How can I have a variable and a function with same name in Swift

Question

I want to have a variable and a function with same name, therefore I have this codes:

var testString: String = "some string from variable!"
// use case: print(testString)

func testString() -> String {

    return "some string from function!"

}
// use case: print(testString())

As you can see there is a big difference in both use cases! one like testString and the other with testString(), but xCode complain this to me:

Invalid redeclaration of 'testString()'

Which I do not know why it has to be an issue! one thing is a variable and other is function!

How ever I done a little hack and I deformed the function to this one in down, now it compile and no issue! the use case is still the same like testString()

func testString(_ value: String? = nil) -> String {

    return "some string from function!"

}
// use case: print(testString())

Now I have the things I wanted, but I have unwished initializer for function! how can I solve this issue in general?

There is no way to accomplish what you want. If you assign the result of it to another var what would you expect to happen? A new String object or a new func object? — Leo Dabus
– Leo Dabus, Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 14:49
let result = testString can result in let result: () -> String as well — Leo Dabus
– Leo Dabus, Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 14:50
I wonder why would you need to use the exact same name for a method and a variable. Just use different names. I mean would you accomplish something greater using the same namespace? — Leo Dabus
– Leo Dabus, Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 15:08
You are right! I have to use your advice, for me was good to have 'testString' and 'testString()' but it is hard and difficult for xcode. thanks — swiftPunk
– swiftPunk, Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 15:10

BoygeniusDexter · Accepted Answer · 2021-08-23 14:54:39Z

2

it's not possible, as they share the same namespace:

https://forums.swift.org/t/why-doesnt-swift-allow-a-variable-and-a-function-with-the-same-name/5038

answered Aug 23, 2021 at 14:54

BoygeniusDexter

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