• Kotlin and Java code are interchangeable. That means you can call scripts written in either language into scripts written with either languageKotlin uses both object-oriented programming and functional-oriented programming. This allows for the creation of functions separate from objects and classes.Kotlin allows for the creation of extension functions. Extension functions allow the coder to add new functions without declaring them. These functions act like static functions and can become part of created classes or predefined classes.Kotlin doesn’t use semicolons as part of the code syntax. Java-writers may have grown accustomed to the semicolon structure, but with Jet Brain’s language it’s out the window.Kotlin is an improved programming language over Java. With the support for interchangeability and its enhanced structure, it is poised to become the go-to programming language for web and mobile developers.

Aside from the ever-improving and changing hardware landscape in technology, there is also a movement to improve the way those devices are coded. As of 2019, Google has made Kotlin the official program language for Android.

If you’ve used an Android application made after the change, you’ve likely been running Kotlin developed applications without even noticing. That’s because this switch is for developers.

Most people are familiar with the term ‘Java’, even if only by name. It was released in 1995 as the backend programming language for web applications, games, audio, and video. It became so popular that it sprouted sub-languages and prompted operating system developers to include a virtual machine specifically for reading and running applications.

Kotlin was designed to provide a better experience for developers and end-users by preventing common problems without changing compatibility. Java was the first full feature programming language to take over running the internet. Being among the first of anything in software development leads to unintentional problems down the road. Kotlin was designed around common flaws in the Java structure to remove some of those unintentional problems. Part of the reason no one noticed the change as an Android user is that Kotlin compiles to the same base code that can be read by the Java Virtual Machines (JVMs) installed in modern devices. This allows developers to switch from Java to Kotlin easily.

Kotlin vs Java: Side-by-Side Comparison

In today’s development landscape, Java is no longer the center of attention. With backing from Google, Jet Brain’s Kotlin has taken over as the go-to choice in programming languages for Android and other JVM compatible systems such as iOS and popular web browsers.

That doesn’t mean Java is obsolete. Instead, both languages exist side-by-side. Some developers are too experienced and dependent on Java to retire it. At the same time, they have begun to recruit Kotlin coders to expand their horizons. As it has function-oriented features, it can be a perfect language to accompany Java applications. This is especially true with its ability to compile to the same bytecode Java uses.

What is Kotlin?

Kotlin is a multi-platform general-purpose programming language with type inference that is statically typed. The language was designed to compile code into bytecode that can be read by any JVM. This has to lead to it often being referred to as a “JVM Language”.

At first glance, a comparison between codes written in either language shows a lot of similarities and differences. The code structure is very similar between them with more similarities than differences. As both languages are interchangeable, the amount of similarities is not surprising.

Here are the key features to note with Kotlin:

  • Trimmed codingJVM support which allows support for both object-oriented programming and functional-oriented programming.Compiles quickly.Support for extension functions without changing code.Can be written in IDE or command-line interfaceSmart feature casting

What is Java?

Java is a multi-platform object-oriented programming language. It was released in 1995 and became the code of the internet. Applications are written with the language run in web browsers, games, social media applications, and media players.

Upon its initial release, Sun Microsystems sold the code language to developers with the motto “write once, run anywhe0072e”. A promise that was fulfilled by implementing JVMs into the user’s operating system. Even browsers now have a standalone JVM installed to remain independent from system features.

Here’s a quick list of the key features of Java:

  • “Write once, run anywhere”, massive platform supportDesigned for building object-oriented programsMultithreaded with automatic memory managementAllows for network-centric functions like distributed computing

What Are the Differences Between Kotlin vs Java?

Besides the features available in Jet Brain’s newer language like functional-oriented programming, Here’s a list of the differences between the two programming languages:

  • Kotlin allows the creation of extension functions which Java does not.Kotlin does not support implicit conversions, while Java does.Kotlin does not have null variables or objects. Java makes heavy use of null variables and null objects.Java supports static members while Kotlin does not.Java requires a variable datatype specification while Kotlin does not.Kotlin does not use semicolons.Kotlin supports language scripting.

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