Difference Between Java and Kotlin

Android development is among the most exciting areas of computer science. The bulk of Android applications are developed using Kotlin and Java. In this article, we will compare two programming languages that are quite similar: Java, which was introduced in 1995 by Sun Microsystems, a subsidiary of Oracle, and Kotlin, which JetBrains published in 2016.

This blog will cover the difference between Java and Kotlin, including each language's essential features, benefits, and downsides.

What is Java?

Java is an object-oriented, robust, and secure programming language. Historically, Java was known as Oak. Java is a computer platform since it has its own runtime environment JRE (Java Runtime Environment) and API (Application Programming Interface). Because Java is a platform-independent programming language, it is used to develop Android applications, whose primary purpose is that they function on any platform.

Features:

• Java is a secure programming language that generates virus-free systems.
• In Java, static members are generated just once and are shared by all class instances.
• It is resilient and offers automated rubbish pickup.
• A multithreaded language that provides automated memory management.

Advantages:

• There is a vast selection of third-party libraries available.
• Having an understanding of exceptions makes error identification and resolution simpler.
• Java documentation is exhaustive, which facilitates learning.

Disadvantages:

• The Just-in-time (JIT) compiler slows down the programme in comparison to other languages.
• High needs for system memory and computing power.
• Low-level programming constructs such as pointers are not supported in Java.

What is Kotlin?

Kotlin is a platform-independent, open-source, statically typed, and adaptable programming language with Java influences. The combination of Kotlin and Java is a challenging language for android developers. It operates on a Java virtual machine (JVM) and is an excellent choice for developing android apps, server-side applications, etc. Kotlin unrestrictively blends object-oriented programming with functional programming.

Features:

• The Kotlin programming language provides primary constructors, while secondary constructors may also be utilised if required.
• It lowers the need to write unnecessary code, hence keeping the language compact.
• It is an interoperable language, meaning it can simply call Java code, and Java can utilise Kotlin code.

Advantages:

• Kotlin is immune to null pointer exceptions.
• There are presented simple, comprehensible, and user-friendly coding standards.
• Due to its simple and concise syntax, it improves team efficiency.
• Kotlin code is far simpler to deploy and maintain.

Disadvantages:

• Since Kotlin is a highly declarative (non-procedural or high-level) language, it creates a substantial amount of boilerplate code comparable to JVM bytecode.
• The rate of compilation is slower than that of Java.
• It has a severe learning curve; switching teams to Kotlin because of its compact syntax is complex.

Java vs. Kotlin

Conclusion

Finally, we have reached the end of this detailed comparison between Java and Kotlin. We hope you like this tutorial. We have started with a brief introduction to Java and Kotlin. We also explored the advantages, disadvantages, and features of Java vs Kotlin. Finally, we have compared Java vs Kotlin.

Please let us know in the comment box if you have difficulty following along. Happy learning!

Related Questions

1. Should I learn Java or Kotlin for Android?

Java is the finest solution for a huge number of individuals since it is readily accessible. Java is a statically typed programming language introduced by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It is a flexible language that may be used for a number of purposes, including the development of web applications and Android applications.

2. Which is better between Java and Kotlin?

Finally, Kotlin provides stronger Android developer support than Java. This contains capabilities like as null safety and Android Extensions, which make designing Android apps using Kotlin far simpler than with Java. Android developers like the Kotlin compiler, which makes each Kotlin project much more effective.

3. Does Google prefer Java or Kotlin?

Since then, Google has taken this a step further by designating Kotlin its preferred language for creating Android applications in 2019; although many developers continue to use Java, Kotlin is rapidly becoming the standard method to create apps for Google's mobile operating system.

4. Can I learn Kotlin without Java?

If you do not intend to use Android, you should have a working knowledge of one language prior to studying Kotlin, since the classes are not the best and this language will help you grasp things better. However, it need not be Java.