We’ll compare and contrast Java with Kotlin in this blog.

But first, let’s learn “What is Kotlin?” before analysing the differences between Kotlin and Java. As well as, “What is Java?” Let’s have a look at Kotlin first:

• Kotlin is a Java Virtual Machine compatible open-source programming language (JVM). The language can be used on a variety of systems.
• It’s a language that blends Object-Oriented Programming (OOPs) with functional programming in a platform that’s unlimited, self-contained, and unique.

Here are some of Kotlin’s key characteristics.

1. Provides shortened coding
2. Kotlin makes use of the JVM, which combines the benefits of OOPs and functional programming.
3. Allows for quick compilation
4. Kotlin can support a wide range of extension functions without requiring any code changes.
5. You can use an IDE or the command-line interface to write Kotlin code.
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Advantages of Kotlin

1. You can extract one common codebase that targets all of them at the same time using the Kotlin Multiplatform framework.
2. Built-in null safety support in Kotlin is a lifesaver, especially on Android, which is littered with archaic Java-style APIs.
3. It’s more compact and expressive than Java, thus there’s less space for mistakes.
4. Provides code standards that are both user-friendly and intelligible.
5. Breaks down huge apps into multiple levels.
6. Makes extensive use of function types as well as advanced language constructs such as lambda expressions.

7. Aids in the creation of extension functions by developers.
8. Provides an easy and nearly automated method of constructing data classes.
9. Because Kotlin is a statically typed language, it’s simple to read and write.
This language enables the interchange and usage of Java data in a variety of ways.
10. Writing new code in Kotlin will take less time.
11. Kotlin’s code is much easier to deploy and maintain at scale.

Now that you have some insight into Kotlin, let’s talk about Java:

Java is a programming language that is multi-platform, object-oriented, and network-centric.

It’s one of the most commonly used programming languages. It was first released by Sun Microsystem in 1995 and is also used as a computing platform. Oracle Corporation later purchased it.

Features of Java

Here are the important features of Java:

1. Create a single piece of code that can be run on practically any computing platform.
2. It is intended for the development of object-oriented applications.
3. It’s a multithreaded language with memory management built in.
4. Because it is network-centric, it facilitates dispersed computing.

Advantages of Java

The advantages and disadvantages of Java are listed below.

1. Exceptions that are checked to improve error detection and resolution
2. There is extensive documentation available.
3. Access to a vast pool of skilled developers
4. A large number of third-party libraries
5. It enables you to create standard programmes and code that may be reused.
6. It’s a multithreaded environment that lets you run multiple programmes at the same time.
7. Outstanding performance
8. Libraries that are simple to navigate

KEY DIFFERENCES:

1. Object-oriented and functional programming elements are combined in Kotlin, but object-oriented programming is limited in Java.
2. Kotlin allows users to construct their own extension functions, but Java does not have any.
3. Implicit conversions are not available in Kotlin, while they are available in Java.
4. In Kotlin, there are no null variables or objects, whereas in Java, null variables and objects are a part of the language.
5. Static members are not supported in Kotlin, but they are in Java.
6. Primitive type variables in Kotlin are objects, whereas primitive type variables in Java aren’t.

7. Lambda expression is supported in Kotlin, however it is not supported in Java.
8. Variable data type requirements are not required in Kotlin, whereas variable data type specifications are required in Java.
9. Variable data type specifications are not required in Kotlin, although they are required in Java.
10. Semicolons are not required in Kotlin applications, although they are required in Java programmes.
11. Language scripting capabilities allow you to use Kotlin directly in Gradle build scripts, but Java does not.

Which is Better?

1. When all of Java’s flaws are considered, particularly the NullPointerException problem, Kotlin appears to be the superior language.

2. Despite the fact that the Android OS is based on Java, it is still an important language for any android app development.

3. If you want to ensure that your Android app development services are future-proof, you should engage Kotlin developers.

Hope you have a better understanding of these two languages and their differences.

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Have a nice day!