I last wrote Swift in 2019. What new language features have there been since then that I should know about?

Since you last wrote Swift in 2019, there have been several significant updates and new features introduced to the language. Here are some of the key changes:

1. Concurrency Model: Introduced in 2020, Swift's concurrency model includes async/await, actors, and structured concurrency. This model helps in writing safer and more efficient concurrent code.
2. Distributed Actors: Introduced in 2021, distributed actors make it easier to build network services by providing a safer and more structured way to handle distributed systems.
3. Bi-Directional Interoperability with C: Introduced last year, this feature allows for easier integration of Swift with C codebases, enhancing Swift's expressivity and safety.
4. Macros: Also introduced last year, macros help reduce repetitive boilerplate code and enable more expressive APIs.
5. Swift 6: The latest version, Swift 6, introduces several new features:
   • Swift 6 Language Mode: Provides data race safety guarantees, which help in writing correct concurrent programs.
   • Non-Copyable Types: A new feature that allows certain types to be non-copyable, enhancing performance and safety.
   • Embedded Swift: A new language subset designed to run on highly constrained systems, such as those in smart home devices.
   • C++ Interoperability: Enhances the ability to work with C++ code, making Swift more versatile in mixed-language projects.
   • Typed Throws: Introduces a way to specify the types of errors that can be thrown, making error handling more precise and safer.

For a detailed overview of these updates, you can refer to the session "What’s new in Swift" starting at 17:03.

Relevant Sessions

• What’s new in Swift
• A Swift Tour: Explore Swift’s features and design
• Platforms State of the Union