Kotlin was declared by Google to be the preferred language for Android app developers in 2019 and would come standard with Android Studio starting with version 3.0.
As Google shifts its focus to Kotlin, more developers are also switching to this language. The recommended language for creating Android apps today is Kotlin. The fact that Kotlin is being used to rewrite Java apps is evidence of this. Objective C was replaced by Swift, and Kotlin offers all the tools necessary to integrate Java into the Android app development ecosystem.
Given that Java has long served as the foundation for cutting-edge products for Android programmers and consumers, Kotlin has caused many developers to reconsider how they approach the process of building apps.
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin, a cross-platform statically typed programming language that is general-purpose and can be used for all purposes, has type inference. It was created to boost output in an environment where Java reigns supreme. It offers a more expressive syntax and safety features, and it can work with Java. It has official backing from Google for Android development.
Kotlin is Important for Android App Development
Programmers of JetBrains, a Russian software product development business, developed Kotlin in 2011. Then, open-source developers improved it.
It may be used on the Java virtual machine and is a typed programming language. It is a multifunctional, pragmatic, open-source programming language. To speed up compilation, it blends functional and acquisitive programming characteristics.
Kotlin's open-source nature and extensive features for mobile app development make it relevant today. Since its inception, it has been solving the problems of Android developers for quite some time. It addresses Java queries and provides developers with safety, flexibility, clarity, tool support, and tools.
Kotlin's Design Challenges
One of the first design issues Kotlin programmers had to deal with was the null-type system. Kotlin programmers offered no solutions. The team eventually came up with the platform types after many iterations. This is the version Kotlin currently uses.
Many of the problems with Java have been fixed by Kotlin. Kotlin's type system regulates null references. Kotlin has no raw types and is made up of correct function types. The arrays in Kotlin are invariant. It does not check exceptions like Java.
Kotlin Adoption: The key benefits
Many firms are using Kotlin to fulfill their development demands. It is a language that Android app developers can use. That is one of the best choices a company can make. Here are a few of Kotlin's main advantages.
Increased Code Readability And Code Clarity
One of the key reasons developers favor Kotlin over Java is its simplicity. Java, in contrast, appears to be rather repetitive. Code is less error-prone when there's more clarity. This also means a faster rate of production.
It is Open-Source
Since 2012, Kotlin has been designated as an open-source project by JetBrains. Developers can expect to develop high-quality code every time Kotlin Slack provides support.
It Has Superb Ide Support And Is A Mature Language
Kotlin was created for the first time in 2011. It finally saw its official release in 2016. Before the final release, it went through several beta and alpha stages.
This means that Kotlin was used by developers in many projects before its release. It's practical and has proven features that can be used in other programming languages. The IDE plugin works with Kotlin and provides many of the most popular Java features.
It's A More Natural Way To Develop Android Applications
Kotlin is simple but powerful when compared to other languages. Java has many problems, but Scala's programming language is complex and takes a long time to compile. The Kotlin library is small and does not increase the method count.
It is an Android App Development Swift Language
Kotlin is compatible with Android Studio making it easy to use. Even for the first-timer, a Kotlin project can easily be created and activated in under 10 minutes.
For Android 2.3 to work with Kotlin, a plugin is required. Integrates with Android 3.0. Like Java, it can also be used directly from the IDE. Without any issues, it can also debug. These features work well with Java's other capabilities.
Because of its Development Process, it is Reliable
Kotlin's parent company, JetBrains, had specific demands for a programming language that they could utilize, which led to the creation of the language. It is also useful for the parent company that uses it to develop its products. They are interested in developing it further. Two innovative companies have joined forces to develop their products with Google's support.
JetBrains made important changes to the language to ensure its success in the future, in addition to contributing to its initial conception. Kotlin will continue to be improved by JetBrains for use in Android app development. Features like Anko libraries, ongoing library optimizations, and build times demonstrate this.
