Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Swift Playgrounds VS Figma

Compare Swift Playgrounds VS Figma and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Swift Playgrounds logo Swift Playgrounds

Learn serious code on your iPad in a seriously fun way

Figma logo Figma

Team-based interface design, Figma lets you collaborate on designs in real time.
  • Swift Playgrounds Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-24
  • Figma Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-19

Swift Playgrounds features and specs

  • Engaging Interface
    Swift Playgrounds offers a visually appealing and interactive user interface that makes learning to code enjoyable and engaging for beginners, especially younger audiences.
  • iPad and Mac Support
    It is available on both iPad and Mac, providing flexibility for learners to practice coding on different Apple devices.
  • Interactive Learning
    The platform provides hands-on exercises and real-time feedback, which helps learners understand coding concepts through practical implementation.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum
    Swift Playgrounds includes a well-structured curriculum that covers basic to advanced Swift programming concepts, making it suitable for a wide range of learners.
  • Swift Language Focus
    The tool is dedicated to teaching Swift, Apple's powerful and intuitive programming language, which is widely used for developing iOS and macOS applications.
  • Free to Use
    Swift Playgrounds is available for free, which removes any financial barriers to entry for those interested in learning to code.

Possible disadvantages of Swift Playgrounds

  • Apple Ecosystem
    Swift Playgrounds is limited to Apple's ecosystem, requiring an iPad or Mac, which can exclude users who prefer or only have access to other platforms.
  • Swift Exclusivity
    The focus on Swift can be a limitation for learners who wish to explore other programming languages or need a more versatile coding education.
  • Limited Professional Depth
    While great for beginners, Swift Playgrounds may lack the depth and advanced features that more experienced developers or those seeking to build professional-grade applications might require.
  • Peripheral Requirements
    Some advanced projects might require additional peripherals and resources, such as access to hardware features or external libraries, which may not be readily available.

Figma features and specs

  • Real-time Collaboration
    Figma allows multiple users to work on a design simultaneously, making it easy for teams to collaborate and provide real-time feedback without the need for constant file exchanges.
  • Cloud-Based
    Being cloud-based means that designers can access their projects from any device with an internet connection, enhancing flexibility and ensuring that the latest versions of files are always available.
  • Cross-Platform
    Figma is accessible on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, which makes it versatile for teams with diverse software environments.
  • Prototyping and Design in One Tool
    Figma integrates both design and prototyping features, reducing the need for additional tools and streamlining the design process from concept to final product.
  • Easy Handoff
    Developers can easily inspect elements, get CSS properties, and export assets directly from the design files, making the handoff process to development smooth and efficient.
  • Frequent Updates
    Figma regularly introduces new features and improvements, ensuring that users have access to the latest tools and functionalities in design.

Possible disadvantages of Figma

  • Internet Dependency
    Since Figma is cloud-based, a stable internet connection is necessary to access and edit projects. This can be a constraint in environments with poor internet connectivity.
  • Performance Issues
    With large files or complex projects, Figma can sometimes exhibit performance lags or slowdowns, which can impact productivity.
  • Limited Offline Capabilities
    Although some offline features are available, they are limited. Users may find it challenging to work without an internet connection, especially for collaborative efforts.
  • Cost
    While Figma offers a free tier, advanced features and higher usage limits require a paid subscription, which might be a barrier for freelancers or small teams with limited budgets.
  • Learning Curve for New Users
    New users, especially those transitioning from other design tools, might face a learning curve to fully grasp Figma's interface and functionalities.
  • Limited Advanced Vector Editing
    Compared to more specialized vector graphic tools like Adobe Illustrator, Figma’s vector editing capabilities might seem limited for complex, intricate designs.

Analysis of Swift Playgrounds

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Swift Playgrounds is a good platform, especially for certain audiences.

Why this product is good

  • Swift Playgrounds provides an interactive and engaging way to learn Swift programming. It offers a hands-on approach through coding exercises and challenges, which can help reinforce understanding and foster a deeper grasp of programming concepts. Additionally, it is designed with an educational focus, making it accessible for younger audiences and beginners. The clean interface and integration with Apple’s ecosystem add to its appeal, providing a seamless experience for users familiar with Apple products.

Recommended for

  • Beginners looking to learn programming
  • Educators seeking tools for teaching coding
  • Young learners interested in technology
  • Anyone who enjoys gamified learning experiences
  • Swift developers wanting to practice skills in a playful setting

Analysis of Figma

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Figma is considered a highly effective and versatile design tool that caters to the needs of designers, developers, and project managers alike. Its robust set of features and cloud-based architecture make it a top choice for many teams.

Why this product is good

  • Figma is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface, real-time collaboration features, and powerful design tools that allow for seamless teamwork and efficient design processes. It operates entirely in the browser, which means no installation is necessary and it works across different operating systems. Figma is also praised for its extensive library of plugins and the ability to easily share design systems and prototypes.

Recommended for

  • UI/UX designers
  • Product teams
  • Remote design teams
  • Web and mobile app developers
  • Design educators and students

Swift Playgrounds videos

Swift Playgrounds for Mac is Here!

More videos:

  • Review - Getting started with Swift Playgrounds
  • Review - Programming toys with Apple's Swift Playgrounds | First Look

Figma videos

Figma UI Design Tutorial: Get Started in Just 24 Minutes!

