Android developers are talking a lot about Kotlin. Be it the natural tendency to compare it with Java or advantages offered by Kotlin, the coding language has created a buzz. Kotlin’s entry ended Java’s monopoly as the only official language for Android app development. Since developers now have options to choose between two of the best programming languages, they are digging deeper to know whether they should abandon Java for Kotlin. In fact, your decision to read this blog could have been motivated by a new found interest in Kotlin. So, let’s talk about Kotlin then!
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is a statically typed, general-purpose programming language for Java Virtual Machine and JavaScript. Kotlin offers an array of functional features that support Java interoperability. With Kotlin app development, programmers can significantly improve the productivity of their work. The development platform dramatically improves the coding experience of developers. One of the major areas of Kotlin’s focus is to enable mixed-language projects for app development.
Using Kotlin with Java can significantly boost both the quality and efficiency of Android developers. The feature-rich programming language offers improved syntax along with providing concise codes and abstractions.
The Most Striking Features of Kotlin
Kotlin brings some remarkable changes to Android app development practices. The programming language is easy to read and learn. Also, Kotlin requires less repetitive codes. Here are some of the most significant features of Kotlin.
Compatible with Java Codes
Kotlin offers in-built tools to convert Java codes to Kotlin and make development better. Android app developers working on redevelopment projects find this feature immensely useful. With Kotlin, you can quickly enhance existing Android apps.
Interoperability of Codes
Kotlin aims to improve both the expertise and experience of Android app developers. You can write modules in Kotlin that work seamlessly within the existing Java codes. Kotlin also enables you to use the language in unison with Java. This makes your code more flexible and efficient.
Concise and Refined Code
Kotlin has a strikingly concise code structure. This helps you to avoid lengthy codes and increase coding efficiency. The development time substantially decreases when you use Kotlin. Improved efficiency also creates room for creativity, enabling you to build unique app features.
In-built Null Safety
The Kotlin development framework features multiple safety measures to avoid errors. With Kotlin, you can avoid the infamous NullPointerException. It helps you to avoid some common errors caused by null. Additionally, the Kotlin compiler can efficiently verify the accuracy of development during development.
Multithreading Capabilities
Kotlin allows you to efficiently synchronize multiple threads with simultaneous modification of data. Using pure functions and immutable objects, developers can eliminate the need for continuous modification.
Kotlin vs. Java – Comparing the Coding Capabilities
Many Android developers are increasingly stuck in the question of whether they should stay with Java or switch Kotlin. The answer is much complicated than a simple “yes” or “no.” Let’s compare the core coding features to get a clearer picture.
Checked Exceptions
Kotlin doesn’t have any provision for checked exceptions. Hence, unlike Java, you don’t have to catch or declare any exceptions. If you find it difficult to use try/catch blocks in the code, then you can use the omission made by Kotlin.
Code Conciseness
When you compare a Java class with an equivalent Kotlin class, you can clearly find the striking conciseness of codes written in Kotlin. Kotlin requires a much shorter code than Java for developing the same functionalities for an app. Besides, Kotlin Android Extensions allows you to import a reference to a View into the Activity file.
Data Classes
Your app development projects usually have several data classes to store the coding data. However, most of these data don’t have to do anything with the app’s functionality. Hence you need to write a substantial amount of boilerplate codes in Java. With Kotlin, however, all these are simplified. You just need to include the data keyword in the class definition. And the compiler will take care of the rest of the task.
Conclusion
Following Google’s announcement to make Kotlin an official Android development language, millions of developers have used Kotlin. The future of Kotlin seems promising considering the growing rate of adoption among Android app developers. With globally leading brands choosing Kotlin for their apps, Android app development services are being reimaging in terms of efficiency.
At Android Developer, a top Android app development company in India, we switch between Java and Kotlin according to the specific needs of projects. We also give clients full liberty to pick the programming language and development tools of their choice. We are ready to explain to you the technicalities of different platforms and tools so help you make an informed decision. Follow our blogs to stay informed about the trends and happenings of the Android world.
FAQs
Q. Is Kotlin better than Java?
Kotlin adds many advanced features to mobile app development. It is being increasingly used by the Android app developers’ community. Kotlin can compile the code to JavaScript or native. It enables developers to build code that can run both on Android and iOS. It’s a statically typed language. Kotlin’s key features like built-in null safety support make apps flawless and user friendly.
Q. What is interoperability programming?
The interoperability of programming languages is the ability for two or more languages to interact as part of the same system. Frequently, this means passing messages and data between potentially very different languages.
Q. What are checked exceptions?
Checked exceptions are error scenarios outside the immediate control of the program. They usually occur while interacting with outside resources/network resources e.g. database problems, network connection errors, missing files, etc.
Q. How much does it cost to build an Android app in Kotlin?
The costs of developing an Android app in Kotlin depend on several factors. Design complexity, development time, type of features, etc. play an important role in calculating the costs. We build impeccable Kotlin apps at a competitive price.
