Objective-J

Objective-J

Objective-J is an extension to the Objective-C programming language that adds JavaScript functionality and syntax. It allows developers to mix JavaScript code into their Objective-C codebase.
Objective-J image
objectivec javascript web-development

Objective-J: Mixes JavaScript with Objective-C

Objective-J is an extension to the Objective-C programming language that adds JavaScript functionality and syntax, allowing developers to mix JavaScript code into their Objective-C codebase.

What is Objective-J?

Objective-J is an extension to the Objective-C programming language that aims to make Objective-C more like JavaScript. It was created by Francisco Tolmasky and adds a layer on top of Objective-C that allows developers to use JavaScript syntax and capabilities within Objective-C code.

Some key features of Objective-J include:

  • The ability to create object literals, arrays, numbers, and strings like in JavaScript
  • Using dot syntax for calling methods rather than brackets
  • Adding JavaScript functions like prototype, call, apply, etc.
  • Support for categories, protocols, and other Objective-C features
  • The option to organize code into .j files instead of .m files

Overall, Objective-J makes it easier for web developers familiar with JavaScript to write native iOS and Mac apps without learning the full Objective-C language. It transpiles JavaScript code down to vanilla Objective-C so that it can still be compiled with Apple's tools and runtime. Many parts of the Cocoa and Cocoa Touch APIs have also been objectified to feel more JavaScript-like.

Objective-J Features

Features

  1. Adds JavaScript syntax and functionality to Objective-C
  2. Allows mixing of JavaScript and Objective-C code
  3. Provides access to JavaScriptCore framework
  4. Supports closures, prototypes, JSON serialization

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Leverages existing Objective-C and Cocoa knowledge

Enables use of JavaScript for app logic

Increases developer productivity

Cons

Less performant than pure Objective-C

Increases app size due to JavaScriptCore dependency

Less mature ecosystem than pure Objective-C


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