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Meet our Swift Developer community

Braintrust is a user-owned talent platform created by and for the world’s top talent. This includes a talented network of experienced Swift Developers available for hire.

Looking for Work

Saylee Pradhan

Saylee Pradhan

iOS Developer
Toronto, CA
  • iOS
  • Swift

Looking for Work

Illya Gordiyenko

Illya Gordiyenko

Mobile Engineer
Toronto, ON, Canada
  • Mobile
  • iOS
  • Swift

Looking for Work

Tom Wilson

Tom Wilson

iOS Engineer
Calgary, CA
  • iOS
  • Swift
  • SwiftUI

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How to hire Top Swift Developers

Overview

Hiring a Swift developer involves several considerations, including assessing technical skills, understanding the type of employment arrangement that suits your project or business needs, and deciding between a startup and a larger company environment.

Swift is the primary language used for developing apps on Apple's platforms, including iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Thus, proficiency in Swift and experience with Apple's development tools and frameworks, like Xcode, UIKit, and SwiftUI, are essential technical skills. Swift engineers should also be familiar with broader concepts like data structures, algorithms, and design patterns, and have experience with testing, quality assurance, and the App Store submission process. Apart from technical skills, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are also important for collaborating effectively within the Mac development environment.

The nature of the employment arrangement depends largely on your specific needs. Full-time developers are typically hired for long-term projects where a significant amount of development work is needed. They'll usually work during set hours, which can be beneficial for communication and collaboration, especially when the developer is part of a larger development team. However, full-time developers are a bigger commitment, both in terms of cost and management effort.

On the other hand, hiring developers part-time or on an hourly basis can be more flexible and cost-effective, especially for smaller projects or tasks. You can scale the work up or down as needed, and you're only paying for the actual hours worked. However, availability can be less predictable, and there's typically more overhead in terms of management and communication.

Choosing between a startup and a larger company environment can also impact the hiring process. In a startup, developers often have to wear many hats, work in a fast-paced environment, and deal with more ambiguity and change. They may have more opportunities to influence the product direction and technology decisions, and the work may be more varied and creative. However, they'll need to be comfortable with less structure and more risk.

In contrast, a larger company usually offers more stability, structure, and resources. Developers often have more specialized roles, more established processes and tools, and the opportunity to work on products at a larger scale. However, the work may be more narrowly focused, and there may be more bureaucracy and slower decision-making processes.

Hiring a dedicated Swift developer is not just about finding someone with the right skills or development experience. It also involves carefully considering the type of work arrangement and environment that will best meet your needs and align with the developer's career goals. This requires a clear understanding of your project requirements, budget, and company culture, as well as the local market conditions and trends in the tech industry specific to your development project.

Proficiency in Swift Language

Swift is a powerful and intuitive front-end and back-end programming language for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Any developer you hire should have a deep understanding of Swift, including the basics like syntax, optionals, control flow, and closures. They should be familiar with advanced topics such as generics, protocols, error handling, and concurrency. Swift is constantly evolving, so the developer should stay updated with the latest versions and features. Familiarity with Swift's interoperability with Objective-C can also be an added advantage, especially when working with older, legacy codebases. Developers should also have experience with managing memory in Swift, understanding of value and reference types, and how ARC (Automatic Reference Counting) works.

Understanding of iOS Platform and Its Guidelines

Swift developers will most likely be developing iOS applications. A thorough understanding of the iOS platform is crucial. This includes different iOS versions and their capabilities, and an understanding of differences between iOS devices (iPhones, iPads, iPods) and screen sizes. Knowledge of Apple's design philosophy and the Human Interface Guidelines is crucial to build user-friendly interfaces that align with the expectations of iOS users. They should also have an understanding of security features of iOS and how to implement secure coding practices to protect user data.

Experience with Xcode and Other Tools

Xcode is the integrated development environment (IDE) provided by Apple for building apps for its platforms. Your Swift developer should be well-versed with Xcode, which includes proficiency in using Interface Builder for designing UI, understanding of Xcode's build system, ability to use Xcode's debugger, and familiarity with Instruments for performance analysis. They should also be comfortable using version control systems like Git, which is integrated into Xcode. Proficiency in package managers like CocoaPods or Swift Package Manager for managing third-party libraries would be beneficial. Experience with Continuous Integration tools like Jenkins or Xcode Server can be an added advantage.

Knowledge of iOS Frameworks

The iOS SDK comes with a host of frameworks that developers should be comfortable using. UIKit is the core framework for building iOS user interfaces, although SwiftUI is becoming increasingly popular for newer applications. Other important frameworks include Core Data for persistence, Core Animation and Core Graphics for advanced graphics rendering, and Foundation for basic functionality like working with files and data. The developer should also have experience with networking, whether it's using URLSession or third-party libraries like Alamofire. Understanding how to use and integrate APIs is also crucial. If your application involves specific features like location tracking or camera access, the developer will also need experience with relevant frameworks like Core Location or AVFoundation.

App Store Submission Experience

The process of submitting an app to the Apple App Store is not as straightforward as it might seem. Developers need to understand how to prepare an app for submission, which includes setting the correct bundle identifier, version number, and build number, as well as creating an App Store listing with screenshots, descriptions, and keywords. They should know how to create a distribution profile and certificate, package the app for submission, and upload it using Xcode or the Transporter app. Knowledge of the review guidelines is important to avoid common rejection reasons. After submission, the developer should be able to monitor the status of the review, respond to any issues raised by the review team, and publish the app once it's approved. If your app includes features like in-app purchases, the developer should understand how to set these up and test them.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Writing high-quality, bug-free code should be a priority for every developer. Swift developers should understand how to write unit tests using XCTest, Apple's testing framework, and UI tests with XCUITest. They should be familiar with concepts like test-driven development (TDD) and behavior-driven development (BDD). In addition, they should know how to use Xcode's debugging tools to troubleshoot and fix issues, as well as performance analysis tools like Instruments to identify and address performance bottlenecks. Knowledge of continuous integration (CI) tools like Jenkins, CircleCI, or Xcode Server, which can automate the testing process, can also be beneficial.

