10 Reasons Why Kotlin Is Your Best Bet for Android App Development Services

September 22, 2023

Kotlin is the 8th most popular language for programming overall and the 3rd the majority desired language for developing Android applications (after Java and C++)….

Introduction

Kotlin has become Google’s recommended language for developing Android applications since 2019. While both Java and C++ remain extensively applied, Kotlin has become a popular programming language in its own right. 

According to StackOverflow’s 2021 Developer Survey, Kotlin is the 8th most popular language for programming overall and the 3rd the majority desired language for developing Android applications (after Java and C++).

What is Kotlin?

Kotlin is a programming language for all platforms created by JetBrains that conforms to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) bytecode format. However, it’s been three years, and Kotlin’s popularity has only grown. It’s simple to learn and, after Swift, one of the most rapidly expanding languages. 

As a result, Kotlin is an excellent choice for applications for Android and Android app developers, providing all of the benefits of an advanced programming language to the Android operating system without imposing any additional constraints. 

Because of its less easily maintained, concise, and free-of-reader capabilities, Android app developers are now depending on Kotlin. It’s also far more secure than the Java programming language. 

The IDE (Integrated Development Environment) plugin enables developers to activate numerous functionalities unavailable in Java. It also makes the software run more quickly and smoothly. However, we will discuss why one should select Kotlin and hire Android Developer

Why Should You Use Kotlin for Android App Development?

Kotlin is a free and open-source statically-typed language for programming for The Java Script language and the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) created by JetBrains. Uber, Pinterest, Trello, and Twitter are the companies that use it. 

Kotlin seeks to address many of the issues programmers have while using previous programming languages such as Java. Java is complicated, generates many errors due to NullPointerExceptions and nullability, and risks storage leaks due to how inside classes are developed. 

Kotlin is easier to learn as it is more powerful compared to Java. It also has specific distinguishing characteristics that set it apart from newer platforms like Flutter, for example, improved speed and flexibility.

Top 10 Benefits to Choose Kotlin For Android App Development 

#1 Easy Setup

One aspect that should be highlighted about Kotlin is how simple it is to set it up. Previously, programmers used a plugin to simplify Android app development with Kotlin

While working on the Mobile app development, the user must select the ‘Include Kotlin Support’ checkbox. 

#2 Completely Interoperable with Java 

One of Kotlin’s most vital points is its compatibility. When it involves Android development, it can serve as an appropriate replacement for Java. The Benefit Kotlin App Developer is that you may utilize both Kotlin and Java code in precisely the same program without interfering with any of the factors.

This means that if you wish to incorporate Kotlin into your project, you simply have to add its frameworks and tools without making any code changes.

#3 Open Source

Kotlin is a free, open-source programming language that converts current Java code into a single-click tool. Kotlin, as a free and open-source language, facilitates the core creation of products.

#4 Reduced Boilerplate Code 

Another essential benefit of Kotlin is that it eliminates the requirement to repeatedly rewrite just one line of code. Boilerplate code is code that has been repeated numerous times with no modifications. 

Kotlin effectively decreases the need to repeat a line repeatedly, resulting in a smaller file.

#5 No more Null-Pointer Exception

Kotlin has the advantage of allowing APIs to be implemented using NonNull arguments. If you insert null into a non-null API, it will not create. Furthermore, the integrated development environment will warn you of the problem.

As a result, if you modify APIs and have a runtime null going into a non-null API, Kotlin will fail with a null argument exception. It is beneficial, primarily when rewriting APIs and interacting with the other developers.

#6 Easy To Learn

The creators of the programming language Kotlin recognized a requirement for simplifying the language. Consequently, it has been created easy for developers so that they can readily grasp the programming language without requiring previous experience writing code (in Kotlin). 

It makes sense to use Kotlin, a better version of Java, since it gives developers an advantage in developing Android applications.

#7 Enhance Performance

When comparing Kotlin to its nearest opponent, Java, the previous version has several advanced abilities that Java lacks. Compared to the language Java, this renders Kotlin an improved tool in terms of performance and efficiency. 

It includes extension functions, object declarations, value parameters, and many others. 

