Kotlin vs. Java: Which is Better for Android App Development?

Android app development is very popular. Depending on the company that is developing and the company that wants to get the application, Kotlin or Java can be used for such development.

Which language to choose, what to remember and what difficulties may arise - we will tell in this article based on our experience.

What is Kotlin?

It's no secret that Android is the most popular OS in the world, and it requires a certain approach to build apps and services faster and more efficiently.

Kotlin is a statically typed programming language built on top of a Java virtual machine.

Among the main areas of Kotlin software development:

• Applications for Android.
• Server applications
• Web applications (frontend)
• Cross-platform mobile applications
• Science and big data.

What is Java?

Java is a high-level programming language that allows you to develop a large number of products of varying complexity. Java is also used to develop Android applications.

Among the main features of Java:

• automatic work with memory;
• use the garbage collector;
• work with several platforms at once.
• Java can be a great replacement for Kotlin for Android app development projects.

Key Differences Between Kotlin and Java

onsider the main factors by which these two languages ​​​​are compared from the technical side.

1. Extension functions: Kotlin has a built-in function, while Java requires you to create a class.
2. Null Safety: Available in Kotlin but not possible in Java.
3. String patterns: both Kotlin and Java have them, but expressions in Java can be different.
4. Smartcasts: available in Kotlin but not available in Java
5. Lack of checked exceptions: Kotlin has completely removed exceptions, Java has them, but application is somewhat problematic.
6. Constructors: Kotlin has a primary constructor and a secondary constructor, while Java constructors can be used to take parameters to initialize attributes.

So Kotlin and Java can be interchanged and 100% compatible.

Kotlin Benefits and Flows

As in any other language, compared to Java Kotlin has its pros and cons, which manifest themselves when using the language.

Consider the advantages that Kotlin has:

• Performance: Clear Kotlin syntax makes development easier and faster.
• Excellent compatibility with Java: any modules written in Kotlin work well in Java, and vice versa.
• Open-source: free implementation and the ability to solve almost any problem through the community is a significant advantage of this language.
• Security: Kotlin eliminates bugs that cause problems in many other languages, such as accessing a null value.
• Add-ons: when working on Kotlin language, you have access to all the frameworks and libraries that are available in Java.
• Lazy Loading: This is the ability to load only the necessary initial content of the application and significantly reduces the loading time.
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Disadvantages of Kotlin:

• Compilation speed: very often it is too slow, which developers do not like.
• Finding developers: due to the novelty of the language, there are not so many experienced developers on Kotlin

Read also: What Is Backend in Mobile App Development and How to Create a Custom One

Advantages and Disadvantages of Java

Using Java language also has its own strengths and weaknesses that are important to consider when developing.

Benefits of Java:

• Java is a fairly logical language with clear syntax, especially when compared to most languages.
• Easy to compile and debug.
• Java is platform independent.

Disadvantages of Java:

• Low speed like all high-level languages due to the use of a virtual machine..
• A large number of words in writing code.
• May require payment for commercial use.

Java vs Kotlin: Which Technology is Better?

Officially, Kotlin is considered as a development language for Android, like Swift for iOS. The choice towards Kotlin is more rational than creating an application in Java, including from a financial point of view.

Java in this vein is considered a general-purpose programming language, not only for Android, but also for other platforms. But if you, as a business owner, want to get the product faster, then of course it is better to choose Kotlin.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Native Android App

The cost of developing an application can only be determined after understanding the entire scope of work. The average cost of a simple application is approximately $40,000-60,000. At the same time, the development of a complex application can start from $300,000.

It is also important to understand that before a full-fledged version of the product, it is better to pay attention to the development of an MVP or a prototype.

Approximate application development calculations:

• Android App
• $50,000-$300,000
• 1,200h

• Web App
• $60,000-$300,000
• 1,200h

• Startup App
• $40,000-$400,000
• 1,600h

TopDevs' Experience in Native Android App Development

The TopDevs team has deep expertise in native mobile app development. We approach each project individually, forming a stack based on the client's business requirements.

Regardless of whether you want an application on iOS or Android, we are ready to start development by offering a quality working product. You can find more information about our portfolio in the corresponding section of the site.

The Final Note

As a business, you must understand the technical features that make a particular development language faster and more reliable. Kotlin was created specifically as a development language for Android to simplify the development of Android applications, and this makes it the optimal choice for such a task.

The comfort of the developer is also important here, since the final result and simplicity in improving the product in the future depend on it. If you still can't decide which app you need, we'll be happy to help you!