a versatile foundation for developing complex software that demands performance as well as reliability.

Benefits of Objective-C Development

Objective-C has carved out its niche in the software development realm by offering a unique blend of benefits. It balances traditional programming techniques with modern features, giving it an edge in certain developmental scenarios.

• Mature frameworks: Objective-C gives access to Apple's Cocoa API, including a powerful Mac OS X and iOS application development framework suite.
• Compatibility: The language works seamlessly within Apple's ecosystem, ensuring that applications are compatible with all OS updates and hardware changes.
• Object-oriented capabilities: With its object-oriented properties, Objective-C allows for easy maintenance and code reusability, which is crucial in large-scale projects and helps scale project requirements.
• Dynamic runtime: Unlike many statically typed languages, Objective-C's dynamic runtime environment supports more flexible coding patterns and late binding options.
• Interoperability: The ability to mix C++ or C within an Objective-C program makes it highly interoperable with other languages when needed.
• Community support: A long history means there’s a robust community support network from legacy code examples to expansive forums for troubleshooting.

These advantages make it clear that while newer languages gain popularity, the strategic use of Objective-C can offer unparalleled benefits — particularly when working within Apple’s frameworks or updating legacy systems where rewriting codebases would not be cost-effective.

What Does an Objective-C Developer Do?

Objective-C developer duties vary, but most are responsible for the following tasks:

• Crafting well-tested, clean code for native Apple apps
• Designing, testing, and shipping new features and modules
• Building custom interfaces and architectures
• Staying on top of Apple development trends
• Creating and maintaining detailed documentation
• Re-architecting, improving, and optimizing legacy Objective-C code after app store launch
• Collaborating with a team of dedicated engineers and programmers

Required Skills and Qualifications

When seeking to hire Objective-C developers, looking for candidates with a strong foundation in computer science principles and proficiency in Objective-C is pivotal. Additionally, consider the growing ubiquity of Swift. Familiarity and technical skill with both languages can be a significant asset as Swift continues to gain traction. 

Top Objective-C developers should deeply understand memory management, including manual reference counting and ARC, given Objective-C's heritage as a superset of C. They should also be adept with tools like Xcode and the iOS SDK, which are critical for Apple platform app development.

Top candidates will usually possess a computer science degree or relevant field experience, supplemented by expertise in version control systems like Git. While Agile and Scrum are common methodologies, it's crucial that developers are versatile in adapting to the preferred methodologies of your organization — be that Kanban, Lean, or another hybrid approach. 

Effective communication skills enable fruitful collaboration with team members, and robust problem-solving abilities allow developers to complete complex coding challenges without significant delays in project management goals. Certifications such as the Certified iOS App Developer credential underscore a developer’s dedication and skill level.

Popular Objective-C Related Languages and Libraries

Objective-C has long served as the backbone of macOS and iOS application development. Even with the advent of Swift, Objective-C remains relevant due to its robust ecosystem and existing vast codebases. To leverage Objective-C effectively, understanding its related languages and libraries is crucial for a seamless development process.

Related Languages

• Swift: Apple's successor to Objective-C provides interoperability with Objective-C codebases, enabling developers to write safer, more concise code. However, developers should navigate mixing Swift and Objective-C with caution due to potential complexities and errors.
• C++: Due to Objective-C's roots in C, familiarity with C++ can be beneficial when performance-critical features are needed. Objective-C itself actually allows for a high degree of interoperability with C code, which includes C++ as well.
• Python: This language is often used for scripting within development environments or building tools that complement the app development process. So while it’s not typically used within Objective-C development environments, it’s practically invaluable for creating unit tests, build scripts, and the like.

Related Libraries

• Cocoa Touch: A UI framework for building software programs to run on iOS for iPhone and iPad devices.
• Core Data: An object graph management and persistence framework that streamlines data storage in applications.
• AVFoundation: A library useful for audiovisual media on iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, allowing developers to create complex audiovisual functionalities easily.

Popular Objective-C Programming Tools

The right set of programming tools is a force multiplier for an Objective-C developer's efficiency. These tools range from integrated development environments (IDEs) that underpin coding processes to utilities that manage dependencies or automate common tasks.

