Kotlin vs Java: Which Is A Better Option?
- by Nisha Bharti
Android app development is now a trend that helps to boost your business. The main factor to make it a success is the use of programming language. Java is the best option for many people as it is easily available. But, now the introduction of Kotlin has decreased the confidence level that developers had for Java. As per the sources, Google doesn’t have a lot of benefits if they stick to Java for Android. Therefore, the use of Kotlin seems to be the best option.
Android needs calculative and to-the-point to offer new ideas to implement them in Kotlin’s modern language.
A language that focuses more on security and has better reliability is the best.
What is Java?
Java is a common programming language that is class-based object-oriented. It is designed to have as few implementation dependencies as feasible.
It is the most powerful language which supports the development of multiple software applications operating systems, and new programming languages. The main reason which makes it outstanding is its superior performance by its features.
Advantages of Java
- It is multiplatform which can practically work on any device, server, or operating system.
- It has the best security standards that have a very low chance of memory corruption.
- It has a good coding base that makes it strong.
- It is easy to create Modular Applications in Java.
- It has features like reusability that make the code stronger.
- You can use third-party code, which makes writing codes easier.
- As compared to Kotlin, Java is simple to handle, and the removal of bugs is also easier.
- The standards of Java safety have a higher quality.
Disadvantages of Java
- In comparison to other languages like Python or C++, the syntax is difficult to understand.
- Some content of Java may not be available for the user as it can be unfit for the device.
- You can’t easily access the advancements in mobile development as it is not an easy task.
- It has some issues with API design in Android.
- Java development is mostly test-driven and the user has to write more codes.
- It has a higher probability of bugs and errors.
- It is a bit slower than other languages.
- It needs a good share of the device’s memory.
Few examples of projects which are made in Java:
- Uber
- Spotify
- Netflix
- Airbnb
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin has arrived on 16th February 2016, and JetBrains launched this. It is an open-source programming language that runs on JVM. Kotlin is an official language for developing android applications. It gets to break into Java byte code for further compilation which attracts a lot of Android developers. Many features make Kotlin different from Java.
Advantages of Kotlin
- Kotlin app development takes less time for compilation, lightweight, and prevents applications from taking up more space.
- Kotlin codes are smaller in size.
- It has few bugs and makes debugging faster.
- A bytecode that gets compiled by Kotlin can be executed with JVM.
- It also reduces error detection time during compilation.
- Kotlin is very secure against NullPointerException.
- It includes coroutines with interoperability with Javascript for web development.
Disadvantages of Kotlin
- It is not well established and this is the reason the developer community is less in numbers as compared to other famous programming languages.
- It matches weak patterns that make it very difficult to read the code.
- It has a small user base and support community.
- Finding a job in Kotlin is a big challenge as there are a lot of Kotlin developers are moving in the market.
Few examples of projects which are made in Kotlin:
- Trello
- Evernote
- Twidere for Twitter
- Shadowsocks
- Kickstarter
Similarities Between Java And Kotlin
Both Kotlin and Java have many similarities. For instance, Kotlin’s type system is a lot like Java that says if the developers want to convert their existing code into the new language, then it’s an easy task.
- Type System: Both languages have a similar type so, you don’t have to worry about converting your current code to the new language.
- Collections Library: Kotlin has a collection library that is very similar to Java. You can easily convert the classes too that helps the developers to try out this programming language easily.
Android app development is now a trend that helps to boost your business. The main factor to make it a…