Is Kotlin Better Than Java? A Detailed Comparison for Developers
When speaking about developing Android and modern programming paradigms, a discussion between Kotlin and Java is inevitable. While Java has been one of the main programming languages for decades, Kotlin became popular especially after Google introduced it as the official Android language. But do you think Kotlin is really better than Java? In this comprehensive comparison, we review key aspects of the two languages to help developers choose one of them correctly.
General comparison between Java and Kotlin
Kotlin and Java have many similarities, but Kotlin is often admired because of its modern features and improved development experience. Let’s see how these two languages are compared in different respects.
1. Syntax and readability
| Kotlin | Java |
| Its syntax is more concise and clear. It reduces large amounts of repeated and unnecessary code. It supports inferring variable types that delete declaring explicit types neededSafety null feature, which prevents NullPointerException (NPE) at compile time. | Java has more detailed syntax that needs more lines of code. Declaring variables explicitly results in increased clarity but increases code volume. It is susceptible to NullPointerException without an additional managing mechanism. |
Result: Kotlin is the winner because of its more readable and simpler syntax.
2. performance
All two languages are compiled to JVM bite code, so their performance is nearly similar, but kotlin uses lazy loading and smart casting, which results in increased productivity of memory. On the other hand, java has received more optimization because of its long history.
Result: Java and Kotlin have the same performance in the real world.
3. null safety
One of the important Kotlin benefits is Null Safety. In Java, developers should manage NullPointerException manually, which needs additional checkouts. On the other hand, Kotlin supports Null Safety internally, which decreases run-time error probability.
Result: Kotlin is the winner because of internal Null Safety.
4. Compatibility and interaction
Kotlin is compatible with Java. That means you can use java libraries in Kotlin projects without any problem. On the other hand, java does not natively support Kotlin, but with a few changes, you can connect to Kotlin codes.
Result: Kotlin is the winner of this option too.
5. coroutine vs thread
Kotlin uses coroutines which simplify asynchronous programming and will ease code writing without blocking. Java is still dependent on threads that are more complex and use more sources.
Result: Kotlin is the winner in asynchronous programming.
6. Android development
Kotlin is advised officially by Google to develop Android and supports tools like Jetpack Compose. Java is still supported but new features and frameworks are mainly designed for Kotlin.
Result: Kotlin is the winner as a better selection for android development.
7. community and support
Java has existed since 1995 and has a wide community with massive resources and documents. On the other hand, Kotlin is newer, but it is growing faster with JetBrains and Google support.
Result: Java is the winner because of its wide support and massive resources.
8. learning
Java is a simple language, but it needs more code. Kotlin is a bit complicated, but after being a master of this language, the development period will be faster and more efficient. If you are interested the Kotlin: A Comprehensive Overview Course could be a great starting point for you!
Result: it depends on your needs. Java is simpler for beginners, but Kotlin is more useful for a long period of time.
Conclusion: which one do you choose?
If you are deciding to start an android project, or you are searching for a modern language that is briefer and safer, Kotlin is a better choice. But if you are working with old programs, or you need wide libraries of java, java is still a confident choice.
Are you ready to migrate to Kotlin?
If you are deciding to migrate from Kotlin to Java, you can use official sources such as Kotlinlang.org and Google Android developing documents. Have a wonderful programing time!