Last Updated: 27 Jun 2017 | 5 min read
The annual Google I/O conference is one of the most awaited ones, for the new tech surprises and announcements it heralds. This year too was no different, with Google announcing its first-class support for Kotlin as a key language for Android App Development.
Kotlin is basically a statically typed programming language that runs on Java Virtual Machine, like Java. Named after an island near St. Petersburgh, Russia, Kotlin has been developed by JetBrains, the same company that has developed tools like IntelliJ.
Java, along with C++ had so far been Google’s principle language for developing Android Apps. But, maybe not anymore, as here come Kotlin that is completely interoperable with Java. Starting with Android Studio 3.0, Kotlin will come included, so additional setup or installation will not be required for the Android developers.
As a language, Kotlin is a lot similar to Java, like being statically typed and object-oriented. Being a new language, Kotlin comes loaded with lots of new features, cleaner syntax and more such enhancements which are not present in Java. On the other hand, Java is a very old language, more prone to errors, run time exceptions and is verbose.
Kotlin is an incredible language for developing Apps by Android App Development Company, as it is cutting edge and comes with a lot of features and functionalities that are not present in other programming languages like Java. There are many benefits for an Android App Development company to go with Kotlin, namely
There are no two thoughts that Java is the Dad here. Java has been around for a very long time, as compared to Kotlin. While Java being extensively used my millions of developers till date, it is safe to assume that Java is here to stay for some more time. It may be a smart idea to combine and use Kotlin along with Java in the applications. Google has also clarified that Kotlin will only be an additional programming language, and is not a replacement for either Java or C++.
Google is tying up with JetBrains to create a nonprofit foundation to foster the Kotlin language. Kotlin is expected to run natively on other platforms like iOS and MacOS and compile on JS for web development. With a strong support and backing from the IT giant Google and commitment from JetBrains, Kotlin seems to have started with a firm footing and even may rule in the next few years.