Kotlin Vs Java: Which Is Better For Android App Development?

Kotlin Vs Java: Introduction

Kotlin and Java are two predominant programming languages that rule the app development world. Especially when it comes to Android app development, you will find that these two slay the realms. To scale your business through digital breakthroughs, having an android app makes more sense, but choosing which language can be complex. A developers’ favorite- Kotlin vs Java has been used for creating hundreds of thousands of apps in the past and continues to do so. So, if you’re planning to get an Android app developed, you must know the difference between the two.

Now, given the popularity of Kotlin currently, is it more favorable than Java for creating Android apps? Java vs Kotlin android- Which is better? Questions related to these two could be many, so let’s dive deep into this topic and find out more about Kotlin vs Java and which to choose for your next Android project.

Kotlin Vs Java: Defining The Programming Languages

About Kotlin

• 2016- Kotlin was founded
• 2017- Google announced top-class support of Kotlin on Android
• 2018- Kotlin v1.3 was launched, carrying co-routines for asynchronous programming
• 2019- Google stated that Kotlin was its go-to programming language for Android app developers

Kotlin is a blend of reactive and object-oriented programming that is easier, cleaner, and faster to compile. It can run on practically every platform and device since it can compile code to byte code and execute it on JVM. Kotlin, as the programming language, is used by large tech companies to create Android apps. Trello, Twitter, and Netflix are well-known applications built with them.

About Java

Java was originally known as OAK. It was initially developed to manage set-top boxes and portable devices, but OAK turned out to be a failure. In 1995, Sun Microsystems renamed OAK Java and revised this language to reap the gifts of the WWW (World Wide Web).

In 2009, Oracle Corporation acquired Sun Microsystems consuming three paramount Sun software: MySQL, Java, and Solaris.

Most developers, even to date, use Java for Android applications, one of the first object-oriented programming languages. Open Handset Alliance used Java to create the Android OS user interface (UI). It is compatible with almost any server, gadget, and operating system. Java programming code can also run on JVM. Numerous well-known applications, like Signal, Cash App, and Spotify, were developed by developers using Java.

Kotlin Vs Java: Comparison At A Glance

Now that you know the fundamentals of Java and Kotlin, let’s discuss their main differences and understand the Java vs Kotlin android argument in depth. Take a look at their primary differences at a go.

1. Null Safety

Java: Java’s infamous NullPointerExceptions are notorious for giving developers significant headaches. The purpose of NullPointerExceptions is to give users the option of assigning a null value to every variable. But let’s say users try to utilize a null object reference. Java’s NullPointerExceptions come into play in that scenario and raise an exception that programmers must manage.

Kotlin: In Kotlin, on the other hand, it is not feasible to provide variables or objects with default null values. The code will compile incorrectly if we attempt to do this. Kotlin does not have NullPointerExceptions as a result. However, it is feasible to explicitly declare the variable as nullable if the developer wants to assign a null value.

2. Code

Java: The fact that Kotlin requires significantly less code than Java is one of its main advantages. It is a highly compact language, which reduces the possibility of coding mistakes and simplifies developers’ tasks.

Kotlin: Kotlin’s conciseness, which often needs fewer pieces of code than Java to express the same functions, makes it easier to manage the writing of massive projects. Additionally, it knows how to be simple and to the point without sacrificing the clarity of syntax.

3. Data Classes

Java: On the one hand, while using Java, programmers must create the fields (or variables) that will be used to hold the data, as well as the function Object() { [native code] }, getter, and setter methods for those fields and variables. The truth is that these classes have zero (or, at most, very little) functionality and are primarily designed to hold data.

Kotlin: Kotlin, on the other hand, offers a more straightforward method for creating classes that can contain data by only putting the “data” keyword in the class description. The function Object() { [native code] }, getter, and setter functions will then be automatically generated by the compiler for several fields and variables.

4. Checked Exceptions

Java: Java programmers have examined the support for exceptions. They must thus identify and specify exceptions. On the one hand, this could be time-consuming and annoying. Conversely, it ensures that mistakes are handled and the code is resilient. So there are benefits and drawbacks to checked exception support. In the end, it comes down to what each developer values most.

Kotlin: On Kotlin, checked exceptions aren’t supported. Developers using Kotlin do not need to detect or declare exceptions. Is this advantageous? It depends.

5. Symbol Types

A question mark (?) is typically used as a wildcard in coding to denote an uncertain type (variable, field, or parameter). Kotlin does not offer wildcards, unlike Java. Instead, it features type projections and a declaration-site variant as a substitute.

Kotlin & Java Performance In Terms Of Android App Development For Enterprises

S/N0	KOTLIN	JAVA
1	Users of Kotlin can write extension functions.	There are no extension functions available in Java.
2	Kotlin contains elements of both functional and object-oriented programming.	Only object-oriented programming is possible in Java.
3	A coroutine is a concurrency design concept in Kotlin that helps to streamline code.	Rx Java and Project Loom are the two coroutine choices that Java employs.
4	Kotlin does not need the specification of variable data types.	Variable data type requirements are necessary for Java.
5	It supports contemporary programming ideas like extensions, delegates, and higher-order functions.	Java supports the OOPS paradigm.

After discussing the distinctions between Kotlin vs Java android, it brings us to the most crucial part, Java vs Kotlin for android development. As previously mentioned, Kotlin enables the fusion of functional and object-oriented programming. Java, however, requires object-oriented programming to function. Kotlin does not support implicit conversions, unlike Java.