#8 An Enterprise Language

Kotlin was created in the year 2011, with a concentrate on the Business segment industry. Furthermore, unlike similar JVM languages, it doesn’t have an educational or research foundation. 

Its objective was to give cheap solutions to businesses interested in developing apps for Android. It has been established mainly to address practical and everyday life development issues.

#9 Safer Code

Kotlin code is simpler than code written in Java since it is designed to decrease the incidence of typical programming mistakes, resulting in fewer system failures as well as app crashes. 

Specific faults are more likely to occur when creating Java code, but Kotlin encourages developers to design robust code.

#10 Support for Functional Programming

Functional programming is utilized by developers to solve multiple issues quickly and consistently. The eighth version of Java added available programming. Kotlin, on the other hand, provides better assistance for functional programming.

It implies that you can apply functional notions simply and explicitly with appropriate function types. Inlining, which has not yet become available in Java, additionally helps increase efficiency when using Kotlin.

Challenges and Considerations when Adopting Kotlin

#1 Upgrading from Java

The grammar of both languages is significantly unique, making the move to Kotlin difficult for programmers who are used to working with Java. Developers must become acquainted with Kotlin’s highly expressive syntax as well as the related functional programming concepts. 

Furthermore, Kotlin’s type inference can help the code appear more compact and more precise, but it may boost an application’s binary size if not applied correctly. This could be a problem for programmers working with resource-constrained devices or big codebases.

#2 Migrating existing codebases

Migrating a previous Java codebase to Kotlin can be difficult and time-consuming. Automated programs can translate Java code to Kotlin, although they are not always correct, and manual converting can be error-prone. 

Furthermore, moving the current codebase would necessitate considerable effort, and extensive testing would be required to make sure that the moved code continues to function as planned. 

Also, the attempt to make the current Java software null-safe could be significant because in Java, null is an expected value, whereas, in Kotlin, it is regarded as an issue to be solved.

#3 Integration with Third-Party Libraries and Frameworks

When combining Kotlin with third-party applications and frameworks that are not built explicitly for Kotlin, programmers may face difficulties. 

In some circumstances, Java versions of frameworks and library modules may be required, increasing the project’s complexity. 

Furthermore, when connecting with Java’s libraries and systems, developers should exercise caution when applying Kotlin’s null security capabilities, as they can cause problems if the application’s library or framework is not designed to deal with null values. This necessitates extensive testing and quality of the connected code to guarantee that it functions as planned.

“ultroNeous – Kotlin App development Services in USA, From concept to deployment, we cover every step of your app’s journey.”

Wrapping It Up

You may have a good understanding of how Kotlin has motivated and assisted developers to develop powerful applications for Android with easy touch and development. However, because numerous kotlin app development company have started to use the Kotlin language for app development, There is a good chance that the need for a Hire Kotlin developer of apps will increase in the near future.

So, now is an excellent moment for Java developers to take advantage of fresh opportunities in Android developing mobile apps by learning Kotlin and experimenting with it.

FAQs

  1. How does Kotlin improve developer productivity in Android app development?

The simple syntax of Kotlin lowers repetitive code, resulting in quicker development. Null safety, extension functions, and intelligent casts improve code consistency, decreasing problems and boosting development efficiency.

  1. Does Kotlin offer better performance than Java for Android apps?

Because both languages generate bytecode and execute on a similar JVM, Kotlin’s functionality is equivalent to Java’s. Kotlin’s clear syntax may possibly result in improved efficiency due to decreased expense.

  1. What is Kotlin’s advantage in terms of null safety?

The type system in Kotlin contains null security functions that assist in preventing invalid pointer variations, which are frequently the cause of failures in applications for Android. This results in more secure and dependable applications.

  1. Can I start new Android projects directly in Kotlin, or is Java still the default?

While Java was once the default programming language for Android, Google currently fully supports Kotlin as an excellent language for developing applications for Android. You should have no trouble starting fresh projects in Kotlin.

  1. Does using Kotlin for Android app development involve a steep learning curve?

No, not always. Because of the commonalities between Java and Kotlin, the move is quite simple. Its simple syntax and robust tooling can assist programmers in becoming more productive rapidly.

director

Jinesh Shah

Director

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