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The iOS operating system is one of the most popular in the world, according to apps making company Agilie. It is not surprising that a large number of programs are created for it. For this, the iOS programming language is used, which helps to create an effective application with wide functionality, and a specific development environment. Let's figure it out.

Programming languages ​​for iOS

The iOS programming language was defined by Apple. Developers are given several options: Objective-C, Swift, and C++. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for certain tasks. All of them relate to object-oriented programming, where the basic principles of development are followed, among which are the grouping of similar tasks into classes. 

Objective-C

Objective-C is an iOS programming language that was developed back in the 80s of the last century. For a long time it was the most popular development language at Apple. It appeared by crossing C and Smalltalk. In fact, it was originally considered only an add-on to the C language, which allows you to extend the possibilities.

Benefits :

The code is maintained, updated regularly, and making changes is easy. A lot of documentation and technical literature, a large community where people help each other to learn this language. It is very similar to any other from the C family, you just need to learn the syntax. In addition, Objective-C can be used inside projects written in Swift because they are compatible.

Disadvantages :

If the user is just starting to learn programming for iOS, there will be difficulties in understanding, it is difficult to learn. The performance is not very fast, and the build process itself slows down if there is an interaction with Swift files, because a kind of “adapter” is used that translates the code from Swift to Objective-C.

But for all its shortcomings, Objective-C is a very popular iOS programming language. It is used for large projects and online stores.

Swift

Swift is the modern programming language for iOS that is used by the majority of developers. It appeared in 2014, and incorporated the best qualities of C and Objective-C languages. The main feature of this language is that at the programming stage, the number of errors is significantly reduced due to the strict typing of objects. A large number of modern functions have been added: closures, generics, and others. iOS programming has become more flexible and fun.

Benefits :

It's very fast, file navigation is clear and simplified, and it's built entirely in C so it's easy to read. Outwardly, it resembles the English language as much as possible, its syntax is simplified and understandable. Code size is reduced due to conciseness. It has the ability to use templates, it is easy to combine with Objective-C and has an excellent level of security. The use of dynamic libraries allows programs to run faster and more stable.

Disadvantages :

Due to the fact that Swift is a young iOS programming language, updates and changes are constantly happening, so you have to carefully monitor the finished programs. There are still quite a few developers who use Objective-C as it is more stable.

Swift is suitable for projects of varying complexity, from online stores to banking services.

C++ (C plus)

C++ is a typed programming language that is also suitable for developing iPhone applications.

Benefits :

Typically, C++ is used to develop logical tasks and modules. It handles complex algorithms with ease. C++ (C plus) is in demand when programming on iOS. It significantly improves performance and optimizes tasks. If an application has complex functionality, a complex logical relationship of elements, C++ is often used for excellent optimization.

Disadvantages :

It will not be possible to completely write a ready-made working application. The programming languages ​​described above are used to create the user interface.

What language are iOS apps written in? On all three. Swift is used most often as Apple is actively promoting it, but many applications are created in Objective-C, and for a long time it will be relevant, and C ++ is used as an additional tool.

iOS application development environment

Xcode

Xcode is a modern, fast editor that allows you to create functional applications for iOS. It's free, developed by Apple, and can be downloaded from the App Store.

Benefits :

• visual layout of the application, where it is easy to control the placement of elements;

• customization of fonts, styles and functions;

• the presence of a simulator where you can immediately test the application;

• a debugger that allows you to identify bugs and errors;

• there is a function of simulating geolocation for setting up interaction with maps;

• there is support for a dark theme;

• you can immediately check the algorithms without creating a full-fledged application.

Disadvantages :

• works unstable, may close during work, but the project itself will not suffer, but still interferes with work;

• auto-completion often does not work, you have to enter the full text of the code.

AppCode

AppCode is a popular iOS app development framework . It was invented by JetBrains. The main feature is excellent compatibility with Xcode. By developing in one environment, the application can be easily transferred to another. This environment understands any programming language for iOS, contains a large set of tools and functions.

