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Kotlin

Definition

Kotlin is a modern, statically-typed programming language developed by JetBrains that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It is designed to be fully interoperable with Java, offering improved syntax, more concise code, and enhanced safety features. Since 2017, Kotlin has been officially supported by Google for Android app development and has gained widespread adoption for its versatility and ease of use.

Phonetic

The phonetics of the keyword “Kotlin” can be represented as: /ˈkoÊŠt.lɪn/

Key Takeaways

  1. Kotlin is a statically-typed, cross-platform programming language that is concise, expressive, and runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), making it fully interoperable with Java.
  2. Kotlin offers many modern features and improvements like null-safety, extension functions, and smart casts, which help developers to write more readable and maintainable code.
  3. Kotlin is officially supported by Google for Android development and is quickly growing in popularity for a wide range of platforms, including web, server-side, and native applications.

Importance

Kotlin is an important technology term because it is a modern, powerful, and versatile programming language developed by JetBrains, officially supported by Google for Android app development.

It provides developers with a more concise and expressive syntax than Java, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving code readability.

Kotlin is fully interoperable with Java, allowing for seamless integration and migration of code between languages, thus making it a popular choice for both new and existing projects.

With its improved efficiency, safety features, and extensive standard library, Kotlin has garnered immense popularity among developers as a language that significantly enhances their productivity and application performance.

Explanation

Kotlin is a modern and expressive programming language that aims to improve the overall development experience for software engineers, particularly those working with Java-based platforms. Developed by JetBrains, Kotlin was created to offer a more productive and intuitive coding experience, especially for Android app development.

Its purpose is to address common frustrations associated with traditional Java programming, such as verbosity and null pointer exceptions. Kotlin has been explicitly designed with compatibility in mind and can easily interoperate with existing Java code, making it simpler to adopt for developers already familiar with the Java ecosystem.

The use of Kotlin spans from mobile apps to server-side and web development, as well as desktop applications, making it a versatile language for a wide array of software projects. Since Google announced the official support for Kotlin on the Android platform in 2017, its popularity has skyrocketed, and it has significantly improved the efficiency and maintainability of Android app development.

Some of Kotlin’s key features, such as type inference, extension functions, and higher-order functions, contribute to its concise and expressive syntax, making code easier to read and write. Ultimately, Kotlin is seen as a modern, safer alternative to Java programming, delivering a more pleasant and efficient experience for developers without sacrificing compatibility.

Examples of Kotlin

JetBrains: JetBrains, the creator of Kotlin, extensively uses the language in its own products, such as the IntelliJ IDEA integrated development environment (IDE) and other development tools. Kotlin’s seamless integration with Java and its concise and expressive syntax have made it the primary choice for developing these tools.

Trello: Trello, a popular project management and collaboration tool, has incorporated Kotlin into its Android app development. As a powerful and modern language, Kotlin enables Trello to write safer, more maintainable, and more concise code that improves the app’s overall performance and development efficiency.

Evernote: Evernote, a widely used note-taking and productivity app, has adopted Kotlin for its Android application development. The transition to Kotlin has helped Evernote deliver a better user experience, improve app stability, and streamline the development process thanks to Kotlin’s expressive syntax, easy interoperability with Java, and built-in safety features.

Kotlin FAQ

What is Kotlin?

Kotlin is a modern, statically typed programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It is developed by JetBrains, the company behind IntelliJ IDEA. Kotlin is designed to be concise, expressive, and safe, providing developers with a more enjoyable and productive coding experience.

What are the advantages of using Kotlin?

Some key advantages of using Kotlin include its null safety feature, conciseness, interoperability with Java, and support for both object-oriented and functional programming. Kotlin’s syntax is more expressive and readable than Java, which often leads to cleaner and more maintainable code. Furthermore, Kotlin has full-fledged support from Google for Android app development.

Is Kotlin compatible with Java?

Yes, Kotlin is fully interoperable with Java code, allowing developers to progressively add Kotlin code to an existing Java project or use Java libraries in a Kotlin project. This seamless integration between the two languages enables a smoother transition to Kotlin and allows developers to adopt Kotlin gradually.

Can Kotlin be used for Android development?

Yes, Kotlin is an officially supported language for Android development. Google announced Kotlin as a first-class language for Android development at Google I/O 2017, meaning that Kotlin is fully supported by Google, receives regular updates, and has the necessary tooling and documentation for Android app development.

What are some popular applications built with Kotlin?

Many popular apps, including Pinterest, Basecamp, Coursera, and Evernote, have adopted Kotlin as part of their technology stack. The accessibility and efficiency of Kotlin have made it a popular choice for developers working on both new projects and maintaining existing applications.

Related Technology Terms

  • JVM (Java Virtual Machine)
  • Android Development
  • JetBrains (Creators of Kotlin)
  • Coroutines (Kotlin’s asynchronous feature)
  • Multiplatform (Kotlin/Native, Kotlin/JS)

Sources for More Information

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