Should Kotlin be the preferred choice for Android App Development?
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The document discusses why Kotlin is becoming the preferred programming language for Android app development, highlighting its advantages over Java, such as reduced complexity, increased productivity, and inherent null safety features. Kotlin's interoperability with Java allows developers to integrate it into existing projects without extensive rework. With Kotlin's scalability and support from Google and the developer community, it positions itself as an ideal choice for businesses seeking efficient and high-performance mobile applications.
Should Kotlin be the preferred choice for Android App Development?
- 1. SHOULD KOTLIN BE THE PREFERRED CHOICE FOR ANDROID APP DEVELOPMENT? Mindfire Solutions is a 20+ years old, 650+ people software development and testing services company with a global clientele. We offer custom web and mobile solutions for companies across all major industries.
- 2. Android is the leader in mobile operating systems worldwide, with a humongous 73% market share. Combined with a whopping 693 billion dollars in mobile app revenues in 2021, it is a no-brainer that android app development is a lucrative business. With such striking numbers forecasting a bright future, many companies are looking to develop superior android apps that can provide enhanced user functionality and experience and decrease device fragmentation to increase business profitability. Having decided to create an android app, the next decision is to choose the programming language. With its established base and rising popularity, android apps are developed using a variety of programming languages like Java, Kotlin, C++, C#, Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Dart, and many more. This article addresses the issue of selecting the most appropriate programming language for android app development. Although there are many contenders, Kotlin seems to be making waves in the business world. To know why, information about Kotlin and its offerings is being discussed.
- 3. Then and Now: Java and Kotlin Kotlin is a modern, cross-platform, general-purpose programming language based on Java Virtual Machine (JVM) designed by Jet Brains and released in 2011. In 2012, it was announced as open-source, and in 2017, it was declared as the official Android programming language. This triggered a massive shift from Java to Kotlin for android app development, and the language has gained traction with software developers with over 21.40 % of the overall market share of apps. Any android app development conversation always includes the programming language of Java. Before Kotlin, Java was the undisputed king for android app development for a long time and the official android official programming language. Initially, most android apps were developed using Java and hence it is still relevant. Nevertheless, due to its complexity, long codes, error- prone nature, null issues, and strict learning requirements, there was a need for a better programming language. And that’s how Kotlin came into prominence.
- 4. Why Kotlin for Android? The Kotlin language was created to resolve issues faced by developers effectively. The following benefits stress on why Kotlin is considered as the preferred choice for android app development. ● Removal of Long-winded Java Processes Java is a very old and verbose language and struggles to keep with current times. It is losing popularity rapidly, owing to its error-prone nature and extremely tedious processes (repetitive and lengthy codes). Kotlin’s adaptability, modernity, efficiency, and inherent features resolve Java’s issues, and provide a safe and reliable alternative. It empowers developers in creating robust coding that helps save time and cost.
- 5. ● Increased Productivity and Performance Writing lesser code translates to smaller file size leading to faster implementation. It is valuable as less coding means fewer errors and minimal development worries. Kotlin is a concise language that is easier to write and read, resulting in cleaner codes and enhanced performance and productivity. App developers can create high-caliber apps quickly with its innumerable functionalities and features. ● Interoperable with Java One of the defining benefits that have led to developers and businesses jumping ship to Kotlin is its interoperability with Java. Developers have the freedom to use Kotlin in Java projects without any repercussions. This means that developers can work on both languages simultaneously in the same mobile app project. Thus, for Kotlin integration in an existing project, the developer needs to add only some of its tools instead of completely reworking, without incurring any additional cost.
- 6. ● Safety from Null One of the significant benefits of Kotlin over Java is its inbuilt null safety feature for NullPointException (NPE) that often makes the app crash. Kotlin helps to catch NPE at compile-time and avoids app crashing at run-time. This saves time, as it is challenging and time- consuming to create apps in Java without using NPE. ● Open-Source and Multi-Platform Support As Kotlin is open-source, it allows developers to develop top-notch applications and perform core product development. Developers can also save time by switching existing codes of Java. With Kotlin’s multi- platform native development, developers create an application that runs on disparate platforms. ● Effortless Learning and Integration Kotlin was built to remove real-world developer problems and is considered an advanced version of Java. Kotlin is easy to understand, mature and requires less effort comparatively. Furthermore, Kotlin supports Android Studio, the primary Android IDE.
- 7. ● Scalable and Migration The current industry environment makes it a necessity to have scalable products. Fortunately, Kotlin has taken it into perspective and has scalability built into its design, i.e., it can increase its functionalities and capacity based on demand. This significantly benefits business owners due to the lower cost of developing and maintaining Kotlin projects. It also allows smooth business migration. ● Excellent Support and Easy Set-up With Android Studio 3.0, developers can set up Kotlin easily right at the time of any new project configuration. It is a straight-forward process requiring the developers to tick the “Support Kotlin Development.” With Google itself promoting Kotlin, there is the added benefit of getting access to various development resources, increased technical support, and an active expert community that can assist in resolving any issues or developmental concerns.
- 8. To Sum-it-up In answer to the title question, Kotlin, with its array of seamless coding, learning, usability, and Java interoperability features, is dominating as the top choice by businesses. One can see Kotlin emerging victoriously over other programming languages for android app development. The streamlined and efficient design of Kotlin makes it ideal for businesses looking to develop scalable apps with smoother operations and high performance. In addition to android apps, Kotlin also helps developers create apps that need to maintain platform independence and cross-compile for multiple platforms. Like other businesses, if you too are looking to develop IT Solutions, Mindfire Solutions can be your partner of choice. We have gained significant experience over the years working with a diverse clientele. We have a team of highly skilled and certified software professionals, who have developed many custom solutions for our global clients over the years. Click here to know more about the application Mindfire Solution developed with Kotlin.
- 9. THANKS YOU Content Source: Medium Contented by: Mindfire Solutions