What Is It About Kotlin That Makes It So Popular Among Programmers?

Whether beginners or experts, all software developers use Java majorly as part of their work. App Development for Android uses Java. Java is so versatile it can be used for many other projects. From Android apps development to performing computer programming in various computing systems. Java programming can be executed by a virtual Java machine running multiple platform platforms such as MacOS X. Java can also be used.

Java graphical language developed by Sun Microsystems and is currently owned by Oracle Corporation.

 Java migration is no longer common. Most apps have now been translated into KML. Let me give you some details to understand Kottinglin in the development of Android applications. 

Google at its I/O 2017 Developer Conference stated that it will now officially center its Android App Development process on Kotlin.

It has been nearly four years since Google introduced Kotlin at the 2017 I/O Conference. Since then, the language’s popularity has skyrocketed among developers and enterprises alike. A trend that has increased demand for Kotlin app development firms.

|According to the realm research, 20% of Android apps written on Java before the Google I/O 2017 conference were moved to Kotlin. |

Many developers were able to handle mixed-language projects efficiently. In this context, the KOTLIN programming language has emerged from a growing market of mobile applications. 

In this post, we’ll look at 13 companies that formerly used Java but now employ Kotlin to show you why it’s time for you to follow suit.

But first, let’s dive a little bit into the basics. 

What is Kotlin?

Let us begin with what Kotlin means. JetBrains, a giant IntelliJ creator, created Kotlin. It is a straightforward programming language that can be free, open-source, statically typed, cross-platform. In Kotlin, both objects are constructed; functionalities are. This tool is a combination of functional and object-oriented software programs and can also combine elements. Kotlin can also be used as an application development tool in many different ways, server-side, customers-side, Web-side, or Android.

There are a variety of reasons why Kotlin is chosen over Java, including:

Straightforward

It can solve more problems with minimal lines of code, unlike Java. In addition, it enhances the readability and supportability of the code as a whole. Brilliant casts, properties, type interface, and data classes are just a few of the characteristics that make Kotlin more crisp and clear. 

Java-Based Interoperability

Because Kotlin is fully compatible with Java, you can easily incorporate all Java frameworks and tools into your Kotlin projects without rewriting the entire project in Java. As a result, migrating your project from Java to Kotlin is a breeze.

Null Safety is Pre-Installed

According to the JetBrains Developer Survey, 62 percent of developers switched to Kotlin for its built-in null safety feature.

It addresses one of Java’s annoyances: null pointer exceptions, which frequently cause Java applications to crash. Kotlin allows developers to include invalid directly in the type system, completely removing null-related problems.

More Secure Code

In terms of security, Kotlin is considerably more secure than Java. As a result, Kotlin enables programmers to write more reliable code, which results in fewer programming errors. Furthermore, the null-safety feature ensures that the variable in the Kotlin code cannot have a null value unless it is tagged “nullable.”

Support for Several Platforms

Kotlin isn’t simply for developing Android apps. Instead, Kotlin enables developers to move frontend development to Kotlin by supporting JavaScript compatibility.

Furthermore, Kotlin allows developers to build Gradle code in the language. This gives developers much more freedom to create iOS apps. As a result, developers may create Kotlin apps that perform like native programs.

Cross-platform mobile frameworks used by software developers worldwide 

What are the Business Benefits of Choosing Kotlin?

Improved Code Maintainability Meaning Faster Development Time

Kotlin isn’t simply for developing Android apps. Kotlin enables developers to move frontend development to Kotlin by supporting JavaScript compatibility.

Furthermore, Kotlin allows developers to build Gradle code in the language. This gives developers much more freedom to create iOS apps. As a result, developers may create Kotlin apps that perform like native programs.

Application Crashes are less common

Open source Android apps developed in Kotlin are more secure than Java-based apps. This is because Kotlin avoids common design flaws in programming, resulting in fewer application crashes and system failures. Furthermore, because Kotlin is based on a fail-fast architecture, any errors that could lead to loss are immediately reported.

The fail-safe compiler that comes with Kotlin looks for flaws and prevents them from recurring.

A Smaller Codebase Facilitates App Maintainability

Compared to Android apps written in Java, Kotlin apps require far fewer code lines, saving development time and app maintenance time and effort.

Apart from these business advantages, Android Kotlin has a lot of other benefits.

Top Companies That Migrated Their Mobile Applications From Java To Kotlin 

1. Uber

Uber is an app that provides on-demand rideshare services for both Android and iOS development platforms. The taxi-booking website uses Ktlin language to conduct internal tariffing activities. This process can include Gradle plug-ins, annotation processing, and others.

2. Kickstarter

Kickstarter is a global funding platform that assists with creative funding projects, including films and other tasks related to various categories like music, art and theatre, comics design, and photography. In addition, Kickstarter has a platform that uses Kotlin itself.

