Is Kotlin a New Era of Android App Development?

As Google endorsed Kotlin as its preferred Android app development language, so right about now, you may be wondering whether you should consider it as your language of choice for your next project. You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!

For a long time, Java was the primary and preferred language for Android app development; however, the launch of Kotlin has turned that reality upside down. Java has now become old, verbose, error-prone, and slow to modernize. In simple terms, Kotlin is not just the future; it’s the present.

What Is Kotlin and What Makes It So Popular?

Do you want to know everything about Kotlin language? I got you! Kotlin is a free, open-source, statically typed programming language, primarily designed for the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) and Android that combines object-oriented and functional programming features. Kotlin was developed by JetBrains in 2010 and has been open-source since 2012. JetBrains uses Kotlin in many of its products, including its flagship IntelliJ IDEA.

Kotlin is more concise than Java. It is estimated that there’s a 40% cut in the number of lines of code. Features like smart casting, higher-order functions, extension functions, and lambdas with receivers provide the ability to write expressive code and facilitate DSL creation.

Kotlin helps developers write code faster than Java. It is used by over 60% of professional Android developers, helping boost productivity, developer satisfaction, and code safety. Around 70% of the top 1000 Android apps use Kotlin.

Why Are Businesses Gravitating Towards Kotlin?

Several businesses, including Google, Pinterest, Trello, Evernote, Netflix, and Airbnb, have embraced Kotlin for their Android app development. 

According to JetBrains’ study, Kotlin is one of the top 3 languages developers are planning to adopt or migrate to. As per Statistictimes, PYPL Index ranked Kotlin among the top 15 programming languages worldwide. 

Considering those stats, businesses adopt Kotlin more and more and look for proficient mobile app developers who can build a growth-driven app for their businesses using the language du jour.

Among the reasons:

• Google’s Support - With Google officially endorsing the language, the Android app development ecosystem will only grow wider and provide enhanced technical support and other business capabilities. It also means more sharing of knowledge across the community of Android app developers.
• Easy Migration - Not only is Kotlin easy to learn, but it’s also effortless to migrate, thus removing any barriers to adoption.
• Lower Development and Maintenance Costs - The lower cost of developing and maintaining Kotlin projects is a boon for any business. But does lowering cost ensure higher quality and faster turn-around time? That’s what is setting Kotlin up for a very bright future in the Android app development industry.

Why Is Kotlin the First Choice for Android App Development?

With Java becoming the old school language now, Kotlin enters with its unique set of benefits and makes the first and best choice for developers in building Android apps. Unlike other programming languages, Kotlin has advanced from alpha and beta levels, while fixing the loopholes and lags associated with the Java programming language. We now know why businesses are choosing Kotlin, but why do developers love it so much?

Open-Source

Being an open-source language makes Kotlin very accessible. A developer can expect high-quality development all the time by getting considerable support from the Kotlin Slack team. Converting existing Java code is handled through a single-click tool and has never been easier.

Brevity

One of the significant reasons developers prefer Kotlin over Java is the brevity it offers, ensuring fewer coding errors leading to a much faster production rate, particularly compared to Java.

Great IDE Support

Even before release, Kotlin was already used in several projects. It went into several stages of alpha and beta improvements before the final version and now boasts practical, proven features from other programming languages, plus world-class IDE support. The IDE plugin provides several of Java's popular features. 

Lesser Coding

Kotlin requires way less coding in comparison to Java. According to an estimate, if I try to share this numerically, it is around 40% less than Java. Kotlin reduces the amount of boilerplate coding, which earlier the programmers had to write. Thus, adopting Kotlin subsequently makes the execution better.

Interoperability

When developers create a project using both Java and Kotlin languages, it becomes difficult to determine which section is coded using which language. With interoperability, Kotlin allows developers to use its features and ease of operation without switching to a new project.

Cost-Effective Adoption

Since Kotlin has become open-source, businesses don't need to spend money on it. Developers can start using high-end language by merely using the Java-to-Kotlin converter tool to convert existing Java files. This tool enables developers to convert complex codes into simpler forms without increasing time and effort. 

Security

With Kotlin, you can avoid errors like NullPointExceptions, allowing you to steer clear of operating on nullable types, even mistakenly. The language is designed to automatically catch mistakes even when you marked a correct type to minimize errors.

In short, a new era of Android app development is upon us, and Kotlin is at the forefront. 

Have any thoughts on the adoption of Kotlin for Android development? We’d love to hear from you!