# Objective-C

> general-purpose, high-level, object-oriented programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q188531](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q188531)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Objective-C)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/objective-c

## Summary
Objective-C is a general-purpose, high-level, object-oriented programming language developed in 1984 by Brad Cox. It is a class-based, reflective, and multi-paradigm language primarily used for macOS and iOS application development.

## Key Facts
- Developed in 1984 by Brad Cox
- Primarily used for macOS and iOS application development
- Class-based, reflective, and multi-paradigm programming language
- Designed by Brad Cox, influenced by Smalltalk and C
- File extensions include `.h`, `.m`, `.mm`, and `.C`
- Stable version: 2.0 (as of 2019)
- Typing disciplines: static, dynamic, and weak typing
- Used in software like OsiriX, Growl, and Cog
- Competitors include Java, Python, Rust, and C++

## FAQs
### Q: What is Objective-C used for?
A: Objective-C is primarily used for developing applications on macOS and iOS, including software like OsiriX, Growl, and Cog.

### Q: Who created Objective-C?
A: Objective-C was created by Brad Cox in 1984.

### Q: What are the key features of Objective-C?
A: Objective-C is a class-based, reflective, and multi-paradigm programming language with static, dynamic, and weak typing.

### Q: How does Objective-C compare to other programming languages?
A: Objective-C competes with languages like Java, Python, Rust, and C++, particularly in enterprise application development and mobile ecosystems.

### Q: What are some notable software projects written in Objective-C?
A: Notable projects include OsiriX (medical imaging software), Growl (notification system), and Cog (audio player software).

## Why It Matters
Objective-C played a foundational role in the development of macOS and iOS, enabling the creation of applications that power Apple's ecosystem. Its object-oriented design and reflective capabilities made it a powerful tool for developers. While it has declined in popularity with the rise of Swift, it remains relevant in legacy systems and certain specialized applications. Objective-C's influence extends beyond Apple's platforms, with contributions to open-source projects and security tools like those developed by Objective-See. Its multi-paradigm approach and integration with C allowed for efficient systems programming, making it a key language in its era.

## Notable For
- Pioneered object-oriented programming for Apple's ecosystem
- Used in macOS and iOS development for decades
- Supports both static and dynamic typing
- Influenced by Smalltalk and C
- Competed with Java and C++ in enterprise and mobile development

## Body
### Origins and Development
Objective-C was created in 1984 by Brad Cox, who combined Smalltalk's object-oriented paradigm with C's efficiency. The language was designed to extend C with object-oriented features, making it easier to develop complex applications.

### Key Features
Objective-C is a class-based, reflective, and multi-paradigm language. It supports static, dynamic, and weak typing, allowing developers to write flexible and robust code. The language uses file extensions like `.h`, `.m`, `.mm`, and `.C` for different purposes, such as headers, implementation, and mixed C/Objective-C code.

### Usage and Impact
Objective-C was widely used for macOS and iOS development, powering applications like OsiriX, Growl, and Cog. Its reflective capabilities and integration with C made it a powerful tool for systems programming. However, with the introduction of Swift, Objective-C's popularity has declined, though it remains in use for legacy systems and certain specialized applications.

### Competitors and Alternatives
Objective-C competes with languages like Java, Python, Rust, and C++. Java is a direct competitor in enterprise application development, while Python and Rust offer modern alternatives for general-purpose programming. C++ remains a strong competitor in systems programming.

### Notable Projects
Objective-C has been used in various notable projects, including:
- **OsiriX**: Medical imaging software developed since 2003.
- **Growl**: A notification system for macOS and Windows.
- **Cog**: An updated fork of an audio player software for macOS.
- **Objective-See Tools**: Security and utility software like ProcessMonitor, FileMonitor, and DNSMonitor.

### Typing and Paradigms
Objective-C supports multiple typing disciplines, including static, dynamic, and weak typing. Its multi-paradigm approach allows developers to use object-oriented, procedural, and functional programming techniques.

### Legacy and Influence
Despite its decline, Objective-C remains relevant in legacy systems and certain specialized applications. Its influence extends beyond Apple's platforms, with contributions to open-source projects and security tools. The language's design principles continue to inform modern programming practices.

## Schema Markup
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  "description": "General-purpose, high-level, object-oriented programming language developed in 1984 by Brad Cox.",
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## References

1. [Source](https://developer.apple.com/library/mac/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/ObjCRuntimeGuide/Articles/ocrtVersionsPlatforms.html)
2. [Source](https://lingualibre.fr/wiki/Q201049)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Alexa Internet](https://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/http://developer.apple.com/library/mac/navigation)
5. Quora
6. National Library of Israel