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Introduction to Kotlin Programming Language - Kotlin Basics

Introduction to Kotlin Programming Language - Kotlin Basics

By Upskill Campus
Published Date:   1st October, 2024 Uploaded By:    Shriyansh Tiwari
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Want to learn Kotlin? Our guide covers everything from the basics to advanced topics. Whether you're just starting or have programming experience, we've got you covered. Kotlin is a popular language for building Android apps. This Kotlin programming language tutorial includes lessons on its features like classes, objects, inheritance, and more.


What is Kotlin Programming Language?


Kotlin is a versatile programming language used on different devices and systems. It can turn into code for computers that run Java, websites, and even standalone programs. Kotlin also makes it easy to use code from different platforms together, which helps build complex projects. In addition, you will learn Kotlin for Android in detail in this Kotlin programming language guide.

 

Kotlin was created by looking at other languages like Java, Scala, C#, and Groovy. The primary goal of Kotlin is to be practical and helpful for everyday programming. In other words, it has features and tools that make it easy to get things done. The designers of Kotlin make decisions based on what will be most useful for people who use it. 

 

Kotlin is designed to prevent errors caused by missing values (called 'null'). It can tell the difference between values that can be empty and those that always have something in them. As a result, this helps keep your code from crashing. Kotlin also has features that make it easier to work with other programming languages and write code more efficiently.


History of Kotlin Programming Language 


After understanding the programming language of Kotlin, we will move ahead towards the history under this Kotlin basics tutorial.
 

The name 'Kotlin' comes from an island in Russia. The people who created Kotlin decided to name it after an island, just like the programming language 'Java' was named after an island. In addition, they wanted to give the language a unique and memorable name. In 2011, a company called JetBrains started working on a new programming language called Kotlin. They wanted a language that was better than the others they had tried but without the slow speed of another language called Scala. Kotlin programming language was designed to be as fast as Java and was made available to everyone in 2012.

 

JetBrains hoped that Kotlin would help them sell their software. They started working on Kotlin in 2010 and released the first stable version in 2016. In 2017, Google announced that it would support Kotlin for building Android apps. Later that year, Kotlin added a feature that lets you use the same code for both computers and websites.


Syntax of Kotlin Programming Language 


Here, we will use the Hello World Code to discuss the syntax that will assist in developing Android apps with Kotlin. 

 

fun main() {

  println("Hello World")

}

 

In Kotlin, you use the word 'fun' to start a function. A function is like a mini-program that does a specific job. The 'main' function is special because it's the first thing your program does. Any code inside the curly brackets of 'main' will be run. For example, the 'println' function is inside 'main' and it prints text to the screen. In this case, it prints 'Hello World.' 

 

Before Kotlin version 1.3, you had to include 'args' in the 'main' function. However, this 'args' was used for special information that the program might need.


Kotlin Uses


Kotlin offers a modern, efficient, and safe programming language that combines the best aspects of Java while addressing its shortcomings. However, we will discuss some of its uses in this Kotlin tutorial for beginners. 

 

  • Java Familiarity: If you're comfortable with Java, Kotlin programming language’s syntax will feel familiar, making the transition smooth.
  • Concise and Expressive: Kotlin's design often allows you to write code in fewer lines, improving readability and reducing the potential for errors.
  • JVM, JS, Native: Kotlin's ability to compile to various platforms (Java Virtual Machine, JavaScript, and native binaries) expands its versatility.
  • Ease Interop: Kotlin's interoperability with Java means you can leverage existing Java libraries and frameworks in your Kotlin projects.
  • Null Safety: Kotlin's type system helps prevent common runtime errors caused by null references, leading to more reliable code.
  • Type Inference: The compiler can often infer types automatically, reducing boilerplate code and the potential for mistakes.
  • Java Frameworks: Kotlin's compatibility with Java frameworks allows you to integrate with existing Java-based projects and ecosystems.
  • Advanced Features: Kotlin's language features, such as coroutines for asynchronous programming, can enhance the capabilities of Java frameworks.
  • Community-Driven: Kotlin benefits from a vibrant and active community that contributes to its development and provides support.
  • Accessibility: The language, compiler, and tools are freely available, making it accessible to developers of all levels.


Features of Kotlin Programming Language 


Kotlin boasts a range of features that make it a compelling choice for developers. Let's explore some of the key benefits of this Kotlin beginner tutorial:

 

  • Statically Typed, Yet Flexible: Unlike some languages, Kotlin ensures type safety by knowing each variable's type at compile time. However, it avoids excessive typing, often inferring types automatically, saving you time and effort.
  • Data Classes: Less Code, More Fun: Kotlin's data classes are a lifesaver. Additionally, they automatically generate boilerplate code like equals(), hashCode(), and getters/setters, freeing you to focus on the core functionality.
  • Conciseness is King: Kotlin significantly reduces code compared to other languages. However, this not only improves readability but also minimizes the chance of errors.
  • Safety First: Kotlin prioritizes safety by making variables non-null by default. This prevents those pesky NullPointerExceptions that can plague other languages. However, you can still declare nullable variables if needed.
  • Java Integration: Since Kotlin runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), it plays nicely with Java code. You can freely access Java code from Kotlin and vice versa.
  • Functional Powerhouse: Kotlin offers a rich set of functional features including higher-order functions. As a result, this allows for a more elegant and expressive coding style.
  • Smart Casting for the Win: Kotlin's smart casting automatically infers the type of immutable values, eliminating the need for unnecessary explicit type conversions. This makes your code cleaner and more efficient.
  • Blazing-Fast Compilation: Kotlin prides itself on fast compilation times, allowing you to spend less time waiting and more time coding.
  • A Developer's Playground: Kotlin enjoys excellent tooling support. You can use popular Java IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, and Android Studio for effortless development. Plus, you can even run Kotlin programs from the command line if needed.


Kotlin Code Example


Under this Kotlin basics tutorial, we will elaborate on several examples. 

 

1. 

/* Java Code */

class Book { 

private String title; 

private Author author; 

public String getTitle() 

return title; 

public void setTitle(String title) 

this.title = title; 

public Author getAuthor() 

return author; 

public void setAuthor(Author author) 

this.author = author; 

 

2. 

 

un myFun(company: String,product: String, fn: (String,String) -> String): Unit {

    val result = fn(company,product)

    println(result)

}

 

fun main(args: Array){

    val fn:(String,String)->String={org,portal->"$org develops $portal"}

    myFun("JetBrains","Kotlin",fn)

}

 

3. 

 

fun main(args: Array){

    var string: String? = "BYE"

    if(string != null) {               // smart cast

        print(string.length) 

    }

}


Concluding Lines


Kotlin programming language is a great language for building software. In addition, it's easy to use and works well with other languages like Java. Kotlin is perfect for making apps for Android phones and other devices. Moreover, it can help you write code faster and make better programs. No matter if you're a beginner or an expert, Kotlin can help you write better code faster.

 


Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. Is Kotlin better than Java?

Ans. Kotlin language will be beneficial for Android developers. Whether you choose Kotlin or Java depends on what you need for your project and what you like to use. Both languages are popular and have their strengths. You can use either one for many different kinds of projects.


Q2. Is Kotlin frontend or backend?

Ans. Kotlin is a great language for building both the frontend and backend parts of websites. It's easy to use, and it has features that make it perfect for creating strong and reliable server-side applications.

 

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Upskill Campus

UpskillCampus provides career assistance facilities not only with their courses but with their applications from Salary builder to Career assistance, they also help School students with what an individual needs to opt for a better career.

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