Understanding of Data Structures and Algorithms

Strong problem-solving skills are a must for any developer, and these often depend on a good understanding of data structures and algorithms. Swift developers should understand common data structures like arrays, dictionaries, sets, linked lists, stacks, and queues, as well as more advanced structures like trees and graphs. They should know how to implement and use these structures in Swift, and when each one is appropriate to use. They should understand common algorithms for searching, sorting, and other operations on these data structures. A good understanding of algorithmic complexity (Big O notation) is also important, as it affects the performance of the code they write. They should also have a strong understanding of design patterns used in iOS development, such as MVC, MVVM, and Singleton, and know when and how to use them.

Communication and Team Skills

Coding skills alone are not enough for a successful developer. Good communication skills are crucial for understanding project requirements, collaborating with team members, and explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. The developer should be comfortable working as part of a team, which often involves using collaboration tools like Jira for project management, or Slack for communication. They should be open to feedback and code reviews, and be willing to continuously learn and improve. If the developer will be interacting directly with clients, customer service skills are also important. Finally, the ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines is key, especially in a fast-paced agile development environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a Swift Developer?

The cost to hire Swift developers can greatly vary depending on their level or years of experience, the complexity of your project, and the time zone or geographical location. In the United States, a junior Swift developer's salary may start at around $60,000 per year, while a senior developer with extensive experience might earn up to $130,000 or more per year. These rates can fluctuate, so it's essential to conduct current market research or consult with a hiring specialist for more accurate estimates.

Where can I hire a Swift Developer?

There are numerous platforms and services you can use to hire Swift developers. Braintrust, for example, is an online freelance platform that lets you post a job for free and connects you with independent contractors. For full-time hires, job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor can be useful. You can also utilize tech-specific job boards like Stack Overflow Jobs or GitHub Jobs. Additionally, staffing agencies that specialize in tech roles, can help find suitable candidates. Local tech meetups or industry conferences can also be a great way to network and meet potential hires.

How do I recruit a Swift Developer?

Recruiting a top-notch Swift developer involves defining the role and responsibilities, publicizing the job opening, screening applications, and conducting interviews. Start by detailing the job description, including the required skills, experience level, and the projects the developer will be working on. Once the job opening is public, applications can be screened based on their resumes, portfolios, and past projects. During the onboarding process, shortlisted candidates can be interviewed to assess their technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit for your team. Coding tests or practical assignments can be useful in evaluating their practical skills. If needed, have them sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect sensitive data or intellectual property.

How much does a Swift Developer charge per hour?

The hourly rate of a Swift developer can vary widely based on their experience, expertise, and location. A Swift developer in the U.S. might charge anywhere from $30 to $150 per hour or more. Developers from different geographical locations might have different rates due to cost of living differences. Keep in mind that the complexity of your project and the developer's specialization can also affect their rate. It's crucial to conduct current market research or consult with a hiring specialist for the most accurate and up-to-date estimates.

What are Swift developers?

Swift developers are professionals who use the Swift programming language, primarily to build applications for Apple's platforms, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. These software engineers should be well-versed in Swift's syntax, control flow, error handling, and other language features. They typically have a strong understanding of the iOS platform, Xcode (Apple's integrated development environment), and various iOS frameworks. They may work in various types of organizations, from startups to large corporations, and their roles can include designing, coding, testing, debugging, and submitting apps to the App Store.

What is Swift Apple developer?

A Swift Apple developer is a software developer who uses the Swift programming language, created by Apple, to build applications primarily for Apple devices. These developers use tools like Xcode, SwiftUI, UIKit, and other Apple APIs and frameworks to build, test, and debug their applications. They follow Apple's Human Interface Guidelines to create user-friendly interfaces and ensure their apps function seamlessly across different Apple devices. These developers also handle the app submission process to the Apple App Store.

What is required for Swift developer?

For a Swift developer, a deep understanding of the Swift language is the most fundamental requirement. This includes both basic and advanced features of Swift, from control structures to generics and protocols. Likewise, a Swift developer needs to have an understanding of different software development methodologies, which is crucial to ensure efficient and effective project execution. A Swift developer should also have a strong knowledge of Xcode, Apple's integrated development environment, and familiarity with iOS frameworks like UIKit or SwiftUI. Understanding data structures, algorithms, and design patterns is necessary to write efficient code. Experience with testing and quality assurance, using XCTest for example, is also important. Non-technical skills, like problem-solving, effective communication, and teamwork, are also crucial. Furthermore, knowledge of App Store submission process, Apple's design philosophy, and Human Interface Guidelines can significantly enhance a Swift developer's effectiveness.

Is Swift just Python?

No, Swift and Python are two distinct programming languages with different designs and use cases. Swift, developed by Apple, is a statically typed language primarily used for native iOS and macOS application development. It's known for its safety, speed, and modern syntax. On the other hand, Python is a dynamically typed language renowned for its simplicity and readability, making it a popular choice for beginners. It's widely used in scientific computing, data analysis, machine learning, web development, mobile app development, and scripting. Python can also be employed for both Android and iOS app development, making it a cross-platform language. While there are some similarities in their syntaxes, the two languages have different performance characteristics, ecosystem support, and tooling. Therefore, while some concepts learned in Python can be useful when learning Swift, they are not the same language.

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