When developing an Android app, the first choice to make is which programming language to use. Java has been the go-to language for Android development ever since its introduction, but in recent years, Kotlin has become a valid alternative. Both languages offer advantages and drawbacks, so it is essential to be aware of the differences between them before making a decision on which is most suitable for your project.
Java is an object-oriented programming language used for creating a wide range of software applications. It was crafted in 1995 by James Gosling and is used to build the Android operating system. Java is popular because it is comparatively simple to learn and it is relatively easy to write bug-free code with it. It is also cross-platform, which means that code written in Java can be used across multiple platforms.
Kotlin is a modern, statically-typed programming language that is designed to be both secure and succinct. It was designed by JetBrains in 2011 and was adopted by Google in 2017 as the primary language for Android development. Kotlin is designed to be more concise and expressive than Java, and it is also compatible with Java code, meaning that code written in Kotlin can be used in Java programs.
One of the main benefits of Java is its prevalence. It is the most widely used programming language for Android development, and there is a vast array of documentation and resources available for it. Besides, it is a mature language that is well-tested and well-understood, making it simple to find solutions to problems which may arise during development.
One of the main advantages of Kotlin is its expressiveness. It has been created to be terse, meaning that less code is needed to produce the same result as with Java. Additionally, Kotlin is intended to be simpler to use and less susceptible to errors, thus enabling the development of reliable code. Lastly, it is compatible with Java, meaning that code written in Kotlin can be used in Java programs and vice versa.
When determining which language to use for Android development, it is important to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of each. Java is the most popular language for Android development, and it is well-tested and well-understood. Nevertheless, Kotlin is a modern language that is intended to be more concise and expressive than Java, and it is also compatible with Java code. Ultimately, the choice of which language to use depends on the unique needs of your project.