Protocol-Oriented vs Object-Oriented Programming in Swift: What’s Better and When to Use Each

In this article, we’ll go beyond the theory and dive into a side-by-side comparison of Protocol-Oriented vs Object-Oriented Programming in Swift. We’ll look at real-world examples, discuss when to choose one over the other, and why mixing both might be your superpower. Bonus: If you missed the fundamentals, we’ve got you covered with deep dives into OOP and POP right here.

🧠 Introduction

If you’ve ever tried to architect a Swift app and found yourself torn between using class or protocol, welcome to the club — we’ve all been there. Swift developers often find themselves at a crossroads:
Should you go the traditional route with Object-Oriented Programming, or embrace the protocol-first mindset of Protocol-Oriented Programming?

The truth is, Swift gives you the best of both worlds — and that’s both a blessing and a curse. It’s like being handed both a Swiss Army knife and a katana, and now you’re expected to carve out a beautiful app without stabbing yourself in the foot. 🦶💥

In this article, we’ll unpack the key differences, practical use cases, and real-world advice on when to choose one over the other — or better yet, how to combine them for a more scalable and testable…