Some widely-used programming tools in the Objective-C space include:

• Xcode: Apple's IDE explicitly designed for Swift and Objective-C provides a comprehensive suite of software development tools.
• AppCode: A complementary IDE by JetBrains supports iOS/macOS developers with smart coding assistance for Objective-C/Swift.
• Git: Version control is indispensable in modern software development. Git remains the go-to tool for source code management among Objective-C developers.

Each tool serves its purpose — from Xcode’s all-in-one environment facilitating coding, debugging, and interface design to AppCode’s advanced refactoring capabilities. Git ensures that changes are tracked meticulously, which is a necessity when managing complex projects or collaborating across teams. Together, they are integral to any professional developer’s toolkit in creating robust applications using Objective-C.

How Does Objective-C Fit Into Modern App Development?

Objective-C's role in modern app development is particularly specialized but no less critical. As the original language for iOS development, Objective-C is entrenched in the foundation of many existing applications. While Swift has emerged as Apple's preferred language for new projects due to its ease of use and performance benefits, Objective-C remains an invaluable asset for maintaining and updating the vast number of apps that were built with it.

This enduring relevance is seen in various real-world applications where companies leverage Objective-C developers' skills to manage legacy code in mature projects or to create bridges between old and new technologies within an application. For instance, when extending the functionalities of existing apps without a complete overhaul, developers might opt to get new modules in Swift while keeping the core components in Objective-C. This coexistence leverages each language's strengths and preserves investment in previous development efforts.

Furthermore, companies looking to integrate their iOS applications with other systems — such as back-end services or third-party libraries that are still written in Objective-C — require developers fluent in this language to ensure seamless integration and performance optimization. In essence, having expertise in Objective-C can be a compelling advantage for dev teams aiming to provide comprehensive support across all facets of app development within Apple’s ecosystem. It enables them to effectively navigate between maintaining older applications and embracing new technologies, ensuring businesses retain their competitive edge.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Objective-C Developer?

The average U.S.-based mid-level Objective-C developer earns around $67,000 to $201,000 annually. When deciding on the total cost of hiring an Objective-C developer, consider any bonuses or stock options that will be offered. Furthermore, consider what number is reasonable based on the cost of living for their area and what expertise they bring to a development team.

While Objective-C developers in Latin American countries are equally skilled, their lower cost of living means they usually earn 30% to 50% less than their U.S. counterparts, with salaries varying based on location and experience. Revelo provides access to highly qualified, pre-vetted Latin American developers, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising quality.

Featured Tool: Tech Team Budget Calculator

Finding Objective-C Developers for Your Project

When seeking Objective-C developers, looking beyond traditional recruitment strategies is prudent. Given the specialized nature of this role, identifying candidates who possess technical acumen and align with a company's culture and values is critical. Start by leveraging professional networks and industry connections. Insightful recommendations can often lead to professionals whose expertise in Objective-C has proven instrumental in past projects.

Another strategy is to attend industry-specific events such as tech conferences, seminars, or meetups focused on iOS development. Such environments are ripe with talent deeply engaged in the Objective-C ecosystem. They provide a unique opportunity to interact first-hand with potential hires and gauge their passion and depth of knowledge.

Lastly, consider partnerships with platforms like Revelo that specialize in matching top-tier Latin American tech talent with companies in need. We pre-vet candidates thoroughly, ensuring that you’re presented with developers who have not only been tested technically but are also equipped with soft skills that facilitate seamless integration into a team’s dynamics. This approach streamlines the hiring process, providing access to a concentrated pool of candidates adept at Objective-C development.

Why Hire Objective-C Developers With Revelo?

Hiring experienced Objective-C developers can be difficult due to the language's declining popularity and the increasing demand for Swift programmers.

Revelo can help. As Latin America's premier tech talent marketplace, Revelo provides access to a large pool of highly skilled Objective-C developers. Our developers have been thoroughly screened for English proficiency and soft and hard skills, so you can focus on building your business while we manage payroll, local compliance, taxes, and benefits administration.

Contact us today to hire Objective-C developers and maintain the quality of your iOS projects.