What Is Kotlin and Why Use It For App Development? - 2023 Guide

What Is Kotlin and Why Use It For App Development? - 2023 Guide 1
What Is Kotlin and Why Use It
For App Development? - 2023
Guide
Introduction
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; you will get a perfect idea of why
to use Kotlin in 2023 for app development.
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is an open-source, statically typed modern programming language. A general-
purpose language is used for making multi-platform apps, websites, and backend
development. 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

Pinterest
Evernote
Uber
Square
Coursera
History of Kotlin
What makes it interesting is the comeback of Kotlin after hiding under the shadows for
years. It rose to popularity 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. Kotlin started 2010 as
an open-source language to make a better Java Project. 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
Kotlin Features
After a quick history recap, let's understand what types of features Kotlin packs that
make it a preferable choice compared to any other language.
Kotlin is Safe and secure.
The demanding part for any developer is to go through the testing phase and make any
code secure. With the help of 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
avoid accidentally using 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.
interoperability with Java
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, meaning
developers can modify the code for you, making it safer without affecting the quality.
This way, you can ensure 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."
Lower cost of making
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.
Writing less code and being less prone to errors reduces the time and effort required to
develop an app, resulting in lower development costs.
Compact and cleaner syntax
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. As
discussed in the last point, you can save money by reducing errors and bugs.
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."
Open-Source nature of Kotlin
Kotlin's open-source nature is a great asset for businesses looking to build an app.
Firstly, it's free to use, so 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 to collaborate with your team
without coding barriers.
Kotlin vs. Java
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.
Do you know: In a May 2022 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.
Why is Kotlin a good choice for app development for
your business?
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.
Most big brands using Kotlin make 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 with hiring 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 plan 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, it would be best if you choose When hiring someone. If you
are preparing to grow your business by making an app using Kotlin, consider Acquaint
Softtech.
Grow your business with app development services:
Acquaint SoftTech.
Acquaint is the leading brand for developing apps using Kotlin and many other
programming languages. We will assist you in creating 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.
Services we provide
Frontend web development: Custom-built design as per your needs
Backend web development: Your website needs backend 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 applications.
MVP development: Your first step towards success with custom-built MVP
eCommerce website development: A website that is fast and smooth, just like
your business sales
CMS development: A Custom-built CMS that fits your needs to run your business
smoothly
Database system: with our assistance, put your data in safer hands with our
custom-built Database system
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 various 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
App development using Koltin for BlueBox Firewall
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 ransomware and viruses. As reliable as the
cybersecurity gear, they entrusted Acquaint to build an app that gives easy access to
their secure hardware.
Requirements by Blue Box Firewall
Using the best tech to build a secure app, light in size and easy to navigate.
The app has 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 guests.
Web filtering without hindering the performance of the network
How Acquaint Helped Blue Box With Their Advanced
Solution
Blue Box needed to make an app that is lightweight, fast without hindering performance,
and packed with advanced traits. 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 backtesting and debugging so that it did not hinder the network performance.
We also ensure that the app provides advanced solutions and 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.
Conclusion
Kotlin is a popular programming language for app development, expected to continue
growing. 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.
Suppose 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 bespoke app.
Contact us for a free consultation. Book a free call now.
FAQ
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is an open-source, statically typed modern programming language. A general-
purpose language used for making multi-platform app development, website
development, and Backend development.
Kotlin is an improved version of Java that fully interoperates with Java. It makes Kotlin
versatile, easy to code, and safer because of its features.

How long does it take to develop an app in 2023?
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
How much does it cost for App development?
This question has no straight answer 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 decent features cost from $40,000 to $120,000. An app with all
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.
Kotlin vs. Java, which is a better choice?
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.
Can Kotlin work on different platforms? 2023 guide
Yes, Kotlin is a Cross-platform coding language that makes it Android and iOS-friendly.
Is Kotlin compatible with Java?
Yes, Kotlin is fully compatible with Java, which makes it a good choice for App
development.
Are companies switching to Kotlin in 2023?
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 others have switched from
other languages to Kotlin.

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