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Programming Language

Kotlin

What is Kotlin?

Kotlin is a statically typed programming language developed by JetBrains, aimed at modern multiplatform development. It is designed to interoperate fully with Java, allowing developers to use both languages within the same project.

Kotlin runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and can also be compiled to JavaScript and native code (through Kotlin/Native) for building applications on various platforms.

Some of the key features of Kotlin include:

  • Concise syntax: Reduces boilerplate code significantly compared to Java.
  • Null safety: Helps eliminate NullPointerExceptions by providing nullable and non-nullable types.
  • Extension functions: Allows developers to extend existing classes with new functions without modifying their source code.
  • Coroutines: Supports asynchronous programming and simplifies handling long-running tasks.
  • Multiplatform capabilities: Enables sharing code between different platforms (iOS, Android, web, etc.).

Kotlin has gained popularity among Android developers since Google announced official support for it as a first-class language for Android app development. Its friendly and approachable syntax, combined with powerful features, makes it a desirable choice for many developers.

Kotlin (programminglanguage)
Full NameKotlin
Short NameKotlin
DescriptionKotlin is a statically typed programming language developed by JetBrains
CompanyUnkown
WebYes
MobileYes
EnterpriseNo
EmbeddedNo
Snippet from Wikipedia: Kotlin (programming language)

Kotlin () is a cross-platform, statically typed, general-purpose high-level programming language with type inference. Kotlin is designed to interoperate fully with Java, and the JVM version of Kotlin's standard library depends on the Java Class Library, but type inference allows its syntax to be more concise. Kotlin mainly targets the JVM, but also compiles to JavaScript (e.g., for frontend web applications using React) or native code via LLVM (e.g., for native iOS apps sharing business logic with Android apps). Language development costs are borne by JetBrains, while the Kotlin Foundation protects the Kotlin trademark.

On 7 May 2019, Google announced that the Kotlin programming language was now its preferred language for Android app developers. Since the release of Android Studio 3.0 in October 2017, Kotlin has been included as an alternative to the standard Java compiler. The Android Kotlin compiler produces Java 8 bytecode by default (which runs in any later JVM), but lets the programmer choose to target Java 9 up to 20, for optimization, or allows for more features; has bidirectional record class interoperability support for JVM, introduced in Java 16, considered stable as of Kotlin 1.5.

Kotlin has support for the web with Kotlin/JS, either through a classic interpreter-based backend which has been declared stable since version 1.3, or an intermediate representation-based backend which has been declared stable since version 1.8. Kotlin/Native (for e.g. Apple silicon support) is considered beta since version 1.3.

GitHub Topics

Kotlin is a statically typed programming language for modern multiplatform applications. 100% interoperable with Java and Android, it now supports JavaScript and native with LLVM (including iOS). It was developed by JetBrains in 2011, and designed to be a new language for the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) that can compile quickly.

Hello World

fun main() {
    println("Hello, World!")
}

See also: Programming Languages