Developers Need to Stop Being Obsolete
Developers will soon realize the benefits of Kotlin once they start to use it. Java is an old language that has fallen out of favor.
Modern languages allow for new ways of thinking. This is important for developers because it shows in their work. Developers become more flexible as they are more likely to be able to use the same programming languages. These elements are all valuable for a developer's resume.
It is safer than Java/Improved Safety & Reliability
Kotlin is safer than Java. Java's language design is a major problem. This leads to more work. This led to more time and money being spent on the project.
For instance, the most typical Java fault is null. The most frequent problem that bug managers run into is the Null Pointer exception. It accounts for 90% of all errors. In Kotlin, nulls are not possible unless stated otherwise.
Kotlin cannot set a variable to 'null by default.' Developers can make a variable accept null by marking it with a '?'. Before making any modifications to the variable, the compiler will require the developer to check for "null." This is the reason Kotlin does not support Null Pointer exceptions.
It's Easy To Learn
Kotlin is simpler to learn than other Java-compatible languages. Anyone unfamiliar with the language can simply read the code because it is easy to understand. It aids in error prevention.
It's a language that is similar to what Java developers already know. Kotlin's most complex part is missing elements. Kotlin allows developers to solve more problems and be more creative with their code.
Enhanced Productivity & Development Speed
Kotlin adoption has many key benefits, including increased productivity and faster development. It has a more expressive syntax which makes it easier to understand and reduce boilerplate code. Safety features like null safety are also available in Kotlin.
This helps to prevent Java's common bug source, null pointer exceptions. These features reduce the amount of time and effort needed to debug and maintain Java code. This allows developers to concentrate on developing new features and delivering higher-quality code in a shorter time. Because Java and Kotlin are compatible, programmers can incorporate Java code and libraries into their Kotlin projects. This accelerates development even more.
The Greatest Language For Creating Android Apps Is Kotlin
JetBrains developed Kotlin, a statically-typed, open-source programming language for JavaScript (JVM) and Java Virtual Machines (JVM). It is used by many big brands, such as Pinterest, Uber, and Trello.
Many of the issues that developers encounter with more archaic languages like Java are intended to be solved with Kotlin. Due to the implementation of inner classes, Java is verbose, frequently causes NullPointerExceptions and nullability issues, and runs the risk of memory leaks.
Kotlin is simpler than Java and has greater power. It has several standout features which set it apart from modern frameworks such as Flutter. These include its superior performance and scalability.
These are just a few of the many benefits you'll get when you use Kotlin to create native Android apps.
Concise code
Java code can become repetitive if it is written in an older language. Java can often require many lines of code to be written in the same sequence to accomplish any task. Kotlin is easier to use and uses fewer lines of code to achieve the same results.
Developers can spend more time resolving the crucial issues that have an impact on the project's success rather than wasting time writing boilerplate code. Kotlin code is expressive, readable, and has a clean syntax. This improves code maintainability.
Kotlin apps are smaller because they have a smaller code volume. It is easier to spot errors in code and allows for faster production. This makes Kotlin a great choice for complex and large application development projects.
Enterprise-Ready Technology
Kotlin, a mature technology, has been in development for over a decade. It was created to address specific problems that other technologies couldn't. Given that it was created with business applications in mind, it is a good fit. It has also been tested in numerous applications by numerous app development businesses.
It is now integrated with Android Studio and offers excellent IDE support as well as tooling support. This has boosted Kotlin's adoption in the Android ecosystem.
Two of the world's most prominent companies have invested in Kotlin's growth. This means that Kotlin's future is assured. There are many new features and libraries planned, and there will be more sharing of resources among the Android developer community. Brands that develop native Android applications with Kotlin will be able to get the support and updates they need, making Kotlin an attractive investment.
Read More: Android App Development Guidelines by Google: Get Started Android Developers
Code Safety
Older languages like Java can be quite error-prone. Most Android app crashes are caused by Java's NullPointerException (NPE). These are costly and time-consuming to fix and prevent from happening again.
