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If you’re looking to learn Kotlin programming online, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
In this article, we’ll share some of the best online Kotlin courses and tutorials, so you can start learning this popular programming language.
Table of Contents
Learning Kotlin Online: A Student’s Guide
Kotlin for Android: Why You Should Make the Switch
Kotlin is a statically typed programming language that can be used to develop Android applications.
When Kotlin started, the only platform it supported was the JVM. Today we have Kotlin/JS and Kotlin/Native, which opens up possibility to many targets such as iOS, macOS, Windows, etc. And of course Android.
However, because Kotlin originated on the JVM, there is a heavy influence of this in the documentation, learning material and available courses. Most of these assume that you know some Java and are familiar with the JVM.
Kotlin is an open source project under the Apache 2.0 license. Kotlin offers a number of features that make it an attractive option for Android development:
- null safety – Kotlin’s type system is designed to prevent null references from occurring. This can help to eliminate a whole class of potential bugs from your code.
- Extension functions – Kotlin allows you to extend existing classes with new functionality without having to subclass them. This can be very useful for adding utility functions to Android classes.
- Data classes – Kotlin provides a concise syntax for declaring data classes. This can make your code more readable and easier to maintain.
- Lambda expressions – Kotlin’s support for lambda expressions can make your code more concise and easy to read.
- Coroutines – Kotlin’s support for coroutines can make asynchronous code easier to write and more efficient to execute.
In addition to the above, Kotlin is also fully interoperable with Java.
This means that you can use Kotlin in your existing Android projects without having to rewrite your codebase.
If you’re looking for a more concise and safer way to develop Android applications, then you should definitely consider making the switch to Kotlin.
How to Learn Kotlin
If you’re interested in learning Kotlin, here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
- Choose the right resources – There are many resources available for learning Kotlin. When choosing which ones to use, consider your level of expertise and learning style. If you’re just getting started, we recommend Kotlin in Action by Dmitry Jemerov and Svetlana Isakova. This book is a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of Kotlin development, from the language basics to advanced features. Also noteworthy is Android basics in Kotlin by Google. If you’re looking for something more concise, try Programming Kotlin by Stephen Samuel and Stefan Bocutiu. This book is a great resource for experienced Java developers who want to learn Kotlin quickly.
If you prefer learning from video courses, we recommend checking out the comprehensive courses in this article. also recommended is Kotlin for Java Developers by Hadi Hariri. This course is designed specifically for Java developers who want to learn Kotlin. - Install the Kotlin plugin – If you’re going to be using Kotlin for development, you’ll need to install the Kotlin plugin. The plugin is available for IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio, and Eclipse. If you’re using IntelliJ IDEA or Android Studio, the Kotlin plugin is bundled with the IDE and enabled by default. If you’re using Eclipse, you’ll need to install the plugin manually.
- Try Kotlin online – Once you’ve installed the Kotlin plugin, you can try Kotlin right away without having to download or install anything else. The Kotlin Playground is an online REPL (read-eval-print loop) that lets you write Kotlin code and see the results immediately. This is a great way to experiment with Kotlin and see how it works.
- Write some Kotlin code – Now that you’ve installed the Kotlin plugin and tried Kotlin online, it’s time to write some Kotlin code of your own. Start by creating a new
Kotlin vs Java: Which Language Should You Learn?
As the official programming language for Android, Java has been around for a while and is a well-known and respected language.
However, Kotlin is a newer language that is gaining popularity, especially for Android development.
So, which language should you learn?
There are a few key differences between Kotlin and Java that may influence your decision.
- First, Kotlin is a statically typed language, while Java is a dynamically typed language. This means that Kotlin requires all variables to be declared with a specific type, while Java does not. This can make Kotlin code more concise and easier to read.
- Second, Kotlin has null safety built into the language, while Java does not. This means that Kotlin will not allow you to assign a null value to a variable, while Java will. This can help to avoid null pointer exceptions, which can be common in Java code.
