The app development business is growing fast with an increasing number of smartphones. According to recent studies, the mobile app business is predicting a boom of over 900 billion in 2023. Studies like this demonstrate how creating an app is vital for your business to remain afloat. But making an app is also a tricky task. Selecting a suitable coding language and a development firm that fits your business and budget is crucial.
In this blog, you will get brief details about Kotlin and a comparison with other coding languages to clear any further confusion. By the end of this blog you will get a perfect idea of why to use Kotlin in 2023 for app development.
Kotlin is an open-source, statically typed modern programming language. A general-purpose language that is used for making multi platform app development, website development, and back-end development. It’s easy to say that Kotlin is an improved version of Java that fully interoperates with Java. Kotlin is versatile, easy to code, and safer.
Kotlin is versatile and secure, making it a first choice for developing apps for several brands. Here is a list of the big brands that used Kotlin for app development.
List of Top 10 Companies Using Kotlin for app development
Netflix
Slack
Airbnb
Zomato
Tinder
Evernote
Uber
Square
Coursera
What makes it interesting is the comeback of Kotlin after hiding under the shadows for years. It rose to popularity just about the time when Google officially announced that Kotlin was their preferred language for Android app development in 2019.
Kotlin was initially introduced by JetBrains in 2011. JetBrains is a software development company based in the Czech Republic, Russia. They have been working with Java for years and wanted something different. An advanced language that can overcome the limitations of Java without hindering performance and security. To make a better Java Project, Kotlin started in 2010 as an open-source language. Later in July 2011, JetBrains unveiled Project Kotlin to the world.
The first official Kotlin 1.0 was released on February 15, 2016. The current version of present Kotlin is 1.8.20, published on April 3, 2023
After a quick history recap, let’s understand what types of features Kotlin packs that makes it a preferable choice compared to any other language.
The demanding part for any developer is to go through the testing phase and make any code secure. With the help of using programming languages like Kotlin, there is lower risk because of the null safety feature offered.
While making an app, Developers use "variables" to store information. Sometimes, these variables don't have any information, making them null.
Kotlin helps you prevent mistakes when dealing with these empty variables so you do not accidentally use them when you're not supposed to. Making the app less likely to crash or have errors. Features like this make Kotlin safe and secure and help to develop a robust error-free app that leads to better-built development.
As we discussed earlier, the creators made Kotlin to overcome the limitations of Java. Not only does Kotlin constrain the boundaries of Java, but it also works with Java codes. This means you can use it with all the Java code already out there, making it interoperable with Java.
Kotlin helps make your code future-proof, which is essential for business owners. For instance, if you made an app using Java in the past, but now you want to make changes to follow the latest trends, you can use Kotlin. Kotlin is interoperable with Java, which means that developers can modify the code for you, making it safer without affecting the quality. This way, you can ensure that your app stays up-to-date without worrying about the underlying code.
Do you know: "Leading brands like Pinterest, Uber, Kickstarter, Evernote, and many more migrated from Java to Kotlin because of the benefits Kotlin provides."
Using Kotlin to develop an app can be a cost-effective solution for businesses. Kotlin's syntax is more concise than Java, which translates to writing the same amount of code in fewer lines.
Features like null safety and extension functions make code more reliable and efficient, reducing errors and the need for costly debugging and maintenance.
Having to write less code and being less prone to errors means it reduces the time and effort required to develop an app, resulting in lower development costs.
Kotlin's code is easy to read and write, making the syntax more compact and cleaner. That means that hiring remote developers can work faster with fewer mistakes. By reducing errors and bugs, you can save money, as we talked about earlier in the last point.
Another thing to consider is the syntax of Kotlin is like modern programming languages, making it easier for businesses to find skilled remote developers. And the features offered make it easier to maintain and scale.
Quick facts: "Kotlin uses less code than Java. For a rough estimate it uses 40% less code than Java translates to faster development."
Kotlin's open-source nature is a great asset for businesses looking to build an app. Firstly, it's free to use, which means companies can build high-quality apps without worrying about licensing fees. Secondly, the language is being updated and improved by a large community of developers, which makes it more stable and secure.
Being open source also means that it will get frequent updates, translating to low maintenance and more stability for an extended period.
Finally, the open-source nature of Kotlin helps developers to work together. For example, your company is working on developing an app, but you want more workforce to complete the task. You can hire a remote developer who can collaborate with your team without coding barriers.
Java holds the top position as an alternative to Kotlin. As Kotlin developed to overcome challenges faced while using Java, Kotlin is indeed more future-proof and superior. But what are the key factors? That makes it a better choice compared to Java.
