You can consider many options when it comes to Android app development platforms. While you can only develop IOS apps using Swift and Objective-C, you can develop Android apps using multiple languages, including Python, Java, Kotlin, HTML, C++, and C#. However, most developers prefer using either Java or Kotlin to design their apps. Java is the older of the two languages, and app developers have used it for more than a decade. On the other hand, Kotlin is a new app development language that shows a lot of promise in terms of features and compatibility. So, as a developer, which language should you use to efficiently develop small-scale or large-scale apps? Let’s find out!

Java for App Development

Java was a pretty popular programming language even before the advent of smartphones. It was one of the languages used to design the initial framework and apps of Android. Moreover, it’s still pretty relevant, as most of the applications available on the Google Play Store are programmed using Java. Apart from developing mobile apps, Java is also used for developing games, servers, web apps, and databases. Java might be one of the oldest programming languages; it is still holding up pretty well. Many alternative languages came out, but Java managed to outlive most of them. Java gives you the freedom to create feature-packed apps the way you want. The ecosystem is massive, and if you get stuck somewhere, you can easily get technical support.

Kotlin for App Development

Kotlin is a lot more recent compared to Java. Google itself introduced this language in February 2016. However, the open-source project was initiated back in 2010. However, Kotlin is not a completely different app development platform on its own. It is a general-purpose language typed for JavaScript and Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Recently, many developers are switching to Kotlin due to its advanced set of features and tools, which helps them design highly responsive and futuristic Android apps. Also, Google keeps pushing updates for its flagship Android app programming language to improve its functionality.

Benefits of Using Kotlin for Android App Development

1. Java developers can quickly adapt to Kotlin

If you are a person who has done Android app development using Java for many years, you won’t find it difficult to switch to Kotlin. Also, while working on an app development project using Java, you need a team of 4-8 highly skilled developers who work on different app development tasks. However, with Kotlin, you won’t require this many people to work on your app. Kotlin makes developing an app a lot easier than it previously was. So, you will just need 2-3 app developers to produce a feature-packed and responsive application.

2. You won’t have to code a lot

Kotlin makes app development so easy because you don’t have to code a lot. Writing multiple code pages for a single home screen is a big struggle for app developers. Also, it is difficult to detect errors and bugs in the code. This badly impacts the productivity of the app development process. There is also a lesser chance of committing errors while coding with less code. It also makes the code easily understandable for readers. A simplistic coding platform also reduces coding time and helps you focus on other aspects of your app.

3. It’s fully compatible with Java and JavaScript

Java was one of the languages that laid the foundation of the Android ecosystem. It is still one of the most crucial languages for app development to date. Therefore, if you are developing apps on Kotlin, we have good news for you. Kotlin is fully compatible with Java, which means that you will be able to use all of your favorite Java tools, frameworks, and libraries without writing a lot of code. This also makes migrating an app built in Java to Kotlin. So, no matter how massive your Java project might be, you can easily convert and compile your code efficiently through Kotlin.

4. Your code won’t have many operational errors and bugs

When you are working on a massive Java app development project, you will have to write thousands or, in some cases, even millions of code lines. Testing such massive files is a real headache. You will have to hire a separate tester to analyze your code and look for bugs and errors in so many code lines. This will just increase the production cost of your app. With Kotlin, the code gets smaller and simplified. Therefore, no matter how large the code might be in Java, it will be easily analyzable and readable in Kotlin. In such a simplified code, you will be able to find bugs and errors with ease.

5. It has an efficient compiler

For swift programming, it is crucial to have an efficient compiler that can compile massive code files within a few minutes or even seconds. Since the Kotlin team started working on this open-source project, they wanted to create an efficient and effective compiler. Now, we can safely say that Kotlin uses one of the safest and most efficient compilers out there. The best thing about Kotlin’s compiler is it detects bugs and errors during compile time instead of runtime. Also, while you code, the compiler keeps scanning your code for potential errors.

6. It has a growing community of developers

Java has a massive community of app developers. However, Kotlin is the future. It is a framework on which Google produces its current and future system applications and software. This is why Google is pushing developers to switch to Kotlin, and many developers are doing so. While Java still has a larger community of developers than Kotlin, the rate at which this new language is growing is simply remarkable. There’s also a lot of technical support available for beginners to help them adapt to this relatively new Android app development platform.

7. Kotlin can also be solely used for front-end development

Kotlin is not only great for app development, but it is compatible with JavaScript as well. Therefore, you also have access to JavaScript libraries, frameworks, and plugins. Kotlin enables developers to create a smooth, modern-looking, highly responsive UI. You also get Gradle support with Kotlin. Currently, the developers are also working on creating a hybrid Kotlin/Native system, which will allow developers to create IOS apps without having to use Swift, Apple’s flagship programming language. In the future, through Kotlin, developers will also be able to convert their Android app into IOS without having to code all over again.