There are no data type requirements for variables in Kotlin. Java is an exception since all variables must have their data types declared. Kotlin programs don’t need a semicolon, but Java ones must. However, because of its interoperability, Java code may be generated using Kotlin and vice versa.

Kotlin was introduced to the market more than 15 years after Java and fixed several problems plaguing Java developers. They were inspired to transition to a more modern platform as a result.

Kotlin is demonstrating that it is a practical, contemporary, and straightforward programming language, with Google stating that it is now its language of choice for Android app developers. Moreover, Both Java and Kotlin may create practical, useful apps. However, Kotlin is now superior to Java for Android due to Google’s continued support for it in its libraries, tools, documentation, and learning materials.

Kotlin Vs Java: Pros & Cons Measured For Enterprises

Pros Of Java

1. Easy To Use & Eventually Master

The fact that Java is one of the most accessible programs to use and is less complex than C++ is one of its most lauded characteristics. You can quickly pick up reading, writing, and maintaining Java code.

2. Successful Memory Allocation

The two memory components are stack and heap. A variable is permanently assigned to the heap or stack memory areas in a Java application.

3. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

It is platform neutral and aids in the writing and compiling reusable code. Using this technique, you may break down the more complex modules into simpler ones.

Cons Of Java

1. Possesses A Slow Speed

Java is slower than native languages like C or C++ and consumes memory. This is primarily due to the additional degree of abstraction and processing performed by JVM. Garbage collection is used to allocate memory, and the software performs poorly each time.

2. Not A Good Fit For A Complex GUI

Applications created for Android using Java have a completely different default appearance from those made in native languages. Although Java has GUI builders, none is appropriate for creating intricate UI. These GUI builders also have a lot of inconsistencies.

3. With No Backup Facility

One of its main shortcomings is that Java offers no backup capability to its customers. Also, it is primarily concerned with data storage.

Pros Of Kotlin

1. Utilizable With Java Codes

Because of the compatibility already in place, developers may quickly transfer code from Java to Kotlin or add new functionality. It is possible to use both languages simultaneously if necessary.

2. Simple To Learn

Kotlin’s mission is to improve Java’s features. Therefore, if you have any experience with Java-based mobile programming, you may also use those talents for Kotlin development.

3. High-Reliability

Kotlin, which debuted on the market in 2011, has shown its dependability. Additionally, it went through several beta and alpha iterations before being formally launched. The UI is, therefore, beneficial daily and has few issues.

Cons Of Kotlin

1. Kotlin Developers Are Few Compared To The Demand

The demand for Kotlin developers is still more significant than the supply, despite talent having increased since Google announced its support for the language in 2017.

2. Different From Java

Kotlin is an original concept rather than a replica of Java. Therefore, it requires additional costs for training, as well as time to become comfortable with the program.

3. Slow Synthesis

In some circumstances, Kotlin is quicker than Java during the continuous build. Despite being slower than Kotlin, Java may produce cleaner bodies.

Are Enterprises Making A Smart Switch From Java To Kotlin?

Many companies have expressed interest since Kotlin was the official language for creating Android apps. Since the Kotlin vs java android performance discussion, there has been a stir in the Android app development business as some people prefer Kotlin, and others think Java is the best. Even well-established companies have migrated to Kotlin for their commercial apps, not only start-ups. Evernote, Pinterest, Uber, Square, as well as Pinterest are top brands.

1. Pinterest

Pinterest is a well-known website for social networking and picture sharing. The business first built its application in Java. But due to Kotlin’s stability, it chose to convert in 2016.

Kotlin enables programmers to create reliable code, improving security as well as dependability. Additionally, Kotlin has low risks of causing system failures and crashes.

2. Evernote

Evernote’s well-known note-taking app migrated to Kotlin for improved efficiency and stability. Kotlin is far more versatile in these areas than Java.

Why Choose Markovate For Kotlin & Java For Android Apps?

Depending on the app’s needs, Markovate explicitly implements the fundamental functions of Android apps using Google’s suggested Android architecture. This entails specifying how the functionality of your program interacts with other components, such as the database and the user interface. As an Android app development company, we also employ the most recent and best technologies for developing Android apps to create applications specifically tailored to your unique use case, budget, and timetable. To create safe and secure Android apps, we choose programming languages that are compatible with one another, such as Kotlin and Java.

Kotlin Vs Java: Conclusion

Kotlin, considering its convenience as well as popularity, looks like the best choice for Android app development. Both developers and businesses prefer using kotlin, and the language will probably keep growing. Java is still a fantastic general-purpose language and has long been popular among Android users, so its replacement won’t happen just away. But it may gradually shed its charm, given that change is the only constant in programming and tech.

Kotlin Vs Java: FAQs

1. Is Java good for Android development?

Java was the official language of Google, and for numerous apps on Play Store. It is one of the most supported programming languages, also best known for its features and the ability to create the best android app developments.

2. Which language is best for Android development?

Businesses used Java for android app development for the last 20 years. It was also the official language of Google. However, this has changed ever since Kotlin was released in 2016. Developers prefer Kotlin for its adaptive characteristics that are more concise and secure.

3. Which is better for an app developer: Java or Kotlin?

Kotlin, as a programming language, improves the app’s readability and is easier to maintain, making it efficient for the developers to read, write as well as maintain. The possibilities with Kotlin are almost endless. However, Java is mainly about web apps, servers, and android app development.