Kotlin | Java |
Pros: | Pros: |
- Compact and easy-to-read syntax | - Widespread adoption and community support |
- Null safety to prevent common errors | - Rich library ecosystem |
- Interoperability with Java code | - Strong and mature language with over 20 years of development history |
- Better support for functional programming | - High performance and scalability |
- Less Coding than Java | - Good for large enterprise applications |
- Strong type inference and type safety | - Garbage collection for automatic memory management |
- Less cost for app development, with less time | - Runs cross-platform for both Android and iOS |
- Less and compact coding results in fast compilation means faster results | |
- Runs cross-platform for both Android and iOS | |
Cons: | Cons: |
- Potentially high learning curve for Java developers | - complexity of code makes it harder to read |
- Limited support for few platforms | - Null safety is not built-in, leading to more potential for errors |
- Limited support for functional programming |
Do you know: In a May 2022 developers survey by Stackoverflow, over 70,000 developers voted. The survey asked developers which programming language they love or want to work with. Kotlin came in 6th place with 8.08% of the votes, while Java came in 10th with 5.6%. Making Kotlin a preferable choice over Java among programmers.
After understanding all the necessary details about Kotlin, it's time to answer the question by summing up all the information. Why is Kotlin a good choice for mobile app development for your business?
Easy to code makes it fast and less time-consuming, which means a quick development process.
Less time consumption means less coding translates to less money expenditure.
The majority of big brands using Kotlin makes it a reliable open-source coding language.
Because of its popularity, it gets frequent updates making it future proof and stable.
The open-source nature makes Kotlin the go-to choice for developers to work with.
The open-source nature also makes it more compatible to hire any remote developer that works with your team without any coding barrier.
Kotlin is feature-rich making it safe and secure coding.
Pack with features that help with app performance to run faster and smoother.
More popularity means it will only grow more and more.
Compatibility with Java helps it to use Java libraries.
Cross-platform support makes it suitable for both Android and iOS.
Kotlin's popularity has increased significantly over the past two years due to its rich set of features for app development. Thus, Kotlin is a fine choice if you are planning to develop an app for your business.
The popularity of Kotlin encouraged lots of new programmers to start learning it. According to a survey by JetBrains, 8% of the developers want to migrate from any other programming language to Kotlin, compared to only 3% for Java. Data like this shows that more developers are shifting toward Kotlin.
But this smooth shift also creates problems for business owners to find the right professional for app Development projects. A wrong hiring choice can turn your business upside down. So, you must choose wisely while hiring someone. If you are preparing to grow your business by making an app using Kotlin, it would be a smart decision to consider Acquaint Softtech.
Book a call for a free consultation and find the exact data you need to choose the right thing to start your App development journey.
Acquaint is the leading brand for developing apps using Kotlin and many other programming languages. We will assist you to create the perfect app that suits your business needs. Our team provides the best solutions for your business, keeping your requirements and budget in mind. With the experience of more than a decade and 12,000+ happy customers worldwide, our expert team is poised to deliver an outcome that exceeds your expectations.
Frontend web development: Custom-built design as per your needs
Backend web development: Your website needs back-end support? We are here for you.
Custom built web development: A fully custom website from scratch for your unique business
Mobile app development: Need to boost your business through custom-built applications, we do that by making all platform application
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eCommerce website development: A website that is fast and smooth, just like your business sales
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Custom-built-Apps: needed a boost up your business through custom-built applications, we do that by making all platform application
Our team of remote developers is highly trained in a range of technologies, from simple coding to advanced stacks like Laravel, Kotlin, and Django. With our remote developers or team, you can outsource your custom project to meet your needs. Need a Kotlin developer? We've got you covered. You can rely on the Acquaint team to develop a customized solution that meets the unique needs of your business.
With years of experience, you can trust us with app development services. As we developed an app for clients worldwide, we have enough experience to show. We want to share a small case study with you that allows you to understand the potential of Kotlin when used cleverly.
Today, we are talking about the example of your happy former client that works with cybersecurity providing hardware solutions that make your network safe. Acquaint helped them to build an app that allows users to control their hardware, which helps to filter out harmful viruses.
Technologies used for App Development process for Blue Box Firewall: Kotlin
What makes every business unique is how they work and represent themselves. Color and name say a lot about the brand. Colors resemble different emotions. For example, Blue portrays trust, Security, loyalty, and responsibility. Similarly Blue Box, a cybersecurity service provider, used Blue in their name, representing that they value trust and protection, filtering unwanted viruses from the network.
