What is the difference between optionals and implicitly unwrapped optionals in Swift?

What is the difference between optionals and implicitly unwrapped optionals in Swift?

In Swift, optionals are used to indicate that a variable may or may not have a value. An implicitly unwrapped optional, on the other hand, is an optional that is assumed to have a value after being initially set, so you don't need to unwrap it every time you use it.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! For an optional, you might declare it like this: var name: String?. For an implicitly unwrapped optional, you would declare it like this: var name: String!. The latter can be used without unwrapping, but you must ensure it has a value.

When should I use one over the other?

Use regular optionals when a variable might not have a value at all. Use implicitly unwrapped optionals when you are sure that a variable will have a value after it's first set, like when using outlets in UIKit.

What happens if I try to access an implicitly unwrapped optional that is nil?

If you try to access an implicitly unwrapped optional that is nil, it will cause a runtime crash. It's important to ensure it has a value before accessing it.