Android is the leader in mobile operating systems worldwide, with a humongous 73% market share. Combined with a whopping 693 billion dollars in mobile app revenues in 2021, it is a no-brainer that android app development is a lucrative business.

1. SHOULD KOTLIN BE THE PREFERRED
CHOICE FOR ANDROID APP
DEVELOPMENT?
Mindfire Solutions is a 20+ years old, 650+ people
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2. Android is the leader in mobile operating systems worldwide, with a
humongous 73% market share. Combined with a whopping 693
billion dollars in mobile app revenues in 2021, it is a no-brainer that
android app development is a lucrative business.
With such striking numbers forecasting a bright future, many
companies are looking to develop superior android apps that can
provide enhanced user functionality and experience and decrease
device fragmentation to increase business profitability.
Having decided to create an android app, the next decision is to
choose the programming language. With its established base and
rising popularity, android apps are developed using a variety of
programming languages like Java, Kotlin, C++, C#, Python, HTML,
CSS, JavaScript, Dart, and many more.
This article addresses the issue of selecting the most appropriate
programming language for android app development. Although there
are many contenders, Kotlin seems to be making waves in the
business world. To know why, information about Kotlin and its
offerings is being discussed.

3. Then and Now: Java and Kotlin
Kotlin is a modern, cross-platform, general-purpose programming
language based on Java Virtual Machine (JVM) designed by Jet Brains
and released in 2011. In 2012, it was announced as open-source,
and in 2017, it was declared as the official Android programming
language. This triggered a massive shift from Java to Kotlin for
android app development, and the language has gained traction with
software developers with over 21.40 % of the overall market share of
apps.
Any android app development conversation always includes the
programming language of Java. Before Kotlin, Java was the
undisputed king for android app development for a long time and the
official android official programming language.
Initially, most android apps were developed using Java and hence it is
still relevant. Nevertheless, due to its complexity, long codes, error-
prone nature, null issues, and strict learning requirements, there was
a need for a better programming language. And that’s how Kotlin
came into prominence.

4. Why Kotlin for Android?
The Kotlin language was created to resolve issues faced by
developers effectively. The following benefits stress on why Kotlin is
considered as the preferred choice for android app development.
● Removal of Long-winded Java Processes
Java is a very old and verbose language and struggles to keep with
current times. It is losing popularity rapidly, owing to its error-prone
nature and extremely tedious processes (repetitive and lengthy
codes).
Kotlin’s adaptability, modernity, efficiency, and inherent features
resolve Java’s issues, and provide a safe and reliable alternative. It
empowers developers in creating robust coding that helps save time
and cost.

5. ● Increased Productivity and Performance
Writing lesser code translates to smaller file size leading to faster
implementation. It is valuable as less coding means fewer errors and
minimal development worries. Kotlin is a concise language that is
easier to write and read, resulting in cleaner codes and enhanced
performance and productivity. App developers can create high-caliber
apps quickly with its innumerable functionalities and features.
● Interoperable with Java
One of the defining benefits that have led to developers and
businesses jumping ship to Kotlin is its interoperability with Java.
Developers have the freedom to use Kotlin in Java projects without
any repercussions. This means that developers can work on both
languages simultaneously in the same mobile app project.
Thus, for Kotlin integration in an existing project, the developer needs
to add only some of its tools instead of completely reworking, without
incurring any additional cost.

6. ● Safety from Null
One of the significant benefits of Kotlin over Java is its inbuilt null
safety feature for NullPointException (NPE) that often makes the app
crash. Kotlin helps to catch NPE at compile-time and avoids app
crashing at run-time. This saves time, as it is challenging and time-
consuming to create apps in Java without using NPE.
● Open-Source and Multi-Platform Support
As Kotlin is open-source, it allows developers to develop top-notch
applications and perform core product development. Developers can
also save time by switching existing codes of Java. With Kotlin’s multi-
platform native development, developers create an application that
runs on disparate platforms.
● Effortless Learning and Integration
Kotlin was built to remove real-world developer problems and is
considered an advanced version of Java. Kotlin is easy to understand,
mature and requires less effort comparatively. Furthermore, Kotlin
supports Android Studio, the primary Android IDE.

7. ● Scalable and Migration
The current industry environment makes it a necessity to have
scalable products. Fortunately, Kotlin has taken it into perspective
and has scalability built into its design, i.e., it can increase its
functionalities and capacity based on demand. This significantly
benefits business owners due to the lower cost of developing and
maintaining Kotlin projects. It also allows smooth business migration.
● Excellent Support and Easy Set-up
With Android Studio 3.0, developers can set up Kotlin easily right at
the time of any new project configuration. It is a straight-forward
process requiring the developers to tick the “Support Kotlin
Development.”
With Google itself promoting Kotlin, there is the added benefit of
getting access to various development resources, increased technical
support, and an active expert community that can assist in resolving
any issues or developmental concerns.

8. To Sum-it-up
In answer to the title question, Kotlin, with its array of seamless coding,
learning, usability, and Java interoperability features, is dominating as
the top choice by businesses. One can see Kotlin emerging victoriously
over other programming languages for android app development.
The streamlined and efficient design of Kotlin makes it ideal for
businesses looking to develop scalable apps with smoother operations
and high performance. In addition to android apps, Kotlin also helps
developers create apps that need to maintain platform independence
and cross-compile for multiple platforms.
Like other businesses, if you too are looking to develop IT Solutions,
Mindfire Solutions can be your partner of choice. We have gained
significant experience over the years working with a diverse clientele.
We have a team of highly skilled and certified software professionals,
who have developed many custom solutions for our global clients over
the years.
Click here to know more about the application Mindfire Solution
developed with Kotlin.

9. THANKS YOU
Content Source: Medium
Contented by: Mindfire Solutions