Blue box firewall is the team that helps to secure your Wi-Fi connection with intelligently made hardware. They built their name by making Cybersecurity hardware that provides optimum safety against all forms of ransomware and viruses. As reliable as the cybersecurity gear, they entrusted Acquaint to build an app that gives easy access to their secure hardware.
Using the best tech to build a secure app, light in size and easy to navigate.
The app is packed with features but is also easy to use and configure for novice users.
Cybersecurity in your fingertip without hindering the performance of the device.
Features that resonate with their hardware include security for everyone connected to the network.
Secure sharing and private network while sharing Wi-Fi with Guest.
Web filtering without hindering the performance of the network
Making an app that is lightweight and fast without hindering performance and packed with advanced traits that's what Blue Box needed. Our team has decided to use Kotlin for app development based on the goals as Kotlin provides concise syntax and secure coding results in the best choice for the cybersecurity app development process.
Using Kotlin, we created an app that offers every bit of network detail at the fingertip. Not only did we develop an app that is fast and error-free but secure and easy to navigate, as Bluebox wanted.
Adding web filtering was a task, as this feature delays the network while scanning fragments of information passes through the network. To overcome such a query, we did advance back testing and debugging so that it did not hinder the network performance.
We also ensure that the app not only provides advanced solutions but also caters to simple tasks that users require. Our team developed an app that is easy to configure and includes small but useful features like changing Wi-Fi settings such as passwords and names.
Working with Acquaint Softtech assisted the growth curve of Blue Box by providing a platform that helps to support their needs. Our team learned a lot working with Blue Box, helping us to push our limits. Using Kotlin for app development for cybersecurity provides the green signal for the future of Kotlin.
Kotlin is a popular programming language for app development, expected to continue growing in the future. It has several advantages over languages like Java, including improved code quality, simplified development, and increased productivity. Kotlin is also compatible with Java and used for several cross-platform app developments.
With increasing popularity, Kotlin would be a preferred choice in 2023 for the app development process for any business planning to make their app.
If your business needs an app development service. Our team is ready to help you by taking along with our step-by-step process of building your custom-made app. Contact us for a free consultation. Book a free call now.
Kotlin is an open-source, statically typed modern programming language. A general-purpose language that is used for making multi platform app development, website development, and Back-end development.
It’s easy to say that Kotlin is an improved version of Java that fully interoperates with Java. Making Kotlin versatile, easy to code, and safer because of its list of features.
The amount of time needed to develop an app in 2023 will be stirred by various factors, such as the app's complexity, the features it requires, the platform it's designed for, and the team's expertise level.
Generally, an app with a simple set of features can take 2-4 months, and an average app with decent features can take 4-6 months. An advanced app can take 6-9 months, or even more, depending on the requirements of the business.
Simple app with less set of features: 2-4 Months
Average apps with a decent number of features: 4-6 Months
Advanced apps: 6-8 months or more
There is no straight answer to a question like this because it depends on the business, requirements, and developer’s experience working on the project.
But to give you a general idea, a simple app with limited features varies from $30,000 to $50,000. Apps with a decent amount of features cost from $40,000 to $120,000. An app with all types of features will cost $150,000 to go beyond $300,000.
Simple app: $30,000 to $50,000
Average app with a decent amount of features: $40,000 to $120,000 or more
Advanced app: $150,000 and go beyond $300,000
To provide a rough estimation developing Apps like Uber's cost varies from $30,000 – $100,000. Complex apps like Netflix can vary from $25,000 to $200,000.
Deciding between Kotlin and Java depends on the specific requirements of your app and your personal preferences as a developer. Both Kotlin and Java are powerful programming languages with their strengths and weaknesses.
Java has been around for many years, is well-established in the industry, and has a massive community, which means more available developers. Meanwhile, Kotlin is a new language that has gained popularity among developers for its concise syntax and ease of use. Kotlin features and compatibility with Java make it an excellent choice for app development.
Kotlin also promotes safer code practices and reduces errors, And google also announced that Kotlin is the preferred choice making it a future of App development.
Yes, Kotlin is a Cross-platform coding language that makes it both Android and iOS-friendly.
Yes, Kotlin is fully compatible with Java, which makes it a good choice for App development
Lots of companies switched to Kotlin because of the safe and secure features that it offers. Google also officially announced that Kotlin was their preferred language for Android app development in 2019 which helped Kotlin with popularity. Top companies like Pinterest, Coursera, Evernote, Uber, Kickstarter, and several more brands have switched from other languages to Kotlin.
I love to make a difference. Thus, I started Acquaint Softtech with the vision of making developers easily accessible and affordable to all. Me and my beloved team have been fulfilling this vision for over 15 years now and will continue to get even bigger and better.
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