Kotlin vs. Java: Which programming language to choose for Android app development

Android app development has become a popular way to grow your business, but the programming language you use is the most important component in determining whether or not it will be a success. Because it is widely available, java is the best solution for a number of users.

Sun Microsystems launched Java, a statically typed programming language, in 1995. It’s a versatile language that can be used for a range of tasks, including web development and Android app development. JetBrains’ Kotlin, on the other hand, is a more recent language, having been released in 2010.

Since its announcement as an official language for Android development in 2017, Kotlin has gained popularity among developers. So, in 2022, which one should you choose for Android app development?

However, the entry of Kotlin into the scene destroyed developers’ faith in Java.

According to a number of sources, sticking to Java for Android didn’t provide Google with many advantages. As a result, migrating to Kotlin felt like the best option. Taking this into consideration, let us examine the key points.

To execute new concepts in Kotlin’s modern language, Android needs calculative and to-the-point code.

It was necessary to develop a language that was more focused on security and more reliable.

The language you decide to choose is a significant decision. We’ll compare Java and Kotlin in this blog to help you pick which one to choose.

Overview: Kotlin

Kotlin is an open-source programming language created by JetBrains in 2010. Kotlin is a programming language that may be used to create Android, iOS, and desktop programs. It has Java compatibility, so you can use your existing Java skills and experience with Kotlin. This also allows you to use Kotlin for Android app development services.

Key features: Kotlin

• Java Interoperability: Kotlin makes it possible to employ Java skills and knowledge. This means that developers can continue to use their current programming language to create Android apps.
• Null Safety: Kotlin is null safe, which prevents issues that are frequently caused by missing types or incorrectly initialized arguments. It’s critical to avoid using a type as the default null value.
• Nullable Types: “null” and “nil” are not required in Kotlin. This ensures that mistakes caused by missing types and parameters are avoided. It also improves code readability.
• Properties With Automatically Produced Getters And Setters: Kotlin includes properties with automatically generated getters and setters. This means that developers will be able to build and read the Android app more quickly.
• Precise Syntax: There are no extra tokens or keywords, making the code more concise and easy to read for developers.

Overview: Java

Sun Microsystems founded Java in 1995. It’s object-oriented, imperative, and has automatic memory management built-in. Java may be used to construct Android apps as well as desktop apps and other projects, however, it must import java classes, making the code significantly more involved than Kotlin’s.

Key Features: Java

• Automatic Memory Management: With automatic memory management, developers won’t have to worry about allocating and deallocating memory in their code because the garbage collector will do it for them.
• Uses Garbage Collector: A garbage collector is used in Java to manage memory in the code automatically. This makes it easier for businesses to concentrate on their Android projects rather than worrying about memory management and resource allocation.
• Supports Multiple Platforms: Developers can start writing in Java and then move to Kotlin for Android app development projects because Java supports many platforms.

How are Kotlin and Java similar to each other?

Many similarities exist between Kotlin and Java. Kotlin’s type system, for example, is quite similar to Java’s, so developers may quickly switch their old code to the new language if they wish to give it a try.

• Type System: Because the types in both languages are comparable, you won’t have to worry about translating your existing code to the new one.
• Collections Library: Kotlin’s collections library is quite comparable to Java, and classes are also simple to convert, making it very simple for developers to try out this programming language.

Kotlin vs. Java: Comparison

Conclusion:

The competition between programming languages will get even more fierce in 2022. When it comes to Java and Kotlin, both have their own set of pros and cons.

However, it is far too soon to predict that Kotlin will take over Java in 2022. In comparison to Kotlin, Java has a very large and active user community. This is a truth that is unlikely to be replaced very soon.

Instead of concentrating and restricting themselves to a Java or Kotlin development company, businesses could choose an Android App Development Company that has knowledge in both Java and Kotlin.

In this blog, we talked about the differences and similarities between Kolin and Java. Both languages are widely used for app development, but they offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.

You can make an informed decision about which language to choose in 2022 by learning the differences between Java and Kotlin. Hire Android developers or for more information about Java, Kotlin, and other programming languages, visit OnGraph Technologies.