8. The codes are easy to maintain

Kotlin provides support for most IDEs. It even supports Android Studio, the most common Android app development IDE. Also, as the code is smaller and more readable, it is easy to maintain and edit. Therefore, you can code and compile on an app development tool of your choice without worrying about compatibility.

9. Kotlin makes app development more efficient and productive

Building a large scale solely on Java requires a lot of effort. First, you have to write millions of code lines. Then, you also have to thoroughly check and test your code to detect errors. However, with so many files, it is quite likely you will ignore some bugs and errors despite hiring a professional tester. These issues will ruin the experience of your app’s users. If you don’t want your app to have bad ratings upon its launch, it’s better to simplify the code using Kotlin and efficiently fix the bugs in the source files.

10. It’s very concise and easy to learn

The best thing about Kotlin is, it is very easy to learn. Coding in Kotlin is a lot simpler and more concise as compared to Java. Moreover, Google has created a complete ecosystem for Kotlin. You will find the most popular and commonly used Java and JavaScript frameworks and libraries. Also, the overall development process is a lot smoother. This language gets regular updates from its creators.

Benefits of Using Java for Android App Development

Versatility

While Kotlin might have a more advanced and simplified app development system, it still doesn’t have the versatility of Java. It has been around for many years. As mentioned previously, Java was one of the first languages used to develop the initial android system and store apps. Most android app developers still use Java. It gives developers a lot of freedom, as they have many libraries and frameworks to work with. Just like Kotlin, Java is also an open-source platform. However, Java has multiple powerful app development tools, including Netbeans and Eclipse.

Community Support

Kotlin has a growing community of developers, and it is a great sign. Of course, it is always nice when developers have more options to create applications. However, is Kotlin’s community larger than Java’s? No! Java is one of the oldest programming languages, and it was even used to produce web and mobile applications before Android became a thing. Therefore, there is limitless customer support available for Java developers, with thousands of open-source libraries and frameworks to work with.

Compatibility

As Kotlin is a relatively recent app development platform, it does not support devices that have older versions of Android. However, as Java is the foundational language of Android, apps developed using this language will be compatible with much older smartphones having older versions of Android. This is a helpful feature, as many people can’t afford to buy new devices and are still using phones with an older version of Android. You can also use Java to develop applications for brands that currently don’t offer Google Play Services, like Huawei.

Issues with Java

  • Java’s type system authorizes every present null reference by default
  • There are no raw types present in it.
  • Unlike Java, Arrays have invariance in Kotlin.
  • Kotlin’s SAM-conversions have function types, while Java doesn’t.
  • In Java, there’s no need for Wildcards to deploy site variance.
  • Java did have checked exceptions, but Kotlin eliminates this need
  • There is no need for checked exceptions in Kotlin. On the other hand, Java still requires it.

Popular Apps Built Using Kotlin

  • Coursera
  • Zomato
  • Netflix
  • Uber
  • Trello
  • Duolingo
  • Kickstarter
  • Airbnb
  • Pinterest
  • Evernote
  • Tinder

Popular Apps Built Using Java

  • Minecraft
  • Twitter
  • Spotify
  • Opera Mini
  • Signal
  • CashApp
  • Nimbuzz Messenger
  • Murex

Verdict

While Java is still a commonly used app development language, it is evident Kotlin will be equally powerful in the coming years.  Its creators are expanding its ecosystem exponentially, and many coders and companies are shifting towards Kotlin. Java is by no means a bad programming language. Developers have access to a massive array of open-source development tools they can use to create an app and add various features. However, it is pretty complex as developers have a tough time programming and testing extremely lengthy codes.

Kotlin is a more advanced and simplistic programming platform for android app developers. There are enough tools, libraries, and frameworks for developers to create excellent Android applications. You can use it to create games, and unlike Java, the programming will be a lot simpler and bug-resistant. Many companies are moving towards Kotlin as the scale of applications is getting bigger, and by coding through Java, the development process won’t be time efficient at all. Also, it will require multiple developers to produce a Java-based app on time. Kotlin is the future.

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Author

Evelyn is an app developer and author at AppSocio. She uses her decade-old experience to provide relevant information to people possessing varying levels of tech knowledge. She’s been with the company for a year and works as a part-time developer and part-time author. When she’s not working, you can find Evelyn submerged in her craft supplies at home or off on a code competition.

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