Java vs Kotlin in Android with Examples

Difference between Java and Kotlin in Android with Examples

Last Updated : 23 Nov, 2022

Kotlin

KOTLIN is a cross-platform, statically typed, general-purpose programming language with type inference. It is designed to fully interoperate with Java, but its syntax is made more concise with type inference. KOTLIN is sponsored by JetBrains and Google through the Kotlin Foundation.

• Cross-platform, statically typed, general-purpose programming language
• Type inference

Java

JAVA is an Object-Oriented Programming Language developed by JAMES GOSLING and colleagues at SUN MICRO SYSTEMS in 1991. Initially called OAK, it evolved into a full-fledged programming language capable of solving a wide range of problems similar to other languages like BASIC and C.

• Object-Oriented Programming
• OAK

Using Kotlin over Java language in Android

• Using Kotlin over Java language in Android

The introduction of Kotlin in Android development aimed to reduce code length and enhance development convenience. Anything achievable with Java can be accomplished with Kotlin for Android development. Here are some examples:

• No need for findViewByIds: In Java, findViewById is used to locate the first descendant view with a given ID. Java code:
  • Java: TextView text = (TextView) findViewById(R.id.textView); text.setText("Hello World");
  • Kotlin: textView.setText("Hello World")
• Freedom from Null Pointer Exceptions: Kotlin's default non-nullable types help avoid the pitfalls of NullPointerExceptions prevalent in Java. In Kotlin, attempting to use or return null results in a compile-time error.
  • Example: var a: String = "abc" // compilation error if a = null
• Data Class: Kotlin offers data classes to efficiently hold data and derive standard functions from the data. Such classes are marked as data in Kotlin.
  • Example: data class

Differences Between Java and Kotlin

• No need of findViewByIds: In Kotlin, you can directly reference views without using findViewByIds. For instance, in Java: TextView text = (TextView) findViewById(R.id.textView); text.setText("Hello World"); In Kotlin, this can be simplified to: textView.setText("Hello World");
• Free from Null Pointer Exception: Kotlin is designed to be null-safe, unlike Java where NullPointerExceptions are common. In Kotlin, variables are non-nullable by default, meaning they cannot hold null values. If there's an attempt to use or return null, a compile-time error is generated. For example: var a: String = "abc"; a = null; // compilation error
• Data Class: Kotlin introduces the concept of data classes, which are used to hold data along with automatically generated standard functions. These classes are marked with the 'data' keyword.

Feature Comparison

Despite the differences, Java and Kotlin are fully interoperable. They can coexist in the same project, allowing seamless integration between the two languages.

Mastering Android Development with Kotlin From Beginner to Pro - Self Paced

• Differences: Exploring the variations
• Interoperable: Compatible and able to work together

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