Today, the startup ecosystem is evolving and innovating at an exponential rate, and so is technology where startups and technology go hand in hand. As of today, it is inevitable for startups to function with technology, and with technology develops an unnerving need for mobile application development. Recently, there has been a substantial shift in the figure of app developers who consider Kotlin over Java. Kotlin is a JVM language introduced by Jetbrains whereas Java is being used for years now for app development. But the limitations of Java is forcing a shift towards Kotlin like how old it is, it is error-prone, and wordiness.
Kotlin: A Java alternative
Kotlin has very rapidly become a better alternative to Java and now being considered the future of Android app development. Kotlin is modern, fast-moving and of course, a well-developed programming language and is the means for all android app development projects shortly. When Google announced in May 2017, Google's support of Kotlin for Android development since then, it has become the ideal alternative to Java. After C/C+ and Java, Kotlin is the 3rd language to become part of android. Kotlin comes with great IDE which can be adopted within an existing Java code. Kotlin lets top-level purposes of the functional programming story and also supports generics, closures, lambdas as well as higher-order functions.
Inherent reasons why prefer Kotlin for android app development:
Open-source
From the beginning, the Jetbrains developers who worked on Kotlin presented a point that it must be an open-source form, rather than keeping it private. Open-source assists in supporting core products that are developed in Kotlin, and it also helps in Kotlin development.
Fully compatible with Java
A vital positive perspective regarding Kotlin is that it is fully compatible with Java that gives android developers to work off both languages, especially during mobile apps development. Now, numerous mobile app developers are working on Kotlin but are using Java for just the maintenance of old projects. Also, the compatibility is so high that the existing codebases will be able to perform correctly with Kotlin and developers convert their Java-based projects to Kotlin. The adoption of Kotlin becomes more comfortable and risk-free as developers get complete access to all Java frameworks and libraries.
One of the most dependable IDE
IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment, which is a software application that gives a platform of extensive facilities to the developers, developing their software. Since JetBrains develop Kotlin, the company presents its most functional and most practiced IDEs, all over the world. In Kotlin, the IDE features of Android studio operate sleekly.
Code conciseness and hassle-free coding
Unlike Java, Kotlin need not require write codes in detail while coding. Kotlin compiler writes a large part of the codes itself which helps in saving precious time and efforts of the developers. Some features of Kotlin include the responsibility of data classes, type interface, properties, etc. If written the codes with accuracy end up with minor bugs or errors and with Kotlin, the coders can tackle the same problem with fewer codes that ensure fewer bugs and crashes which is not possible with Java.
Not just object-oriented but also a highly-functional language
Kotlin is not only an object-oriented language but also a functional language, which is a notable factor why it has a cutting-edge advantage over other programming languages. The language can be used in OO and FP programming styles or integrates various elements from the two. Also, Kotlin is the collection of functions on top of Java implemented by KotlinX libraries; it works with all Java libraries.
Helpful in server-side development
Having competent compatibility with Java Virtual Machine, it supports side development. This language permits the usage of frameworks like Vert.x, Ktor, spring, Kotlinx.html, etc. Additionally, Kotlin supports coroutines that help in developing server-side apps that can balance to a large number of clients with modest hardware requirements. Server-side Kotlin apps can be installed in any host till host supports Java web apps.
Allows extension of functionalities
When it comes to extension functions, Android framework, at times, creates a rift and makes things difficult. Also, with Kotlin, android app developers compose Kotlin functions with extensions, similar to C# and Gosu. The flexibility offered by Kotlin allows extending the functionality of classes without causing revisions to the existing code. Primarily, new features can be produced without acquiring the level.
Kotlin development offers more safety
Kotlin has a high level of safety, which, in turn, is the most significant benefit. Since Kotlin enables the developers to perform general tasks in less time and with minimum efforts, the scope of committing errors becomes low. When the code is more readily understood, mistakes can be located quickly and rectified beforehand.
Conclusion:
With the emergence of new technologies daily in this ever-changing world, are you looking for a language for their Android app development? If yes, read the benefits of Kotlin app development framework to have a clear-cut viewpoint of this framework, which has the flexibility to be fast, precise and changes and develops with time. Due to the benefits that lie in Kotlin, Android app development company are moving to Kotlin for Android development, rather than relying on Java. By the time now, Kotlin has proven itself as a robust android app development framework and many renowned companies like Uber, Pinterest is moving towards Kotlin.