Kotlin vs Java: As 74% of the mobile market is been covered by Android. So, the need of the good Android Developers is increasing.
Now, beside Java, the second official language for Android App Development is Kotlin, which was announced by Google on 7 May 2019.
Kotlin is a robust and statically typed Programming Language. Kotlin is created by JetBrains Company. It is a Java Virtual Machine based language.
In the developers community, this gave rise to a lots of confusion related to selection of best language for starting Android Application Development.
However, Maybe the selection process between Kotlin and Java should not be binary at all.
So, today we will take a deep look at the comparison between the two official language for Android Development, Kotlin and Java.
Table of Contents
Differences between Kotlin vs Java
Here are the Top 4 differences between Kotlin vs Java:
1. Kotlin has more Concise Code
As we know that Java has a lots of boiler plate code which means that in Java, we have to use same code again and again.
However, In Kotlin, this defect or limitation has been removed. As a result, the code of Kotlin is very much concise.
For example – Hello World code in Java is
class MyClass{
public static void main(String args[])
{
System.out.println("Hello World");
}
} Whereas Hello World code in Kotlin is
fun main(args:Array){
println("Hello World");
} So, In Java, where we have to use 10 line of code to complete some task, it can be done in less than 5 lines in Kotlin.
2. Java has a better Community Support
As you know that Java is one of the old Programming Languages which was developed in 1995.
So, over the past years, Java was improved a lot with every succeeding version.
As a result, there are lots of online resources available for learning Java and you will find a great community support for Java, if you get stuck in any problem.
However, Kotlin is a modern Programming Language.
There are not much resources and community support available for Kotlin. So, initially you could face a problem during Application Development with Kotlin.
3. Easy to learn Programming Language
If you are a beginner and just started with Programming, then Java will be comparatively much easier for you to learn.
As there is a lot of community support and learning resources available for Java.
However, if you already knew Java, then learning Kotlin will be a piece of cake for you.
As Kotlin is much similar to Java, if you remove boiler plate code from Java.
So, Kotlin is easy for you if you already know Java. As Kotlin is just the upgraded version of Java and all the limitations or defects of Java are improved in Kotlin.
4. NullPointerException
NullPointerException is a major issue for lots of Java Developer.
So In Java, you have to add the NullPointerException in your code or your project will get crashed.
However, Kotlin comes with a Null Safety. So, you will not face any NullPointerException in Kotlin.
Which one you should choose: Kotlin or Java
Based on the following 5 points you can choose the language you want to go with:
1. If you are a beginner with Programming
If you just started your Programming Journey, the best language for you is Java.
This is because, Java is much easier to understand and the community support of Java is also great as compared to Kotlin.
However, if you already know Java, then Kotlin will be easy for you.
So, if you don’t have much exposure to Programming, then for Android Development, you should go with Java.
Vice-versa, if you are already good with Java, then Kotlin will be very easy for you to learn and you can start Android Development with Kotlin as well.
2. If you want to target Enterprise Market
The biggest advantage of learning Java for Android Development is that with Java, you are not only restricted to Android Development and you have number of other options as well.
With Java, you can also enter into the Enterprise Market and you will have much more wider options.
However, with Kotlin, you will left with only choice, which is Android Development.
3. If you want to get into Freelancing
For Freelancing, you can go with any language as your clients just want the maximum features in the minimum time and amount possible.
So for Freelancing, you can go with any language, you are comfortable with.
4. If you want to work for corporate
In cooperate world, the need of Android Developer having experience with Kotlin is drastically increasing.
As Google also announced Kotlin as their first official Programming Language and most of the companies are shifting from Java to Kotlin for their Android Projects.
So, you can also expect the salary of the Developer with Kotlin experience much higher.
5. If you want to create Apps for yourself
Majority of the developers learn Android Development to create their own Apps.
So, If you want to create Apps for yourself, then you can go with any technology or language.
You can learn Java or Kotlin, based on the language you are comfortable with. You can also go with other technologies Like – Flutter or React JS.
So, for self apps, you can create your Application in any language or technology you are comfortable with, which will boost your development process.
Best Course
-> Best Course for learning Android Development with Kotlin: The Complete Android 10 & Kotlin Development Masterclass
-> Best Course for learning Android Development with Java: The Complete Android N Developer Course
Conclusion: Kotlin vs Java
Most of us still have a confusion and questions, like – Is Java dead for Android Development.
However, Java is going no where for few coming years and Google will support Java as well as Kotlin for the Android App Development.
So, the other major question that arise in mind is which one you should go with.
If you want to keep your options open and you are not targeted only to Android, then Java is best for you.
As with you can enter into Android Development as well as Enterprise Market.
If you want to build your career as Android Developer only, then you should go with Kotlin.