Kotlin Programming Language

Kotlin is not just another programming language; it’s a fresh, modern, and enjoyable Programming Language which is dominating pretty much easily the market most importantly working as alternative instead of Java and also one of the main languages for Android developers But what exactly is Kotlin, and why should you consider learning it? Let’s get straight to it.

What is Kotlin?

Kotlin is a statically-typed programming language developed by JetBrains, the same folks who created IntelliJ IDEA,  one of the most popular IDEs out there. Officially launched in 2011, Kotlin was designed to be fully interoperable with Java, which means you can use it alongside Java in your existing projects in all mobile apps which you are building. However, Kotlin isn’t just Java with a new paint job; it offers many unique features that make it stand out especially for Android developers and gamers.

Why Learn Kotlin?  
1. Conciseness: Kotlin code tends to be more concise than Java. This means you can achieve the same functionality with fewer lines of code, making your codebase cleaner and easier to maintain.  
2. Null Safety: One of the most common issues in Java is the dreaded NullPointerException. Kotlin tackles this with built-in null safety, which helps you avoid those annoying crashes in your apps.  
3. Interoperability: Kotlin is 100% interoperable with Java. You can call Java code from Kotlin and vice versa, making it a great choice for projects that already have a Java codebase.  
4. Great for Android Development: Google announced Kotlin as an official language for Android development in 2017. Since then, it has become the preferred language for many developers due to its simplicity and power.  
5. Modern Language Features: Kotlin offers many modern language features like extension functions, higher-order functions, and lambda expressions, making it a joy to work with.

Kotlin is an alternative to Java? Is it?  
While Java has been around for decades and has a massive ecosystem, Kotlin offers a fresh alternative that addresses many of Java’s shortcomings. Kotlin’s syntax is more modern and readable, making it a more enjoyable language to work with daily. Plus, with Google’s strong support, Kotlin has quickly become the go-to language for Android app development.

5 Best Resources to Learn Kotlin  
Ready to dive into Kotlin? Here are some of the best resources to get you started:
1. Kotlin Documentation (Official)  
The official documentation is always a great place to start. It’s comprehensive, up-to-date, and provides clear explanations and examples.
>Kotlin Documentation

2. Kotlin for Android Developers by Antonio Leiva  
This book is perfect if you’re already an Android developer and want to make the switch to Kotlin. It’s practical and focuses on real-world applications.
>Kotlin for Android Developers

3. JetBrains Academy Kotlin Track  
JetBrains offers an interactive Kotlin course that is perfect for beginners. You’ll build projects as you learn, which helps reinforce the concepts.
>JetBrains Academy

4. Udemy - The Complete Kotlin Developer Course  
This is one of the most popular courses on Udemy for learning Kotlin. It covers everything from the basics to advanced concepts, with lots of hands-on coding exercises.
>Udemy Kotlin Course

5. Coursera - Kotlin for Java Developers  
This course is offered by JetBrains and is perfect for Java developers who want to transition to Kotlin. It’s concise and focuses on the key differences between Java and Kotlin.
>Coursera Kotlin Course

Lastly;  
Kotlin is a fantastic language that brings modern features and a fresh approach to Java-based development. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just getting started, Kotlin is worth your time. Its concise syntax, powerful features, and growing community make it an excellent choice for building modern applications, especially on Android.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up one of the resource, start learning, and join the different Kotlin community today!