Kotlin vs Java: Who Wins the Race?

A few years ago every Android developer preferred Java as their programming language. None of them had thought of the dilemma of Kotlin vs java for android development. Earlier Java uses to create even the best-selling and most widely used android applications. The Kotlin vs Java conflict erupted when Kotlin gained popularity amongst programmers in recent years as Google designated it as an official language for creating Android apps. With the introduction, development and high functionality and strength of Kotlin, Java’s monopoly has ended. The programmers are now concerned with questions like why Kotlin or why Kotlin over Java. So to clear the air, we have brought for you the main points of Kotlin vs java for android development.

Kotlin vs Java: Reduced code length

Programmers enjoy simple coding. They do not wish to create simple functionality using multiple lines of code. This is a major factor in why developers prefer Kotlin to Java since the former is clear-cut and simple. Fewer lines of code, which can convert into dependable code, can alleviate similar issues. Code is now simpler to read, maintain, and modify as needed. Among the Kotlin features that make code concise are Type Interface, Properties, Smart Casts, and Data Classes. According to JetBrains, Kotlin’s preciseness allows a developer to accomplish more with fewer coding lines while also cutting the size of Java’s code by about 40%. According to an actual test, the amount of coding lines was reduced by 30% when the “App Lock” app’s code converts from Java to Kotlin.

Java vs Kotlin: Integration value

Kotlin is free to use because it is open access. By employing a converter, you may start learning the language right away. Any Java framework and library, including those that rely on annotation handling, are very interoperable with Kotlin. Additionally, it seamlessly incorporates development tools like Maven, Gradle, Ant, or Kobalt. You only need to add a Kotlin extension. Kotlin is quite simple to learn and can be simply incorporated into pre-existing projects, implying that your present technological expertise and investment are kept.

Kotlin vs Java: Eradicating Null References

NullPointerExceptions are among the most annoying Java problems for programmers. Java enables programmers to give any variable a null value. In contrast to Java, all types in Kotlin are by default non-nullable. Developers who attempt to allocate or retrieve null in Kotlin code will encounter compilation errors. There is, however, a workaround. Kotlin requires that a variable be explicitly marked as nullable in order to accept a null value. This accomplishes the following type with a question mark, as in val number: Int? = null Kotlin does not have NullPointerExceptions as a result. In Kotlin, if you do run into this kind of issue, it’s most likely because you deliberately gave a null value or due to some outside Java code.

Java vs Kotlin for Android: Increases productivity and performance

If technology doesn’t increase efficiency and productivity, what good is it? The goal of Kotlin’s design was to maximise programmer efficiency. Hence, because they are able to write code faster and maintain and deploy the app at scale, developers find it easy to create new applications from the start. Additionally, Kotlin gives some powerful capabilities that hasten development. Object Declarations, Parameter Values, and Extension Functions are a few of these characteristics.

Why Kotlin: Fix For Some Of Java’s Issues

Typical Java does have a slew of drawbacks. To get around Java’s limitations, it has borrowed features from several other languages, primarily Scala and C#. It thought to have had a significant impact on the creation of Kotlin and incorporates examples from the Pascal programming language. Boilerplate code is eliminated by Kotlin, considerably reducing the possibility of errors. Delegations and late initializations are some of its features. Kotlin deals with type safety in lists, Java’s significant issue. Prior to generics, it was relatively simple to type a variable into a list that wasn’t what you intended. Due to the compiler’s inability to recognise it, this would normally result in a run-time explosion.

Final Thoughts

If you are a programmer confused regarding Kotlin vs java for android development, then we hold that Kotlin has a number of advantages over Java that put it in a superior position. However, it is still too early to predict the Kotlin vs Java war results or if Kotlin will replace Java because the latter has undisputed open approval. Instead of focusing on and limiting themselves to a Java or Kotlin app development company, firms must hire an android app development service provider that has experience with both languages.

Originally published at https://createbytes.com.