3. Pinterest

Pinterest is a place where you can find inspiration and have creative ideas. This famous photo exchange app is also a big firm that uses Kotlin Android App development. Earlier today, Pinterest announced its mobile app would be updated to use Kotlin programming.

4. Evernote

Evernote has multiple platform options, which include mobile apps and web applications. For example, this Task Management application is compiled into Android client lists. The app also allows users to perform listing tasks, organization notes and archiving.

5. Corda

Corda is described as a free, open-source blockchain development project that assists blockchain apps in creating and implementing interoperability for blockchain. Aside from this, Corda provides innovative contract technologies aimed at businesses.

6. Shadow Socks

ShadowSocks’ Android application uses Kotlin based programming language and is downloaded by over a million people only from the Google Play Store. Its high-quality development project helps app users utilize the internet safely and securely.

7. Basecamp

Developers for Android applications on Basecamp said their app speeds had significantly improved since its migration from Java to Kotlin. In addition, because it’s a project management tool, project managers could use the tool to increase efficiency.

8. Simple Calendar

Simple Calendar for Android is another excellent example of Java apps that rely entirely upon Kotlin. This free and ad-free app provides the possibility to use CalDAV Sync to set up reminders and even to generate recurring events.

9. Coursera

Coursera provides an easy way to access hundreds of educational apps. Kotlin-based applications allow app users to get an online education while gaining certificates from famous universities.

10. Zomato 

Zomato, a prominent meal delivery app, employs the Kotlin programming language to create code that is more succinct and secure. Kotlin enabled the organisation to dramatically reduce the number of lines of code in their app and implement a fail-safe system.

11. Netflix 

Netflix is the world’s most popular video streaming service, with over 214 million customers worldwide. The current UI player in the Netflix Android app has been completely redesigned using Kotlin. More information is available here.

12. Trello 

Trello is a popular project management and task organisation tool used by millions of people around the world, including major corporations like eBay. To reap the benefits of the Kotlin programming language, the Trello team Kotlinized main functions and built new features using it.

13. Airbnb

Airbnb, a popular online marketplace for homestays, events, travel, and lodging, used the Kotlin programming language in a new android product framework (MvRx) to provide a consistent experience.

Possible Pitfalls When Migrating from Java to Kotlin

However, Kotlin can be easily used but is not an ideal software development language. So if you’re thinking about creating an app using Kotlin, you should know how to minimize risks (considering that Kotlin does come with many disadvantages). So please keep an eye on the Kotlin programming language pitfalls.

Tips For Easy Kotlin Migration 

Hire Kotlin Developers

A different way would be hiring a Kotlin app developer for mobile apps. The company assists you with the smooth migration between Java and Kotlin, giving you the desired results. Finoit Technologies provides mobile application development and software development for Internet-based applications for business applications. Over the course of our business, we helped companies and startup companies with technology solutions and the rollout of new products. We are the Standard Consultancy Partners with AWS and can help our clients change their technology journey.

Make your development team ready for Kotlin App Development

The first step is finding the right developers who can migrate from Java to Kotlin to make the right decision. Please ensure the Android developers are ready and willing to help make a Kotlin app because the migration has learning curves. How can I get a good Java development career?

Building a Right Team to Help Convert from Java to Kotlin

Android app development now becomes easy in Kotlin. Aside from its interoperable nature, Android developers can build a new Kotlin codebase without re-using existing code bases. So apps companies have two possibilities: either migrate onto Kotlin or develop code on Kotlin.

Final Thoughts

Today, Kotlin has a position among many famous programs written using Java vs. a VM which runs on it. For sharing some new information about Kotlin, JetBrains organized KotlinConf 2018 – the most in-person gathering of the Kotlin community. Kotlin has also been stated as a significant mobile app developer language in Android as over a quarter of the top 1000 Android app developers have already started using Kotlin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did developers migrate Android applications from Java to Kotlin?

We find that developers moved Java code to Kotlin because the Java language provides many programming language features (e.g., extension functions, lambdas, smart casts).

Why should I migrate to Kotlin?

Using Kotlin was intended to develop languages that offered advantages not available to others. Kotlin is mainly aimed at Java VM. Still, it compiles into JavaScript, and it is possible to share business logic with Android and iOS app development.

What are the advantages of Kotlin over Java?

The Kotlin project focuses in particular on enabling mixed-linguistic projects. It introduces new syntax and streamlined expression; the language’s syntax is also enhanced. Kotlin is used in Java to reduce the number of boilerplate files, causing a massive win in Android.

Is it worth migrating Java to Kotlin?

Developers with Java skills may quickly learn Kotlin. The meager cost of upgrading Java to KeptLin is low. The Kotlin language supports Java code.