Introduction
In this blog, we will explore the top ten features of Kotlin programming language that distinguish it as a top choice for Android app development. Kotlin provides a variety of characteristics that enhance the development experience, from its open-source nature to its simple syntax and JavaScript compilation.
About kotlin programming language
Kotlin is a contemporary, statically typed programming language designed for general purposes, aiming to expedite the development process, especially in the realm of Android app development due to its seamless compatibility with Java. According to Stack Overflow, Kotlin holds the fourth position among the most valuable languages for developers and is the preferred choice for Android development. Developed by JetBrains, Kotlin is known for its succinctness, expressiveness, and the elimination of many boilerplate Java codes. It enhances code readability and maintainability by incorporating features such as null safety, extension functions, and smart casts. Beyond Android app development, Kotlin’s versatility extends to server-side development and various application domains, positioning it as a pragmatic and robust alternative for developers seeking an efficient and enjoyable programming experience.
The top 10 features of kotlin programming language
Explore the various aspects of the top 10 Kotlin language features, showcasing its prowess in enhancing development processes.
- Open-Source
Kotlin being open source means its source code is freely available for the public to read, modify, and distribute. This encourages collaboration, transparency, and community-driven development, allowing programmers all over the world to contribute to its improvement and utilize it for free. It also includes a one-click tool for developers to convert existing Java code to Kotlin code.
- Supports Full Java Interoperability
Interoperability with Java is one of the best and most important properties of Kotlin. This makes calling Kotlin code from Java and Java code from Kotlin easy. Many Java and Android developers are encouraged and drawn to study Kotlin because of this functionality.
It essentially operates on the JVM and supports Java libraries and tools, allowing for full Java interoperability. Because two programming languages coexist, developers are more productive and can use this functionality to compile an Android project in both languages. Adoption is less difficult and risky.
The IDE has an automated Java-to-Kotlin converter for easy transfer of existing code. It is also simpler to work on an existing Android project. Instead of altering the complete code, developers can swap the programming language, freeing up time to focus on other vital activities.
- Null Safety
Null pointer errors in Java cause approximately 70% of Android applications to crash. This programming language offers no protection against null, therefore developers must handle the circumstances on their own.
However, one of the most advantageous features of Kotlin programming is its null safety. Null pointer exceptions cannot be thrown implicitly in Kotlin. The Kotlin compiler does not allow any types to have a null value at compilation time by default.
As a result, when you use Kotlin, there is a lower possibility of the app crashing, and you can provide a better user experience.
- Data Classes
Designers of programming languages often debate the necessity of a class. Data classes are constructed to store data and derive some standard functionalities from it. A data class in Java comprises various boilerplate codes. Developers must skip these codes to discover the class’s true purpose.
There are no established best practices in Java for distinguishing between classes, so developers must identify data classes based on their code structure and patterns. Additionally, the Java compiler can detect similarities specifically between data classes.
In Android development, creating such data classes is a common and repetitive activity, which may increase the likelihood of errors. Kotlin provides a facility for isolating data classes from common ones, helping eliminate errors. This facility also enables Android developers to generate large volumes of code effortlessly while minimizing the number of lines.
- Smart Cast Function
From a developer’s standpoint, the smart cast method stands out as one of Kotlin’s best features, focusing on enhancing app performance. Unlike Java and other programming languages that necessitate explicit typecasting before accessing variable properties, the smart cast function in Kotlin intelligently tracks situations within the ‘if‘ expression.
The primary objective of this feature is to identify the type of function that will perform operations programmed for a given type, thereby enhancing coding efficiency. If the compiler detects a variable that is not null and belongs to a nullable type, it grants access to that variable. The ‘is’ or ‘!is’ operator is employed to check the variable type, and the compiler automatically casts the variable to the target type.
- Low Cost
This is the fundamental reason why Kotlin is not at the top of many entrepreneurs’ priority lists. The cost of Kotlin or its use is either zero or very cheap. Kotlin is an open-source programming language that doesn’t require users to pay a large fee for a license. Furthermore, compared to other programming languages, Kotlin is simple and quick to learn for developers.
- Concise Code
Developers prefer clean and succinct code because it reduces both writing and reading time, making maintenance easier. One of the primary advantages of Kotlin language features over Java is its ability to provide compact code, significantly reducing boilerplate code. Consequently, Kotlin demands less code than Java, expediting the development process. Rough estimations suggest that Kotlin requires 40% fewer lines of code than Java.
- JavaScript Transpilation
You can transcompile Kotlin code to JavaScript code so that it can execute in browsers. When you pick the JS target, the project’s Kotlin code and the standard library that comes with Kotlin are translated to JS. This process excludes the usage of any JVM, Java framework, JDK, or library. During compilation, any file that is not in Kotlin is ignored.
The Kotlin compiler’s objectives are as follows:
- Produce legible output in JavaScript.
- Provide the best size output.
- Interoperability with existing module systems is required.
- Provide the same functionality in the standard library regardless of whether it targets JVM or JS.
- Standard Library Functions
One of the key Kotlin language features is its provision of standard library functions, which is crucial for Android developers when working on mobile apps. Developers can easily implement higher-order functions using idiomatic patterns such as apply, use, let, and others. Additionally, Kotlin provides multiple utilities for working with strings and char sequences, offering query operations for sequences and collections through Extension features. Moreover, Kotlin’s integration with JDK classes proves helpful for tasks involving files, IO, and threading.
- Clean and Compact Syntax
Last but not least, in terms of syntax and code clarity, Kotlin outperforms Java. When using Kotlin, developers can complete jobs with fewer lines of code, which reduces the risk of errors and faults and improves reliability. Furthermore, Kotlin includes lambda expressions, a simple manner of expressing functional operations that contributes to cleaner and more legible code. The language’s emphasis on clean and compact syntax not only allows for easy maintenance and straightforward incorporation of modifications but also encourages a better coding experience overall.
Uses of kotlin programming language
- It is used to create Android apps.
- Although Kotlin was first created as an Android development language, it quickly expanded throughout the Java community due to its outstanding capabilities. It is presently employed in a variety of applications.
- It is intended to be useful for server-side and web development.
- It can compile to JavaScript, allowing it to be used in the front end.
Conclusion
Finally, the Android programming language Kotlin proves to be a powerful and adaptable tool for developers, especially those working on Android apps. As we discussed the uses of the Kotlin programming language and the top ten features of kotlin programming language, ranging from its open-source nature and easy Java compatibility to null safety and compact code, it becomes clear why Kotlin has solidified its place among developers. Its versatility extends beyond Android to server-side and online development, while its low cost and JavaScript translation contribute to its attractiveness. With standard library functions and concise syntax, kotlin not only simplifies the writing process but also improves code readability and maintenance. It is a pragmatic and sturdy solution for those seeking an efficient and enjoyable development experience as it evolves and gains importance in the programming world. Kotlin proves to be a dynamic language that encourages developers to experiment and construct with confidence, whether crafting Android applications or exploring its applications in server-side development. For more in-depth information, you can always explore Kotlin programming language books, readily available online for your convenience.