This is not a problem when you use Kotlin.
Common mistakes like NullPointerExceptions are avoided with Kotlin. The Kotlin compiler runs a number of checks that enable the app to crash quickly so that mistakes can be immediately found. Developer productivity and code safety are increased by doing this. Kotlin is a tool for Android app development that makes apps reliable, secure, and free from errors.
Java Interoperability
Together with your Java code, you can employ Kotlin functions in your Java project. Your Kotlin program can also call Java code.
It's simple to create Android apps with Kotlin. It is backward-compatible and fully compatible with Java. You can utilize Kotlin to mix and match the code without running the danger of your app breaking rather than building a brand-new Java application in the language. Afterward, the Java code can be changed to Kotlin. This feature of Kotlin helps the developers to retain their knowledge of java coding and by normal training of this Android app development company can use their old developers for the same, they do not require a whole new team for this new language.
Multiplatform Development Support
Kotlin Multi Platform is the best platform to help you build multi platform applications. You can share and reuse code across platforms to cut down on development time and costs. You just need one codebase, and Kotlin's straightforward syntax and ideas make it simple to build platform-specific code. This greatly simplifies the maintenance of applications.
Kotlin was used by Down Dog, a health and fitness startup, to unify its code for Android and iOS apps. Together with many other platforms, Kotlin supports the development of JavaScript, Android, and Linux. Moreover, it has a multiplatform library ecosystem thanks to the adoption of Kotlin Multi Platform by libraries like Ktor and SQLDelight.
Use it Quickly
JetBrains made it easy for Java users to switch to Kotlin by developing Kotlin. Kotlin is easy to learn and very similar to Java. Java developers can use it in just a few hours.
Making it simple for mobile app developers to start creating native Android applications in Kotlin lowers the adoption hurdle. This also lowers the cost of migrating enterprise applications to Kotlin.
Lower Development Costs
Kotlin's simplicity and code safety mean that Android apps built with Kotlin are more reliable and have a shorter development time. Because code is simpler to read, developers can change it more quickly. This can lessen crashes and failures by allowing developers to find flaws sooner in the development process.
Kotlin adoption: Challenges and Considerations
There are many considerations and challenges when you adopt a new programming language such as Kotlin.
Java Upgrade
Developers who have worked with Java may find it difficult to transition to Kotlin. The syntax is very different between the languages. Kotlin's expressive syntax and functional programming ideas should be familiar to developers.
Kotlin's type-inference feature can make code appear cleaner and more concise, but it can also increase the app's size if it is not used properly. This can be a problem for developers who have to deal with large codebases or resource-constrained devices.
Migration of Existing Codebases
It takes time and effort to convert an existing Java codebase to Kotlin. Although automated tools can translate Java code into Kotlin, manual translations can be expensive and occasionally don't give perfect results. Migrating an existing codebase will require significant effort. Therefore, it is important to test the code thoroughly and ensure that it works as expected. Also, it might be challenging to make Java's current codebase null-safe. Null is OK in Java; however, in Kotlin, it's a problem that needs to be fixed.
Including Third-Party Libraries And Frameworks In The Integration
Integration of Kotlin with third-party libraries and frameworks that are not specifically designed for Kotlin can present challenges to developers. Projects can become more difficult if Java versions of libraries or frameworks are needed. While integrating with Java frameworks and libraries, developers need to take care. If the framework or library is not built to handle null values, Kotlin's null safety feature may cause issues. To ensure that the code works as expected, it must be thoroughly tested.
Why Businesses are Gravitating towards Kotlin
Moving to a new tool for a business is a smart decision. Any tool that is being used aims to make an existing problem easier and more effective. Many businesses have recently embraced Kotlin for Android app development. These are the most popular reasons:
- The Support: The language is now formally supported by Google. The ecosystem for developing Android apps will grow thanks to this support, which will also offer technical assistance and other business skills. This support will also allow for greater knowledge sharing among the Android app developer community.
