Some Kotlin developers claim it to be the next Java, and its popularity seems to be growing exponentially among developers across the globe. So, what’s so special about this new language? This article explains why you should migrate your android apps to Kotlin.
What is Kotlin
Kotlin is a statically-typed programming language that runs on Java Virtual Machine and also can be compiled to JavaScript source code or uses LLVM as its backend. Its primary development is from JetBrains programmers based in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
– Faster Development
You’ll find that new hires with Kotlin experience can hit the ground running and contribute immediately. In a recent study, over 60% of developers found it easy to learn Kotlin because its syntax is so similar to Java and C#. This means less ramp-up time for new employees! – Faster Testing: Since everything in Kotlin is an expression, function calls are extremely quick, so you can write robust test suites at a very fast pace.
– Less Code -> Easier Testing
Android coders spend an average of 15% of their time dealing with testing while they could be writing code. Kotlin is designed for code that’s easier to read and write, so it’s more efficient. This also means fewer bugs, which leads us to our next point: less time spent debugging! The less time you spend hunting down and fixing bugs, the more time you have writing new features or focusing on other aspects of development.
– Safer Code -> Less Bugs
Android Studio, Google’s official IDE for Android development, has a built-in Kotlin plugin. This plugin will not only make it easier to write correct code but also makes debugging simple. With some research, a developer can learn how to use Android Studio’s debugger with ease. Kotlin also adds null safety checks that prevent bugs from being created as easily as they were before when using Java.
– Familiarity with the Language
App developers that know Java and other popular languages can quickly pick up Kotlin and use it in their own projects. This makes it easy for companies looking to hire Kotlin developers. If you’re an existing Java developer, migrating a project from Java to Kotlin will be smooth since they share some similarities.
– Extensions Support
One of Kotlin’s biggest selling points is its interoperability with Java, which means that existing libraries and frameworks can be integrated into new Kotlin projects without any additional work. This interoperability also extends to Android development, so if you’re an Android developer, there’s no need to hire a Kotlin developer; in fact, you could probably even continue working on your current project in Java while gradually migrating it over to Kotlin as time permits.
– Reactive Programming in Android Studio 3.0
Google’s announcement about support for reactive programming in Android Studio 3.0 has triggered a lot of interest from developers. There is also good news regarding android app development by using Kotlin. Reactive programming is an advanced programming paradigm that uses data flow and information propagation features of functional languages with explicit mutable variables and states, which requires complex handling and synchronization between concurrent threads.
– Existing Community Support
Developers can find answers to their questions on Stack Overflow, Github, and other similar sites. They also have access to a large community of fellow programmers who are available via Slack, Reddit, IRC, and other forms of social media. As such, they are able to get quick help when they need it with ease.
Conclusion
So, there are a lot of potential upsides for your app and business if you choose to hire Kotlin developers. With no more boilerplate code and simpler syntax, it’s easier than ever before to build an app that provides real value. If you want help building an Android app with Kotlin, we’re hiring experienced engineers; hit us up at contact us on our website.
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