is better to use structs or classes in swift

In Swift, the choice between using structs or classes depends on the specific requirements of your application, particularly regarding value semantics and memory management.

Structs

Value Semantics: Structs in Swift are value types, which means that each instance keeps a unique copy of its data. When you assign or pass a struct, you get a copy of the data, making it easier to reason about state and avoid unintended side effects.
Inline Storage: Structs use inline storage, which can be more efficient for small data types because it avoids heap allocation. However, copying large structs can be costly in terms of performance (Explore Swift performance).
Use Cases: Structs are ideal for representing simple data structures that do not require shared mutable state. They are commonly used for models, configurations, and other data that benefits from immutability and value semantics (A Swift Tour: Explore Swift’s features and design).

Classes

Reference Semantics: Classes are reference types, meaning that instances are shared and changes to one instance affect all references to that instance. This is useful for managing shared mutable state.
Out of Line Storage: Classes use out of line storage, which means they store their data on the heap and are referenced by pointers. This can be more efficient for large data structures that are frequently copied, as only the reference is copied, not the data itself (Explore Swift performance).
Automatic Reference Counting (ARC): Swift uses ARC to manage the memory of class instances, which can introduce complexity such as reference cycles that need to be managed with weak references (A Swift Tour: Explore Swift’s features and design).
Use Cases: Classes are suitable for scenarios where you need shared mutable state, identity, or inheritance. They are often used for managing complex state, implementing design patterns like Singleton, or when you need polymorphism (A Swift Tour: Explore Swift’s features and design).

Summary

Use Structs: When you need value semantics, immutability, and efficient memory usage for small data types.
Use Classes: When you need reference semantics, shared mutable state, or inheritance.

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