Programming Languages: Kotlin vs Java is a Natural Comparison

Kotlin is a modern statically typed programming language. It is the Google recommended programming language for building Android apps.

• By Mensah Alkebu-Lan
• 15 May 2023

Table of Contents

• Overview
• References
  

Overview

Kotlin is a modern statically typed programming language. It is an open-source project available at no charge under the Apache 2.0 license.

Kotlin & Java are two popular programming languages you can use to build apps on a variety of platforms.

You'll often hear them compared - so what're the differences?

Here, @Shittu_Olumide_ explains their main features, strengths, primary use cases, etc.https://t.co/NYgjQXp0BT

— freeCodeCamp.org (@freeCodeCamp) May 9, 2023

It is natural to compare Kotlin to Java. Both Kotlin and Java are object-oriented programming languages that run on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Further, it is compatible with existing Java code.

Kotlin is the programming language for server-side and Android development; while Java is the preferred language to develop enterprise applications. Further, it is the Google recommended programming language for building Android apps. In other words, if you are building an Android application from scratch, use Kotlin.

Further comparing the two, one of the things in the Kotlin programming language that Java does not have is extension functions. There is also null safety and data classes. You cannot assign a null value to any variable or object.

A pro for Kotlin is since there is much less boilerplate code, you should be able to write half the Kotlin code as you would if you were programming in Java. A con of Kotlin is its compilation time is slow.

If you are interested in learning to code Kotlin, you may want to consider the Kotlin Bootcamp for Beginners. During that bootcamp you will learn the basics of Kotlin as you create various programs in Intellij IDEA.

References

1. “Comparison to Java.” Kotlin. Accessed 15 May 2023. 
2. “Java Vs Kotlin.” Javatpoint. Accessed 15 May 2023. 
3. Kotlin Programming Language. Accessed 15 May 2023. 
4. “Kotlin and Android.” Android Developers. Accessed 15 May 2023. 
5. Gircenko, Gabriel. “Kotlin vs. Java: All-purpose Uses and Android Apps.” Toptal. Accessed 15 May 2023.