Kotlin vs. Java : Which is the Better Option for Android App Development?

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What is Java?

Released in 1995, Java is an object-oriented statically-typed programming language and computing platform. Acquired by Oracle Corporation, Java is employed in the development of Android apps, server apps, web apps, websites, and embedded systems. Many developers still prefer Java for Android app development. It boasts the title of the second-most active language on Github. And, there is no wonder, Java has been around for over 20 years, and its popularity only seems to grow. ‍

Advantages of Java

  • Easy to learn, understand & flexible
  • A good choice for cross-platform apps
  • Java has a large open-source ecosystem
  • Java apps are more compact as compared to Kotlin. Java apps tend to be lighter.
  • Java possesses a faster build process than Kotlin.

‍Disadvantages of Java

  • Java comes with limitations such as it causes problems with Android API design.
  • Being a verbose language, Java requires writing more code as it carries a higher risk of bugs and errors.
  • This programming language is slower in comparison to many other languages since it requires a lot of memory.

Where it is Used?

Check out the following examples of prominent open source apps, which are written in Java:

What is Kotlin?

Designed by programmers from JetBrains, Kotlin is a cross-platform, statistically typed, and general-purpose programming language with type interference. It targets the JVM, Android, JavaScript, and Native. An open-source language developed under the Apache 2.0 license, Kotlin combines both object-oriented and functional programming features. Kotlin possesses the support of all major Java IDEs including Android Studio, Eclipse, and NetBeans.

Advantages of Kotlin

  • It is easier to switch from Java to Kotlin.
  • Kotlin includes smart extension functions to help developers build clean APIs.
  • It has null in its type system. Nullability problems are a common pain point in Java. Android often uses null to represent the absence of a value. Kotlin solves it by placing null directly in its type system.
  • Kotlin is more concise than Java. It means fewer opportunities for errors.
  • Adopting Kotlin does not cost anything.
  • Kotlin is compatible with all Java libraries and frameworks, the JVM (Java Virtual Machine), and can be integrated with Gradle or Maven build systems.

Disadvantages of Kotlin

  • Slower compilation speed than Java. Although, Kotlin was shown to beat Java.
  • It has a smaller developer community. This means limited learning resources and difficulty in finding answers to questions.
  • Experienced Kotlin developers are still a rarity. So, finding a mentor for your team might be tricky.
  • The Android Studio’s auto-complete and compilation inclines to run slower in comparison to pure Java project.

Where it is Used?

Check out two popular apps written in Kotlin:

Kotlin and Java Syntax Comparison

Like Java, C, and C++, Kotlin has statically typed programming language. Statically typed programming languages are those languages in that variables do not need to be defined before they are used. It means that static typing has to do with explicit declaration or initialization of variables before they are employed.

In static typing, it does not mean that it is mandatory to declare all the variables first before we use. Variables may be initialized anywhere in the program and we as developers have to do so, to use those variables in the program when there is a requirement. Let’s take an example -

* Java Code */

static int num1, num2; //explicit declaration

num1 = 60; //use the variables anywhere

num2 = 55;

/* Kotlin Code*/

val a: Int

val b: Int

a = 78

b = 100

Additionally, Kotlin also supports procedural programming with the use of functions. Like in Java, C and C++, the entry point to a Kotlin program is a function named “main”. Basically, it passed an array containing any command-line arguments.

According to Google Trends

Difference Between Kotlin and Java

The Final Verdict

Both Android programming languages, Kotlin and Java, have their own strong points. Choosing the right one, you will need to consider the long-term strategic aspects of both platforms, including the fact that Google is moving towards to Kotlin and slowly moving away from Java.

Making the right choice for your Android mobile app development can be tricky if there is a lacking of a complete range of skills and team. We highly recommend you take professional advice before hiring a mobile app development company or partner.




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