Benefits :

• stable reliable operation of all functions;

• autocomplete;

• correct integration with bug trackers;

• errors and warnings are described in detail, their detection and correction is accelerated;

• the application is immediately assembled under the operating system.

Disadvantages :

• there is no Interface Builder, for this you will have to use Xcode in parallel;

• the application is also launched on Xcode, there are no functions of its own;

• there is no visual debugger;

• this development environment is paid;

• irregular language updates.

Conclusion

Programming for iOS will always be relevant. For this, several languages ​​and various environments are used. The iOS programming language is completely based on C, so knowing it will make it easier to master other languages.

Native applications are often developed as they are more stable, functional and practical. Using programming skills, you can implement any functions and develop a high-quality native application for iOS.

We at Our Company always select the language and environment based on the features of the future application, so that at the end you get the most effective tool, and the work is at its peak. If you have any questions, leave a request on the website or contact us in any other way convenient for you, and our manager will advise you and answer all your questions. We always select individual solutions, and always justify them. Feel free to ask questions. Time to move on.

The digitalization of the medical field is expanding opportunities for clinics, dentistry, beauty and medical centers. Easy interaction with clients, optimizing the work of doctors, ensuring control and improving service are just a small part of what the introduction of a mobile application for medicine brings.

Why creating a mobile application for a clinic or medical center is profitable and convenient

A mobile application in the field of medicine creates a comfortable interaction between a patient and a doctor and solves a number of tasks:

• Increases efficiency. The patient has reference materials at hand and can answer a number of questions himself. Doctor - all information about the patient. The number of patients is increasing due to fast and high-quality service.

• Increases customer loyalty. If the application for the hospital has detailed information about procedures, doctors, services, then the credibility increases. The ability to book an appointment with a doctor online, view test results or find out in advance the cost of care also increases customer loyalty.

• Saves time. Papers are becoming a thing of the past, and it is much more convenient for a doctor to access a patient's medical history online. A mobile application for a clinic should include a database of patients with their medical history, then any doctor can review the data, make a new record and optimize time.

• Increases patient awareness. Having an application, you can make mailings, talk about news, promotions and give other information. So one-time customers turn into regular ones.

You can create an application for a beauty clinic, health clinic, laboratories, dentistry, specialized centers, and many other healthcare institutions. Medical apps are a profitable investment that will help you stand out from your competitors.

Benefits of medical mobile apps for patients

• Ability to make an appointment with a doctor online;

• detailed information about doctors, clinics, procedures, and other data that provide convenient interaction;

• access to a personal medical history that will not be lost like a paper card;

• the opportunity to read and leave reviews, to study the rating of doctors;

• geolocation will allow you to find the nearest medical center with the necessary services;

• you can implement the function of a free call to the clinic by pressing one button;

• services that facilitate and improve treatment, such as medication reminders, nutritional management features, and other features;

• detailed statistics of visits to the doctor, the safety of test results, appointments and other data.

Additionally, you can implement a loyalty program to attract even more customers. Providing discounts, special conditions will make it possible to attract more visitors and make them regular customers.

Categories of medical mobile applications

There are quite a few different applications for medicine. Each of them performs certain tasks and has its own functionality. The choice depends on your goals. 

For doctors:

• medical calculators;

• calendars and reminders of patient appointments;

• pharmaceutical guides;

• online training and communication with colleagues for consultations;

• appointment management.

Such mobile applications for the clinic will greatly simplify the work of doctors, optimize it and make it comfortable.

For patients:

• symptom control and medical guides;

• reminders, alerts and notifications;

• chronic disease control;

• applications for remote communication with doctors;

• fitness training;

• weight loss apps.

Each of them has a set of features that make life easier for the patient.

How we create medical applications

A mobile application for medicine must comply with several important criteria: a simple and understandable interface, functionality and capabilities inherent in the concept, data updates and synchronization, and the safety of personal information. Our approach to building a medical app consists of several steps.

Analytics

We collect all the necessary information, study the market, competition, functionality and capabilities of competitive applications, and create a concept based on the data. We also determine the target audience, its needs and ways to solve them. Thanks to detailed analytics, the likelihood of strategic errors is significantly reduced and a promotion plan is formed.

