Does The Rise of Kotlin Signal The End Of Java?
The rise of Kotlin as an Android programming language has been seen by many as the beginning of the end for Java. Most new developers prefer to use Kotlin and in recent times, many different large-scale Android projects have shifted their whole base to Kotlin despite having functioned primarily through Java for years.
Java has a lot of weaknesses that Kotlin seemingly addresses but will this mean that Java will cease to exist as an Android programming language altogether or does this signal something else? Let’s find out!
Addressing The Rise Of Kotlin:
The KotlinConf has been the main event that has introduced the Android app development community to the advantages of coding in Kotlin. When Google first provided their official backing to Kotlin back in their Google I/O event for 2017, it was the first time, the giant that backs Android, had introduced an underlying change in the fundamental way in which apps are built for use on its OS.
The developer community was quick to jump on the bandwagon, seeing the KotlinConf as the way towards knowing more this ingenious addition to the banal coding framework that had existed till now.
While Kotlin has a lot of advantages over Java, its biggest claim to fame is its aim towards providing code sharing among every single platform the developer could want.
Multi-platform programming is one of the most fundamental ways in which you can differentiate in Java vs Kotlin.
And now, this multi-platform convenience has been taking an entirely leap ahead with the introduction of Kotlin 1.3, the latest stable version of the language.
The developer community is rejoicing in the fact that it can now remain on just one integrated development environment (IDE) and still build Kotlin powered apps for any number of platforms as per requirements.
On top of this, the way Kotlin allows developers to reuse and repurpose code has made it inherently possible for them to cater to the rising demands of powering app scalability in a much more faster turnaround time than ever before.
The biggest sign of this shift is the way in which large corporations that run top ended applications have started migrating their apps to Kotlin. From industry powerhouses like Netflix and Uber, many have taken the leap and are now developing their next round of app features via Kotlin.
This effectively implies that it is just a matter of time before nearly all major app owners make the shift to start leveraging the amazing benefits Kotlin has on offer for them.
Will Java Cease To Exist?
Whether the rise of Kotlin and it’s increasing popularity signal the end of Java is a notion that has received a polarizing response from the community thus far.
Apparently, Java has a lot of flaws and that’s easy to guess since the language was developed for a different time and for a different set of applicable uses. But with that said, still, Java powers a lot of Android apps and has a very developed ecosystem that cannot just end like that. Developers will continue to use it but albeit with collaboration through Kotlin in order to have a way to go around the problems in Java.
Kotlin’s numerous advantages, especially in terms of Android APU design, will definitely push Java on the backburner but it’s too early to say that the Java language will altogether cease to exist. Its downfall will be gradual until it’s fully submerged and incorporated in the Kotlin framework. The quintessential question of Kotlin vs Java as the better language for Android app development is going to be debated for a long time.