Google I/O 2017 was a significant event for Android developers. During the conference, they introduced Kotlin – an official programming language for Android app development. Kotlin is designed to make development on Android faster and easier, so it’s great news for anyone looking to create or update an Android app.
Kotlin, like Swift for iOS development, is raising some concerns. Some developers are worried that it will complicate the Android development process. Others believe that Kotlin will be a major improvement over Java – the current language used for Android development.
Kotlin is becoming more and more popular with the help of Google and Jetbrains. Like Uber, Evernote, and Pinterest, many big companies use Kotlin for their Android apps.
If you’re considering using Kotlin in your next Android app project and going to hire Kotlin developer, first learn what it is, how it works, and the advantages and disadvantages of this programming language.
What is Kotlin?
The Kotlin programming language is statically typed and targets JVM, Android, JavaScript, and Native. It’s developed by JetBrains – the company behind IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, PhpStorm, WebStorm, and other popular development tools. Kotlin is named after the island of Kotlin in Russia.
Kotlin has a different syntax than Java. Java is a language that is commonly used to create programs for Android platforms. But surprisingly, Kotlin can work with Java code without any modification.
Kotlin is a popular programming language for Android app development. Kotlin is more distinct than Java because it uses aggressive inference to determine expressions and values. Java often requires multiple type declarations.
If you’re thinking of joining the Kotlin bandwagon, be sure to research the pros and cons of this innovation. Here are some things you might learn about Kotlin that would make you interested in it.
Pros of Kotlin for Android App Development
Kotlin is highly popular among businesses and Android app developers. Here’s a rundown of the advantages that make Kotlin an excellent choice for writing Android apps.
Boosts Team’s Productivity
Kotlin is a programming language that is based on Java. Kotlin can help get rid of some problems with Java. Kotlin has a simple syntax that makes it easy to use. Kotlin also has a clear, compact, and efficient language.
Kotlin makes it very easy for a team of developers to be productive. Developing and deploying code takes very little time. Kotlin also makes code easier to read and maintain as the code becomes larger.
Reduced Development Time
Kotlin can help reduce the time it takes to develop an Android app. Kotlin programs are smaller and faster to compile than Java code, meaning you’ll spend less time waiting for your code changes to be implemented.
Better Error Messages
When errors occur in your program, they’re typically displayed in a stack trace. Kotlin’s error messages are more helpful than Java’s, making finding and fixing bugs easier.
Kotlin is More Concise
Kotlin is a very concise language. It can help you write less code, making your code easier to read and maintain. In addition, Kotlin has many features that Java does not, such as null-safety and data classes.
Compatible with Java
Kotlin is 100% compatible with Java code. You can use Kotlin and Java in the same project without any problems. This also makes it possible to convert your existing Java codebase into Kotlin easily.
Kotlin language is compatible with Java and other languages. Kotlin’s frameworks, tools, and other elements are also compatible. You can write new features or update your Android app in Kotlin language if you have an existing Java-language Android app.
Kotlin is More Reliable
Kotlin is a more reliable programming language than Java. Kotlin has null-safety, which prevents your app from crashing when you try to access a null object.
Kotlin also has data classes, which help you avoid boilerplate code. Data classes automatically generate equals(), hashCode(), and toString() methods for you.
Easy to Learn
Kotlin is an easy language to learn. The syntax is very similar to Java’s. If you know Java, then you can easily learn Kotlin. Kotlin can also be learned using a variety of sources.
Functional and Procedural Programming Go Hand in Hand
There are a variety of programming paradigms that are currently in widespread use. Each programming paradigm has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. When there is no evidence that procedural programming has any advantages, there may be a variety of circumstances where the functional approach works better.
Kotlin combines the finest functional and procedural programming features to produce the best results.
Fewer bugs
Kotlin creates code that is cleaner and takes up less space. This makes the code more sustainable and consistent. Before runtime, bugs are found during compilation. This allows developers to correct mistakes before they cause any damage.
Cons of Kotlin for Android App Development
Despite the many advantages that Kotlin has, it’s not without its downsides. Here are some of the disadvantages to consider before making your decision.
Different from Java
Although Kotlin is based on Java, it’s not exactly the same. Developers who are familiar with Java may find this confusing. In addition, Kotlin has some features that Java does not, such as null-safety and data classes.
Kotlin is a JVM language, which means that it runs on the Java Virtual Machine. This can be a disadvantage if you’re targeting other platforms besides Android.
Lower Compilation Speed
Kotlin has a lower compilation speed than Java. As a result, your code will take longer to compile, causing frustration for developers accustomed to faster compilation times.
Less Talent for Hire
However, because Kotlin is becoming more popular, especially after Google announced it as the main language for Android app development, Kotlin app builders have increased a lot.
However, significantly fewer Kotlin experts are available on the market than Java professionals. If you need to hire a dedicated Kotlin developer, you may have trouble.
Limited Resources for Learning
Kotlin’s learning resources may not be as comprehensive as those for Java, even though many are available to help you. This can be a disadvantage if you’re just starting and need more assistance.
Uncertainty about the Future
Since Kotlin is relatively new, there’s some uncertainty about its future. It’s unclear whether or not Kotlin will be able to maintain its popularity in the long run.
The powerful Kotlin language provides many advantages to the development of Android apps. However, you should consider some disadvantages as well. To decide whether Kotlin is the right language for your next Android app, carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Summary
Google’s backing is a big indication that the future of Kotlin is bright, and it sets a strong precedence for other companies to follow. However, this does not imply that you must switch to Kotlin right away. So, even if you have an existing Android app, take it slow.
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