Do You Truly Understand the Distinction Between Swift Functions and Methods?

In Swift, both functions and methods are used to define blocks of code that perform a specific task. However, there is a subtle difference between the two.

Function:

• A function in Swift is a self-contained block of code that performs a specific task.
• Functions can be global or defined within a class, structure, or enumeration.
• Functions in Swift are not tied to a particular instance of a type, and they can be called independently of any instance.

Example of a function:

func greet(name: String) -> String {
    return "Hello, \(name)!"
}        

Method:

• A method is a function that is associated with a particular type, such as a class, structure, or enumeration.
• Methods are called on instances of a type and have access to the instance itself (via the self keyword).
• Methods can be either instance methods or type methods.

Example of an instance method:

class MyClass {
    func printMessage() {
        print("This is an instance method.")
    }
}

let myInstance = MyClass()
myInstance.printMessage()        

Example of a type method:

class MyClass {
    class func printStaticMessage() {
        print("This is a type method.")
    }
}

MyClass.printStaticMessage()        

All methods are functions, but not all functions are methods.

In summary, the key distinction is that a function is a standalone block of code, while a method is a function associated with a specific type and can be called on instances of that type.