- Finally, Kotlin is a more concise language than Java. Kotlin code can often be written in fewer lines than the equivalent Java code. This can make Kotlin code easier to read and understand.
So, which language should you learn?
If you are starting out with Android development, Java is a good choice.
However, if you are looking for a more concise and null-safe language, Kotlin may be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best course for Kotlin?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best course for Kotlin will vary depending on your level of experience and expertise. However, some recommended courses for Kotlin include "Kotlin for Android Developers" by Google, "Kotlin for Java Developers" by JetBrains, and "Kotlin Fundamentals" by Microsoft.
How do I learn Kotlin online?
There are many ways to learn Kotlin online. You can find several resources via a simple search engine query.
Some ways to learn Kotlin online include:
-Using an online code editor such as repl.it that lets you write and execute Kotlin code in your browser
-Following a tutorial on a site like Kotlin Academy
-Doing exercises on a site like Exercism.io
-Watching video tutorials on YouTube
-Reading the language documentation on the Kotlin website
Can I directly learn Kotlin?
Yes, you can directly learn Kotlin without having to learn another programming language first. Kotlin is a very concise and readable language that is easy to pick up for those with some basic programming experience. However, because Kotlin runs on the JVM, you will need some knowledge of the Java platform in order to make full use of Kotlin's features.
Is Kotlin still in demand?
Yes, Kotlin is still in demand. While the language has been on the decline in popularity over the past few years, it is still one of the most popular languages in the world.
Is it easy to learn Kotlin?
Kotlin is a concise, safe, interoperable, and tool-friendly language, but it's also easy to learn. The syntax is clean and easy to understand, and there is no steep learning curve like with some other languages. You can be up and running with Kotlin in no time.
How long will it take to learn Kotlin?
Generally speaking, it shouldn’t take more than a few weeks to get up and running with Kotlin. However, as with any language, the more you use it, the more you will learn and the better you will become at using it.
Is Kotlin or Java easier?
Some people may find Kotlin easier to learn and use than Java, while others may find Java easier. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which language is easier for them to use.
Is Kotlin or Python easier?
Python’s syntax can also be seen as an advantage as it can make code more explicit and easier to understand for experienced developers. In terms of which language is more powerful, Kotlin’s type system and support for functional programming make it a more robust option, while Python’s dynamic nature makes it more flexible. Ultimately, the decision of which language to use is likely to come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the project.
What is the Kotlin used for?
Kotlin is a versatile language that can be used for a variety of purposes. Its syntax is concise and easy to read, making it a great choice for scripting, web development, and more. Kotlin also offers type safety and null safety features, making it ideal for developing robust applications.
Conclusion
Kotlin is a great language for learning online because of its concise syntax and easy-to-understand semantics.
The Kotlin Koans are also a great resource for learning the language in an interactive way.
Overall, learning Kotlin online is a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone looking to learn a new programming language.
Resources
- Udacity Kotlin bootcamp for beginners
- Codeacademy Kotlin tutorials
- Kotlin for Java developers by Jetbrains on coursera
- Freecodecamp’s kotlin lesson on youtube
- jetbrain certified Kotlin training
- Kotlin courses on linkedin
- Educative.io’s guide to kotlin programming
Sources
- Samuel, Stephen, and Stefan Bocutiu. Programming kotlin. Packt Publishing Ltd, 2017.
- Góis Mateus, Bruno, and Matias Martinez. “An empirical study on quality of Android applications written in Kotlin language.” Empirical Software Engineering 24.6 (2019): 3356-3393.
- Oliveira, Victor, Leopoldo Teixeira, and Felipe Ebert. “On the adoption of kotlin on android development: A triangulation study.” 2020 IEEE 27th International Conference on Software Analysis, Evolution and Reengineering (SANER). IEEE, 2020.
- Ardito, Luca, et al. “Effectiveness of Kotlin vs. Java in android app development tasks.” Information and Software Technology127 (2020): 106374.
