Updated March 13, 2023
Introduction to Kotlin
Kotlin is a cross-platform and statically typed programming language that is gaining popularity. It uses the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) for the programming implementations for application development. Kotlin is growingly used in Android application development as an alternative to Java programming. It is an open-source programming language that is designed and managed by JetBrains and Google. Kotlin is an object-oriented programming language, and it supports all types of standard programming functionalities such as data types, operators, I/O comments, control statements, functions, classes, object expressions, and constructors. Kotlin is a preferred language for development because of interoperability, less run time and efficient coding features.
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is one of the hottest topics in social media nowadays and the new future for software developers; let us discuss in detail it. Kotlin is a statically typed cross programming language based on Java Virtual Machine. JVM is commonly used for writing programming codes in the java language. Coming to history and development. It was designed and developed by Jet-brains. The programming language is named kotlin from an island named “kotlin” near St. Petersburg. Java programming language was named java based on the island named Java in Indonesia. It can be named as the successor of java in the present industry.
Understanding
These can be run on an open-source platform and are mainly considered as a replacement for Java. It can be combinable by both java codes and javascript codes, and Java libraries. Kotlin also has its own libraries, which can be run through the Application programming interface. In Java, the program is redundant and repetitive in nature, thus making the code is lengthy, whereas Kotlin is more simplified and modern and thus easily understandable by beginners. It mainly focuses on reduced functional code and also eliminates repetitive code. Kotlin protects null points by eliminating null point exceptions and the semicolons (;) which should be mandatorily used in java coding, which can be skipped. If the user uses it by default, also there is no issue.
How does Kotlin Make Working so Easy?
Google officially announces it as the programming language used for Android development. Let us know the reasons how Kotlin can make our work so easy and comfortable. The Kotlin language program is short and provides more conveniences to the programmer by its built-in applications. With the help of Kotlin, lengthy programs in Java can be written in short. Which means it uses less code and gives us the same results. Shortcode takes less time to write, which is directly proportional to financial aspects, i.e.,
What is the Use of Kotlin?
As Kotlin, the successor of java, understanding the uses would be easier when known through comparing Java and Kotlin. This can be used on both the source side and client-side also. It can be easily used in all operating systems like iOS, MacOS and embedded systems. It is used by people in server-side applications, java scripts, and data science.
The code is written is less, and the bug count is also less in Kotlin, and it also supports test-driven development which reduces the number of bug count. Even if you make a mistake while writing the code, you can correct it immediately. It is easy to maintain because of its shortcode and fewer bugs; hence, it can also be handled by a new team. It also supports multiple plugin’s, which makes one’s job much easier. Thus with these many uses, any programmer prefers this language.
What can you do with Kotlin?
As a matter of fact, there are many areas in which Kotlin can take an important position. Precisely it can be used almost in every area where Java is used.
Let us now know a few scenarios where it can be used.
- In scientific Game development.
- Data analysis
- Reusing code for Android applications in IOS.
- Embedded systems.
- Web applications like Netflix.
Working with Kotlin?
It basically works with:
- Data types, operators, I/O comments.
- If, when, while, for, break and continue expressions.
- Function calls, recursions, and arguments.
- Constructors, Classes, objects, companions, extensions… etc.
Advantage
Cross-developed open-source coding platform which makes output faster and more efficient. The code is almost 40 percent less when compared to Java. Beginners can easily learn the most modern and compatible languages.
The advantages of Kotlin are listed below:
- Debugging is easier in writing applications.
- Open-source platform.
- It runs on any operating system.
- Compiler efficient.
- Secure coding can be done.
- It has a modern and standard library.
- Semicolons are exceptional.
- Code is easy to understand.
- Supports android development.
- Interoperability.
Why Should We Use Kotlin?
In most of the applications, Java is used as the standard programming language in the ’90s and coming to 2019 as Java has become old, time taking and lacks some built-in language features. In that case, Kotlin is designed to overcome all these. Java is lengthy, time taking and error-prone language. It is fast, simple, easy, and the most important thing is it is compatible be Java code and vice versa, which means you can write code in Kotlin and Java, and they both will work for hand in hand.
Scope
As the companies are gradually shifting their programming language from Java to Kotlin, we can understand clearly that there is a large scope for Kotlin in the future. After the announcement of Google that it is an official programming language for Android development, the usage of Kotlin has jumped from 7% to 14% in a span of just 8 months. Google is investing a lot in the development of Kotlin, which indicates that Google projects will be done in the Kotlin language.
Why Do We Need Kotlin?
Many aspects are compatible and support the developments of many applications, such as
- Android development.
- Server-side development.
- Web development
- Desktop development.
- Native development.
Career Growth
When there is future scope, then there will be career growth for sure. Many companies are already using it like Pinterest, Basecamp, Netflix, Uber.. etc.; This definitely boosts your career; all you need to have is a great interest in learning the language.
Conclusion
The key features of Kotlin, such as less run time, libraries, and efficient coding, have made the first preference of developers. We can also utilize the existing codes, making it easy to run the existing projects and convert them into new projects if needed. With simple and less coding, it can easily save lots of time.
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