If you have somehow arrived on this page, it means you are aware of one of the hottest technology topics; Kotlin. Kotlin technology has proved to be significant in Android App development, as it offers more flexibility and versatility to Android developers. Keeping up with the unpredictable technology landscape is formidable for every entrepreneur and tech enthusiast.
With better and more efficient options becoming more accessible and affordable, it is unwise to stick to older technologies. Therefore, it is essential to keep learning new technologies, especially the ones that have an edge over the standard technologies that we have been using for several decades.
Kotlin is one such language that is capable of replacing Java while offering more efficiency. Java is one of the most widely used programming languages but it had some issues that could not be resolved by any other language until Kotlin was developed. Today, developers are excited to see how Kotlin can help them in different software development methods. At the same time, industries are carefully observing and analyzing to decide if they should choose Kotlin for their next project or not.
Well, to make things easier for you to understand better, in this blog, we will discuss Kotlin and how it is transforming the mobile app development market.
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is an open-source programming language that is statically typed and is run on Java virtual machine. The generic and pragmatic programming language brings together both object-oriented and open-source programming.
Developed in 2011 by Russian software development company, Jet-brains, Kotlin has been strengthened by numerous open-source developers around the world. The language got its name from an island called ‘kotlin’ that is located near St.Petersburg (Java was also named in a similar way, after an Indonesian island called ‘Java’). As a matter of fact, some tech enthusiasts have started considering Kotlin as Java’s successor in the current industry.
Since the language was initially developed to resolve issues faced by Android developers, it is now capable of resolving issues that arise in Java. Kotlin is capable of using both java codes as well as javascript codes while also utilizing Java libraries. That said, Kotlin’s own libraries can be run through APIs. Unlike Java that uses redundant and repetitive coding, Kotlin uses modern and simplified programming standards that make it easier for beginners to learn and understand better. With lesser functional code, you can easily optimize the redundant code.
For instance, Kotlin eliminates the need for using null point exceptions and the semicolons that are otherwise mandatory in Java programming. However, if a programmer uses it by habit, then also it works just fine.
Programming Made Easy With Kotlin
When Google announced Kotlin as its programming language for Android, there was no scope for uncertainty. Kotlin programmed software or functions have in-built applications that enable shorter and cleaner programming. So, instead of writing lengthy codes, you can accomplish the same in lesser lines of code while achieving the same outcomes. This implies that you save both time and effort which further suggests that Kotlin is more cost-effective than Java.
Use of Kotlin
Understanding Kotlin through its comparison with Java is more comprehensive. To begin with, Kotlin can be used on the source side as well as on the client side. Additionally, it is compatible with all operating systems including macOS, iOS, and other embedded systems. Developers use Kotlin in java scripts, data engineering, and server-side applications.
Considering the code written in Kotlin language is shorter, it also shortens the bug count. It allows developers to rectify mistakes while programming as it supports test-driven development. Due to these reasons, Kotlin projects can be allocated to new teams without any learning curve. The language supports various plugins that ease the job of programmers.
Therefore, Kotlin can be used in varied industries to achieve different objectives. Basically, wherever Java is used, Kotlin can be used for enhanced performance and better results. Here are some of the industries where you can use Kotlin:
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Creating Web Applications
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Game Development
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Embedded Systems
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Data Analysis
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Reusing Android App code in iOS
Benefits of Kotlin
Kotlin enables swift development using its open-source platform. As compared to Java, Kotlin’s code is 40% lesser. The language can be easily learned by beginners. And that’s not all, here are some more benefits of Kotlin:
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Easier debugging
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Compatible with all Operating Systems
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Open-source
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Comprehensive Code
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Compiler efficient
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Interoperability
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Secure coding
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Modern library
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Supports Android Development
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Semicolons are exceptional
Why Choose Kotlin?
Java has ruled the ‘90s as the standard programming language and now in 2019, it is considered as an old language that consumes more time and has less built-in features.
Kotlin can replace Java in every field that it is used and allows more efficient programming.
Kotlin programming is faster, easier, and is also compatible with Java code which means you can use Kotlin and Java code altogether without any issues.
So, if you want to develop a solution that is cost-effective, faster-to-market, less time consuming, and sustainable in the modern technology landscape, Kotlin is the right choice.
Future Scope
With more and more companies shifting from Java to Kotlin, we can reckon that Kotlin is going to be the standard programming language in the future. Now, with Google announcing Kotlin as an official coding language for Android mobile development, Kotlin’s usage is increasing day by day. Google’s investments in Kotlin development clearly indicate that its future Android projects will be developed using Kotlin.
Not only Android development, but Kotlin enables developers to create server-side applications, web applications, desktop applications, and native applications.
Bottomline
Undoubtedly, Kotlin language is the modern programming language that can help developers write optimized codes, save time and effort, and reduce the learning curve for the fresh developers. Moreover, the conversion of existing or old codes into new and optimized codes is utterly simple with Kotlin. No wonder, the language is gradually becoming the first preference of all developers across the globe. Consequently, businesses are choosing the language for its value-adding features that give them an edge over the competition.
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