How Kotlin is Better than Java?

Even though Kotlin v1.0 was released only on February 15, 2016, the history of this programming language dates back to 2011. Kotlin was created by JetBrains which is also known as the best IDE providers out of their practical needs. The company had 70% of its products build on Java, but started to realize its shortcomings - mainly lavish long-windedness. They wanted a language that would be Java-compatible since rewriting everything in a completely new language seemed not a good idea. They started experimenting with Scala, but they weren't found exactly what they want. That is when the concept of a new language, Kotlin, was created.

Another Motivation behind Kotlin is fairly Straightforward:

Unless you were too busy developing mobile apps in Java for the last two years, you probably noticed that Kotlin for android developers is here and going to stay for a long time. In 2017, it doesn’t take long time for it to become the most demanding languages after Google announced Kotlin as an official language for Android.

After all being easy to get started with Kotlin for android development might require some time and practice but Java Developers could take a lot of shortcuts navigating their way through the official documentation.

Top Five Feature of Kotlin which makes it Better Language for Android Application Development

Kotlin is more Concise

First, Kotlin language is way more snappy than Java in many cases, finding the solution of the same problems with less lines of code as compared to Java. This improves code maintainability and readability. It means android app developers can write, read, and change code more effectively and efficiently. Features such as type inference, smart casts, data classes, and properties help achieve wanted results in fine way with less amount of time.

Kotlin Code is Safer

Secondly, Kotlin code is inherently safer than Java language because it prevents common programming warnings by design, resulting in fewer system errors and application crashes. When using Java, certain error causes are more likely to occur again and again. Kotlin nudges developers to think about particular problems with their code ability, hence helping them write more robust code.

Kotlin has Better Support for Functional Programming

Functional programming is a development paradigm that allows developers to solve many tasks more easily and consistently. It was also introduced in Java 8, but Kotlin has more support for functional programming. In short description, functional concepts can be used more seamlessly and explicitly with right function types. Also, performance of development can be improved via inlining, which is not currently possible in Java.

Kotlin Speeds up every-day Development Tasks

In addition, Kotlin offers a several of handy features that open door for everyday development tasks–something Java does not offer. These features include default parameter values, object declarations, extension functions, and many more. All these help speed up the development process while keeping the code base more manageable.

Kotlin helps Reduce Errors and Bugs in the Development Process

The Kotlin compiler aims to show errors fast whenever possible. This greatly facilitates searching for bugs and can even reduce them in the first place.The Kotlin compiler performs many checks, avoiding runtime errors and prevents the cost and effort of error fixes.

Java Vs Kotlin: Market Situation

The effect of Java on the development world is high, which is backed up by the reputable Tiobe Index. As of June 2018, Java has maintained its position one compared to June 2017. Kotlin, though still a modern language, has made it to the top 50 of the rankings, setting down at number 49.

Google I/O 2017 conference was marked by the promotion of Kotlin programming to the ranks of its “first class” programming languages for Android app development. It joined the good old Java and C++. The announcement has level up the interest over Kotlin, causing the spectacular growth in its popularity.

Source: realm.io