Learn Kotlin Programming
Kotlin is a modern, concise and efficient language developed by JetBrains, widely used in Android development and server-side applications.
It offers a smooth development experience, balancing simplicity and powerful capabilities to create reliable and scalable applications.
Due to its usage in maultiple fields, there is a healthy demand for Kotlin developers, with competitive base salaries.
In this guide, we will cover:
If you're looking to learn Kotlin step-by-step, you can follow our free tutorials in the next section.
Beginner's Guide to Kotlin
Our tutorials will provide you with a strong foundation in Kotlin and prepare you for the next step in your career.
Is Kotlin for you?
Whether Kotlin is the right choice for you depends on your programming goals and career aspirations.
Kotlin from a Learning Perspective
Kotlin is a versatile programming language known for its concise syntax and powerful features, making it a preferred choice for developers seeking to create efficient and high-quality applications.
If you're interested in mobile app development, server-side programming, or building modern and robust applications, Kotlin could be a strong option.
A common question developers face is whether to learn Kotlin or Java, especially since both languages are widely used in Android development.
Let's take a quick look at a simple program written in both Kotlin and Java to highlight their differences:
Main.kt
fun main() {
val x = 5
val y = 10
println(x + y)
}
Main.java
public class Main {
public static void main(String[] args) {
int x = 5;
int y = 10;
System.out.println(x + y);
}
}
In this example, both programs do the same thing: they add two numbers and print the result.
However, the Kotlin code is more concise and straightforward. This simplicity makes Kotlin appealing, as it allows you to focus on solving problems rather than the syntax.
On the other hand, Java is a well-established language with a rich legacy in Android and other areas of software development.
Kotlin as a Career Choice
Kotlin is a widely used programming language for creating real-world applications. It is extensively used in:
- Android app development
- Backend web application
- Cross-platform mobile development
- Server-side applications and more
Thus, learning Kotlin offers significant advantages for your career opportunities.
However, there are certain fields where choosing Kotlin might not be your best option.
For example, if you're interested in frontend development, JavaScript would be a better choice. If game development is your focus, C++ would be a more suitable option than Kotlin.
Ultimately, your career goals should guide your decision on whether Kotlin is the right choice for you.
Best Ways to Learn Kotlin
There is no right or wrong way to learn Kotlin. It all depends on your learning style and pace.
In this section, we have included the best Kotlin learning resources tailored to your learning preferences, whether you prefer text-based, video-based, or interactive courses.
Text-based Tutorial
Best For: Those committed to learning Kotlin but prefer not to spend money on it.
If you want to learn Kotlin for free with a well-organized, step-by-step tutorial, you can use our free Learn Kotlin Programming - For Beginners course.
Our tutorials will guide you through Kotlin one step at a time, using practical examples to strengthen your foundation.
Interactive Course
Best For: Those who want hands-on learning, track their progress, and maintain a learning streak.
Learning to code is tough. It requires dedication and consistency, and you need to write tons of code yourself.
While videos and tutorials provide you with a step-by-step guide, they lack hands-on experience and structure.
Recognizing all these challenges, the Kotlin team provides a beginner-friendly Tour of Kotlin that introduces you to Kotlin by providing an interactive platform.
Online Video
Best For: Audio-visual learners who learn by watching others code and following along.
freeCodeCamp has uploaded Learn Kotlin Programming – Full Course for Beginners on YouTube to further guide you on your Kotlin journey with real-world programs .
Important: You cannot learn to code without developing the habit of writing code yourself. Therefore, whatever method you choose, always write code.
As you write code, you'll encounter errors. Don't worry about them; try to understand them and find solutions. Remember, programming is all about solving problems, and errors are part of the process.
How to Run Kotlin?
1. Run Kotlin in your browser.
The Kotlin team has created an online Kotlin editor to run Kotlin directly in your browser. You don't have to go through a tedious installation process. It's completely free, and you can start coding right away.
2. Use Kotlin Locally on Your Computer.
For larger projects, writing and managing Kotlin code on your local machine is important. This allows you to work efficiently with multiple files and dependencies.
To learn how to set up and use Kotlin on your computer, follow our detailed guide.
Getting Started with Kotlin
Learn how to set up and use Kotlin on your computer for larger development projects.
Learn more