When Android app development started, Java was the primary programming language. Then developers got several versions of Java development kits (JDKs) year by year. Android app developers are still utilizing its 7th and 8th versions for more feasible functions.
However, it is very complex to combine the features of all SDKs and form a perfect framework or developing apps. That’s why Kotlin is the mainstream solution for the developers. In general, it is an open-source programming language that runs on Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
In comparison to other JVM, this framework is flexibly integrated with Google’s own app development kit – Android Studio.
There are other major reasons to opt Kotlin for Android app development, so let’s move on to them:
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Completely Compatible with Java
The one major advantage of Kotlin is its compatibility with the Java language and its versions. Using the same bytecode, coders can call functions from Kotlin like they used to do in Java SDKs. Hence, there is no additional concept required to utilize this framework.
Whether you have a written codebase for a project or aiming to begin with something, you can start coding with Kotlin anytime with the same Java code. Once you get familiar with it, you will understand the blending of syntaxes – simpler code management with better understandability.
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No more NullPointerExceptions
One of the major reasons behind the crashing of mobile apps or any software is NullPointerExceptions. Fixing these NPEs takes a lot of time and it’s a huge challenge for developers. They need to analyze the whole codebase to point out null checks.
On the other hand, Kotlin helps to tackle these null pointers for effective app deployment and debugging. Developers can easily catch bugs and these exceptions at the time of compilation and runtime.
As a result, the time of deployment and debugging will become less and testers will also gain better outcomes when they implement different test cases.
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Less Coding, Less Stress
Java is certainly all about a bunch of codes merged together to form different codebases. Kotlin requires less coding that shortens file size as compared to other Java SDKs. You can convert code files from Java using Android Studio into Kotlin.
When you have to meet a specific deadline while developing Android apps, then Kotlin is dominant over other Java SDKs. In addition, if developers completely understand its functions and syntaxes, they will find it more readable.
Code manipulation, optimization, and blending will become easy tasks for programmers. As they need to run test cases to monitor and refine every feature, Kotlin performs extremely well in every case.
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Great IDE and tooling support
According to the above-mentioned pointers, Kotlin is well compatible with all versions of Java. Google’s Android Studio comes with updated features and Kotlin is capable to blend with these features perfectly. By simply combining codebases and matching them with Java, you can set everything very well.
Kotlin plug helps developers to convert files of any Java version for its own codebase. This feature is just a one-click process, easing the process of transferring functions from an SDK to the Kotlin framework.
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Kotlin is an enterprise language
Kotlin isn’t new for developers, despite being ready from 2014. It is especially known for solving code compatibility issues and real-world programming obstructions. Moreover, it’s not just limited to developers and programmers – enterprises can also utilize it with huge benefits as much as possible.
JetBrains, developers of Kotlin, could have built this framework from scratch, but they followed an optimized approach. Their goal was to amend every feature of Java version into this framework so that Android developers can work flexibly. This is helping modern businesses to launch their own applications on Play Store.
Kotlin is a perfect framework to make your Android developer’s life a lot easier. While you sometimes utilize old-age champs to get over even bit-size bugs, this cutting-edge technology, and its new tools can get you leveled up for innovating unique apps.
Closing the Chapter
Java is vast, but complex too. Million of coders and programmers are fond of this language, and Kotlin leveled the development of Android apps through the latest features. It has overcome two major factors:
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Aging of this language
By attaining a blending nature, it can merge with any codebase built over any version of Java SDK. This overcomes the complexity of using Java files for different applications again and again.
For instance, Java’s updated version doesn’t have features offered in its preceding versions. It makes a bit complex for developers as they need to rewrite the whole function again.
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Error Detection
The most annoying thing that the Java language does is detecting NPEs. This affects the overall codebase of the application, making it weak to be run on testing platforms. Kotlin is all compatible to overcome this issue and run the codes flexibly.
Along with debugging, this framework is offering APIs that can settle up null pointers. So, there will be no issue in handling these problems once you take your codebase on this framework.
Combining all these factors, Android developers will find Kotlin a perfect asset for their applications. Another huge perk they will find is the design approach, which is focused on handling backward compatibility for Java’s precedents. Taking this framework as a big opportunity to launch Android apps, coders can bring life to their programming skills.