More videos:

  • Demo - What is Figma

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Swift Playgrounds and Figma)
Text Editors
100 100%
0% 0
Design Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Developer Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Prototyping
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Swift Playgrounds and Figma

Swift Playgrounds Reviews

  1. Terrible online training course

    The lowest available rating score is 1, but if there were a zero, I would rate this program a zero. There are no pros to this programming course. The lessons are so brief that I cannot understand them. Before I gave up for good on this programming course, I was writing tons of messages to people on Youtube asking them to explain things to me, and I hated the constant hassle of having to write online messages asking for explanations for the simplest of things that the lessons did not explain. This programming course is NOT a do-it-yourself training course by any means --- and it should not be used by schoolteachers as student homework assignments, as I recently advised a 13-year-old who was having trouble with the lessons and nothing was being helpful to him. This training course should be accompanied not by brief and intelligible on-screen lessons, but it should be accompanied by a detailed high school-style textbook complete with images. By the way, I have Asperger's syndrome, I have all kinds of problems with learning and with executing tasks, and I cannot participate in gainful employment in ANY profession for this reason.

Figma Reviews

  1. Maksym Moskalenko
    · Founder at Mixcode.io ·
    Everything you need for design

    My favorite tool right now.

  2. Olaniyan Samuel
    · Content writer at Saas2biz.com ·
    Figma: An Essential Tool for Web Designers and Collaborators

    Figma, a versatile cloud-based design software, stands out among design tools due to its real-time collaboration feature. It caters not only to web design but also to print projects. Offering an intuitive interface and powerful features, it allows simultaneous editing, eliminating the hassle of file sharing. Figma's adaptability covers website, mobile app, and print layout design, supported by an array of customizable templates.

    Beyond designers, collaborators benefit from Figma's capabilities too. Project managers and clients can offer real-time feedback, streamlining reviews and expediting project progress. Its pricing model, featuring a free version with limited features and a paid option, suits various budgets, ensuring accessibility to freelancers and larger agencies alike.

    Core features like real-time collaboration, prototyping, and reusable design elements distinguish Figma. These features facilitate efficient design iterations, ensuring consistency and enabling users to test ideas before development. The tool's emphasis on seamless collaboration makes it a valuable asset for teams, fostering clear communication through comments directly on the design file.

    🏁 Competitors: Adobe XD, Framer, Sketch, Moqups
    👍 Pros:    Real-time collaboration|Versatility|Intuitive user interface|Feedback and communication|Prototyping capabilities|Accessibility
    👎 Cons:    Learning curve|Internet dependency|Limited free version|Security concerns|Complexity in large projects
  3. Hussain Raza
    · Design at Fiverr.com ·
    The best designing app for your website!

    It is user friendly app with alot of modern features which give your website a cool look

    🏁 Competitors: Adobe Illustrator
    👍 Pros:    Easy to use|User friendly interface
    👎 Cons:    Expensive

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Figma seems to be a lot more popular than Swift Playgrounds. While we know about 108 links to Figma, we've tracked only 2 mentions of Swift Playgrounds. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Swift Playgrounds mentions (2)

  • Ask HN: I'm a rookie building an app and need advice. Can you help?
    > I’m using AI to assist me and I’m building an app Vibe coding is a myth, it will take you only so far and will require manual fixes and refactoring before MVP. Learn the basics of and keep learning, say, Swift. https://developer.apple.com/swift-playground/ > Should I actually use a completely blank iPhone for this instead? Does not make any difference. Every app runs in its own separate environment. Only iOS... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • 🚀 iOS vs Android Development: Which One Should You Learn First? (The Truth No One Tells You!)
    💡 Want to see real-world examples? Check out Apple's Swift Playground: Swift Playground. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago

Figma mentions (108)

  • The Best 100 Free UI/UX Resources for Every Designer & Developer
    Figma Figma.com Collaborative design tool with vector graphics, prototyping, and developer handoff features. Free for individuals. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (February 2025)
    Figma | Security Engineer | Remote or Hybrid (SF, NYC, Seattle) | https://figma.com | Full-Time, $149-350k + Equity Figma makes the modern tools that modern companies use to design apps. And because of that highly sensitive data, security is extremely important to get right. (If the next iPhone were designed using Figma and a breach leaked it... yeah, you get the point.) Anyway, I am on the security team over here... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • CSS is Emotional: z-index and the Hierarchy of Needs
    Imagine shuffling papers on a desk. Even though the desk is flat, papers stack in layers—some on top, others below. That's exactly what z-index does on websites. If you're familiar with tools like Canva, PowerPoint, Photoshop, or Figma, you know this feature as "Send to Back" or more accurately, "Arrange" or "Position". - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • You Are Already Using Wasm In Production
    If you use Microsoft’s online Office.com suite or the popular Figma graphics tool, you’ve already used Wasm in production. If you’ve used a device to watch streaming services like BBC or Amazon Prime, you’ve already used Wasm in production. In fact, you’re using Wasm in production right now. This website has been powered by server-side Wasm since its initial launch in February of 2022. Our serverless platform for... - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • My tech stack for startups in 2025
    I'm continuing to use Adobe's Creative Cloud. Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro are tools that I already know my way around so I'm keeping those close. I know that many people love how quick and easy it is to get something done with tools like Canva or Figma. I think whatever you are comfortable with and enables you to move fast you should keep using. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Swift Playgrounds and Figma, you can also consider the following products

CodeMonkey - Learn to code. Eat Bananas. Save the World.

Adobe XD - Adobe XD is an all-in-one UX/UI solution for designing websites, mobile apps and more. 

GitHub Codespaces - GItHub Codespaces is a hosted remote coding environment by GitHub based on Visual Studio Codespaces integrated directly for GitHub.

Sketch - Professional digital design for Mac.

StackHive - Design, develop or publish websites right from your browser

Invision - Prototyping and collaboration for design teams