Difference Between Java and Kotlin: Java and Kotlin are both popular programming languages used for developing a wide range of applications. Java was introduced in 1995 and quickly became one of the most widely used programming languages due to its simplicity, portability, and scalability. Kotlin, on the other hand, was first introduced in 2011 by JetBrains, the same company that develops the popular IntelliJ IDEA IDE. Kotlin was designed to address some of the limitations of Java and provide developers with a more concise, expressive, and safe language for developing modern applications.
Kotlin Vs. Java: What Are the Differences?
Although both Java and Kotlin are used for developing similar types of applications, they differ in several ways, such as syntax, type inference, null safety, functional programming support, and more. Understanding the Differences Between Java and Kotlin is essential for the one who wants to choose the best tool for a particular project or learn a new language to enhance their skills. In this context, it is worth comparing and contrasting the features, advantages, and drawbacks of Java and Kotlin to determine which language is better suited for a particular development task. Without any delay, get to know Java Vs Kotlin which has been provided in a tabular format.
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Differences Between Java and Kotlin
What is Java?
Java is a high-level, object-oriented programming language that was first introduced by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It is designed to be platform-independent, meaning that Java code can run on any device or operating system that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed. Java is widely used for developing applications ranging from web and mobile apps to enterprise-level systems. It features a large standard library, robust memory management, automatic garbage collection, and support for multithreading, making it suitable for building complex and scalable applications. Java also has a large and active community of developers, with numerous libraries and frameworks available for use.
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is a modern, open-source programming language developed by JetBrains, the makers of popular development tools such as IntelliJ IDEA and ReSharper. It was first introduced in 2011 and has since gained a lot of popularity among developers, particularly those working on Android applications. Kotlin is a statically typed language that is designed to be concise, expressive, and safe. It is interoperable with Java, which means that developers can use both languages in the same project. Kotlin also features a rich standard library, support for functional programming paradigms, and strong null safety features, making it a powerful and versatile language.
Top 50 Differences Between Java and Kotlin
In the below table, we have articulated the top 50 variations between Java and Kotlin, showcasing the strengths and drawbacks of each language in different development contexts.
| S.No | Java | Kotlin |
| 1 | Uses public static void main(String[] args) as entry point | Uses fun main(args: Array<String>) as entry point |
| 2 | Requires semicolons to end statements | Does not require semicolons to end statements |
| 3 | Allows null values | Has null safety through nullable and non-nullable types |
| 4 | Uses primitive data types (int, double, etc.) | Provides optional primitive data types (Int?, Double?, etc.) |
| 5 | Uses inheritance for class extension | Uses both inheritance and composition for class extension |
| 6 | Supports checked exceptions | Does not support checked exceptions |
| 7 | Does not have extension functions | Has extension functions |
| 8 | Does not have operator overloading | Has operator overloading |
| 9 | Does not have type inference | Has type inference |
| 10 | Requires getters and setters for properties | Supports properties with automatic getters and setters |
| 11 | Uses new keyword to create objects | Does not use new keyword to create objects |
| 12 | Uses instanceof for type checking | Uses is for type checking |
| 13 | Uses == for reference equality | Uses === for reference equality and == for structural equality |
| 14 | Uses equals() for object equality | Uses == for object equality and equals() for structural equality |
| 15 | Uses static typing | Supports both static and dynamic typing |
| 16 | Does not have extension properties | Has extension properties |
| 17 | Does not have data classes | Has data classes |
| 18 | Does not have higher-order functions | Has higher-order functions |
| 19 | Does not have lambda expressions | Has lambda expressions |
| 20 | Does not have named parameters | Has named parameters |
| 21 | Does not have default parameter values | Has default parameter values |
| 22 | Does not have string interpolation | Has string interpolation |
| 23 | Does not have range expressions | Has range expressions |
| 24 | Does not have smart casts | Has smart casts |
| 25 | Does not have destructuring declarations | Has destructuring declarations |
| 26 | Does not have function types | Has function types |
| 27 | Does not have sealed classes | Has sealed classes |
| 28 | Does not have type aliases | Has type aliases |
| 29 | Does not have coroutines | Has coroutines |
| 30 | Has static methods and fields | Does not have static methods and fields |
| 31 | Requires explicit return type for functions | Supports type inference for function return type |
| 32 | Uses StringBuilder for string concatenation | Uses string templates for string concatenation |
| 33 | Uses foreach for iterating collections | Uses for loops with ranges for iterating collections |
| 34 | Uses ArrayList for dynamic arrays | Uses mutableListOf for dynamic arrays |
| 35 | Uses LinkedList for linked lists | Uses mutableListOf with LinkedList as a parameter for |
| 36 | Uses HashMap for hash tables | Uses mutableMapOf for hash tables |
| 37 | Uses HashSet for hash sets | Uses mutableSetOf for hash sets |
| 38 | Uses Arrays for fixed-size arrays | Uses arrayOf for fixed-size arrays |
| 39 | Uses Enum for enumeration types | Uses enum class for enumeration types |
| 40 | Uses interface for abstract data types | Uses interface and abstract class for abstract data types |
| 41 | Uses static keyword for static members | Uses companion object for static members |
| 42 | Uses synchronized keyword for thread safety | Uses @Synchronized annotation for thread safety |
| 43 | Uses Thread class for threading | Uses coroutines and the kotlinx.coroutines library for threading |
| 44 | Does not have extension functions for collections | Has extension functions for collections |
| 45 | Does not have extension functions for strings | Has extension functions for strings |
| 46 | Does not have extension functions for numbers | Has extension functions for numbers |
| 47 | Uses switch statement for multiway branching | Uses when statement for multiway branching |
| 48 | Uses try-catch-finally for exception handling | Uses try-catch for exception handling and finally for cleanup |
| 49 | Uses Math class for math functions | Has top-level math functions |
| 50 | Uses System.out.println for console output | Uses println for console output |
Conclusion | Kotlin Vs Java
Java and Kotlin are both powerful programming languages that offer unique features and advantages. While Java has been around for several decades and has a vast developer community, Kotlin has gained popularity in recent years for its modern features and expressiveness. Both languages can be used for a wide range of applications, from desktop and mobile apps to web development and enterprise solutions. Choosing between Java and Kotlin often depends on the specific needs and requirements of a project, as well as the expertise and preferences of the development team. Ultimately, both languages offer unique benefits, and it is up to the developers to decide which language is better suited for their particular use case.
It is believed that this article on the Top 50 Differences Between Java and Kotlin has imparted knowledge to the reader. To continue learning, it is recommended to follow our daily updates @ freshersnow.com.