- Easy Migration: Businesses can easily migrate to Kotlin, simplifying the entire process. It makes it easy to learn the language and removes any barriers that prevent you from adopting the language.
- Kotlin has a lower cost of development and maintenance: This is a great opportunity for Kotlin to shine in the Android app-development ecosystem. Every Business will benefit from the lower cost of app development and maintenance of Kotlin-based projects. It offers many language features and is concise. This allows for faster turnaround times and higher quality.
Top Companies Using Kotlin
If they haven't already, enterprises should realize that Kotlin is here to stay. Any business's Android mobile application development must start with selecting the best technological stack. Kotlin is a powerful tool that solves complex business problems because of its speed, accuracy, and flexibility.
Many influential organizations like Prezi and Basecamp, Amazon Web Services (Amazon Web Services), Pinterest, Coursera, Uber, Netflix, and others have adopted Kotlin. Expedia, Flipboard, and Square are just a few of the many developers who use Kotlin to create Android apps.
Kotlin is the Future of Android Development
There is strong evidence that Kotlin has been gaining popularity in Android development. Kotlin has been a popular programming language for Android development since 2017 when Google officially supported it.
Kotlin's better syntax and safety features make it more productive than Java. Also, it works with Java so that programmers can benefit from Java code and libraries. Kotlin was cited by Google as the recommended language for creating Android applications. Due to all of these reasons, it is a popular option for Android app development.
Kotlin or Java? Strategic Economic Considerations for Business
You need to decide which technology is best to use to create an application that delivers speed and performance. The performance of Java and Kotlin are usually very similar, as they compile very similar byte codes. It is important to write the code efficiently and cleanly.
Compared to Java, Kotlin is known for having a lot fewer lines of code. Time is saved in this way. Also, it is simpler, clearer, and simpler to maintain. Kotlin's cleaner and more effective code can boost an app's performance.
Kotlin's ability to shorten development cycles can aid in project cost reduction. Java compiles more quickly with clean builds between 0 and 1. Agile software development uses incremental builds more frequently; hence Java's advantage is frequently offset.
Kotlin is often the best choice for high-performance, fast apps. Maintaining Kotlin code can be easier. Java is an alternative. For small, fast apps, there is strong support for Kotlin. Java's internal storage is a viable alternative for complex, large-scale apps. It can reduce the performance gap and make it more efficient.
Depending on your available development resources, you can choose between Java and Kotlin. Your software development team will probably construct Java apps more effectively if they have experience with Java. You shouldn't be concerned that a Java-based app will become outdated because Java will continue to be relevant for a very long time.
Why Cyber Infrastructure Chooses the Kotlin mobile technology stack for a Business
Every android app development company is now moving towards Kotlin language. So we can say that Kotlin is the best choice for custom mobile app development.
Kotlin is an excellent choice for app development for many reasons.
- Kotlin is an efficient language for developing Android apps because of its wide range of features. It is an established language with excellent IDE support. Also, having the Kotlin environment is a significant bonus.
- More productive: In comparison to Java, Kotlin is more efficient due to its strong grammar and well-organized code. It, therefore, requires less time and generates the same output with fewer mistakes. Kotlin is an ideal language for developers and provides clients with stable, high-quality apps that are delivered faster.
- Cost Savings: Another factor that influences our decision to switch to Kotlin is its cost efficiency. Objective-C was largely obsoleted by Swift, and the maintenance of Objective-C-related projects became a costly drain. It is possible that Java could become a maintenance nightmare for Android app developers. Cyber Infrastructure wants to make sure that this does not happen to our clients.
Conclusion
We are aware that the feedback developers have gotten over the years has contributed to the development of Kotlin apps. For the demands of developers, it is more intuitive. It is focused on the development of Android ecosystems and helping them evolve further. Cyber Infrastructure uses Kotlin extensively for Android projects.