Design

We create a project. A technical task is drawn up for the designer and programmers, methods for solving the tasks are determined. After all, a mobile application for medicine should perform a number of functions and include a set of tools that need to be carefully considered. The project is approved with the customer, and after that the specialists start work.

Design

The main task of the designer is to develop a mobile application in the medical segment that is understandable, simple and attractive. It should not be intimidating, confusing, or have incomprehensible functions. The designer develops the view taking into account the user experience and interface features. Takes into account the characteristics of the target audience, selects corporate colors and creates an application prototype.

Development

Programmers translate the designer's ideas into reality and create code. This takes a certain amount of time, which depends on which operating system the application is being written for. You can develop a cross-platform application, or create native code for each system separately. It all depends on your budget and needs. Developers create  a mobile application for medicine and test it for errors. Further support and release of updates is provided.

The cost of a medical application

The cost of an application for a hospital depends on many factors: what functionality will be, what type of platform the code is written for, what tasks the application should perform. At the design stage, the company determines the approximate cost, but during the course of work it may vary. For a more accurate estimate of the cost of developing an application for medicine, call us or contact the office, and experts will advise you.

A mobile application for medicine is an investment in patients' health, doctors' time and comfort. The digitalization of the medical field makes it possible to effectively contact doctors and patients, improve the quality of medicine. The development of an application for medicine helps to solve many problems, further monetize the field of medicine and create conditions under which doctors and patients will feel comfortable.

Popular Health Services

If you are thinking about creating your own medical application, you should first study solutions in the same field that are popular: 

• iPharmacy: an application that has collected all information about medicines in one place, but at the same time performs not only the function of a reference book, but also allows you to find out in which pharmacy you can buy a particular medicine;

• GooPatient: a free application that, when synchronized with the desktop version, makes it possible to keep a medical card online; 

• Pregnancy+: an application for pregnant women that allows you to save in one place all the data on the course of pregnancy, visits to doctors, tests and more;

• Medibabble: an app that literally helps doctors and patients get along, it lists the most common questions and phrases in several popular languages ​​to help with communication;

• Virtual Practice for Doctors: This application allows you to conduct consultations and examinations without direct contact between the doctor and the patient. An excellent solution for remote medicine in modern quarantine conditions.

3 benefits of using mobile applications in the field of medicine

Improving the interaction between the patient and the doctor

The ability to always be in touch significantly affects the feeling of peace and security, and when it comes to health and medicine, this factor cannot be neglected. With medical apps, your patients will be able to book online consultations, or ask questions to doctors via chat, which will provide them with a more attentive and personal communication experience. It is also a good idea to create a chat with round-the-clock support of the doctor on duty, where a health question can be asked to a qualified specialist at any time. 

In addition to talking directly with your doctor, it's a good idea to provide online medical, disease, and symptom information. People tend to trust the internet and often look for answers to their health questions there. Give them the opportunity to find a solution in a trusted source, and you will gain new loyal customers.

Best Medical Compliance

Following prescriptions is often a difficult task: not making out the doctor's handwriting, not having the necessary medicine at hand, the patient forgot to take a dose, or the right medicine ran out of time. Applications help to cope with all these problems. 

The doctor can initially enter prescription data into the application, so the patient will always have data at hand about what and in what dose he needs to take. Also, such applications can send notifications that it is time to take medication, reminding patients to adhere to prescriptions. Moreover, it is possible to create a calculator that will notify you in advance that it is time to restock medicines. 

Improving medical services

Applications give you the opportunity to notify patients about any new services in your clinic, or all the institutions with which you interact, tell you about new trends and trends in medicine, and constantly provide up-to-date information. For example, now, in the application, you can display information about quarantine restrictions, as well as the possibility of vaccination and testing for antibodies. And a reminder of the trend towards proper nutrition can encourage users to lead a healthier lifestyle. Maintaining constant communication and providing useful information to users improves their experience, and for the clinic becomes a source of loyal patients and increased revenue.