Introduction to Kotlin Programming Language
Today we will discuss about Kotlin programming language. Through this article you will get to know about meaning of Kotlin programming language, its history, features, applications and why should we learn it. So let's start with the meaning of Kotlin programming language.
What is Kotlin programming language?
Kotlin is a simple and easy to learn programming language which runs on Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The concept of Kotlin programming language is taken from various other programming languages like Groovy, Java, Gosu, Scala, etc. Kotlin programming language is an open source programming language which can be used everywhere, where Java is used but the syntax of Kotlin programming language are not exactly similar to Java programming language. Kotlin programming language is a multi purpose or general purpose programming language which is mainly used by developers to develop Android applications. And along with the development of Android applications, Kotlin programming language is also used in other areas like client server web, server side applications, etc.
Kotlin programming language is a high level programming language which supports the feature of both object oriented and functional programming style. Kotlin programming language supports all the concepts of object oriented programming approach i.e. class, inheritance, abstraction, encapsulation and polymorphism, etc. Kotlin programming language is a statically typed programming language which provides interoperability, code safety and clarity.
History of Kotlin programming language
You all must be wondering who developed Kotlin programming language and how Kotlin got its name. There are various interesting facts related to the history of kotlin programming language. So let's discuss in detail about the history of Kotlin programming language.
The development of kotlin programming language was started in 2010 and in July 2011, the project of Kotlin programming language was introduced. Kotlin programming language was designed and developed by the company which is behind the IntelliJ IDEA i.e. JetBrains which is located in Russia. JetBrains formed a group called Kotlin foundation for the maintenance of Kotlin programming language.
Kotlin programming language was officially released in 2016 and the latest version of Kotlin programming language is Kotlin 1.5.0. The JetBrains company named Kotlin after "Kotlin Island" which is located near St. Petersburg.
Features of Kotlin programming language
There are various features of Kotlin programming language which make is popular and fastest programming language. So let's discuss in detail about the main features of Kotlin programming language.
1. General purpose
Kotlin programming language is a multi purpose or general purpose programming language which means that programmers can use Kotlin programming language in developing different applications and programs for Android and other operating platforms. The famous applications which are developed by using Kotlin programming language are Pinterest, Uber, Corda, Gradle, Square, etc.
2. Object oriented programming
Kotlin programming language supports multi paradigm like functional, imperative and object oriented. Kotlin programming language is considered as object oriented programming language as it supports all the features of object oriented programming approach. And Kotlin Programming Language also follows all concepts of object oriented programming approach like class, inheritance, abstraction, polymorphism and encapsulation, etc. The features of Object oriented programming approach makes the development and maintenance easier.
3. Open source
Kotlin programming language is an open source programming language since its origin. It means that anyone can download it from its official website and can use and modify it according to their project's requirements for free. Kotlin programming language was developed under Apache 2 license.
4. Fast compilation
It takes very less time to compile the codes written in Kotlin programming language. The performance of codes written in kotlin programming language are better and fast in comparison to other programming languages.
5. Interoperability
Kotlin Programming Language also supports the feature of interoperability. Interoperability is the ability to make use of codes of one programming language in other programming language or vice versa. Kotlin programming language can use codes written in Java and similarly Java programming language can use codes written in Kotlin programming language.
6. Easy to learn
Kotlin programming language is a modern simple and easy to learn programming language. Beginner programmers can easily learn Kotlin programming language after having knowledge of Java programming language. Kotlin programming language is easy to read and easy to write programming language.
7. Platform independent
Kotlin programming language is a cross platform and platform independent programming language. Kotlin programming language was mainly used in the development of Android applications but programmers can also use Kotlin codes on other platforms like Windows, iOS, MacOS, Linux, etc.
Some additional features of Kotlin programming language are
• Kotlin programming languages is statically typed programming language.
• Kotlin Programming Language also supports the function of extension.
• Semicolons are not required in Kotlin programming language.
• Kotlin programming language has a small runtime.
• Kotlin codes are simple and easy to read.
• Kotlin programming language supports multi paradigm like imperative, functional, etc.
• Kotlin Programming Language also provides the feature of null safety.
Applications of Kotlin programming language
Kotlin programming language is a modern, simple and powerful programming language. Kotlin programming language is an open source programming language which means that anyone can download it from its official website and use and modify it according to their requirements for free. Kotlin programming language is a multi purpose and platform independent programming language. Kotlin programming language is widely used in developing different android applications but you can also use it on other platforms like Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, watchOS, etc. The famous applications which are developed by using Kotlin programming language are Pinterest, Coursera, Trello, Basecamp 3, Evernote, etc.
Why should we learn Kotlin programming language or what are the advantages of Kotlin programming language?
You all must be wondering why should you learn Kotlin programming language or what are the advantages of learning Kotlin programming language. So, let's discuss the main advantages of kotlin programming language in detail.
• Kotlin programming language is a simple easy to read, learn and write programming language.
• The performance and compilation of codes of Kotlin programming language are very fast.
• Kotlin programming language is a multi purpose or general purpose programming language.
• Kotlin programming language is a platform independent or cross platform programming language.
• Kotlin programming languages provide the feature of null safety.
• Kotlin Programming Language also provide support to extension function.
• Kotlin Programming Language also provide the feature of interoperability to its users.
• Kotlin programming language is an open source programming language since its origin.
• Kotlin programming language is a statically typed and powerful programming language.
• It is easier to maintain codes written in kotlin programming language.
Conclusion
Above we have discussed about Kotlin programming language. Through this article you have learnt about meaning Kotlin programming language, its history, features, applications and why should we learn it. Kotlin is simple and powerful programming language which is mostly used in developing Android applications but codes of Kotlin programming language can be used in other platforms like Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, watchOS, tvOS, etc.
Kotlin programming language is easy to write and easy to read Programming Language which means beginner programmers can easily learn it. And anyone can download Kotlin programming language form its official website for free. I hope this information will be helpful to you all.