Why Beginners in Android Development Should Start With Java

The primary reason is that Android development isn't the entirety of programming. While you may kickstart your career focused on Android, starting with a well-established language like Java means you will join a vast Java community, which naturally leads to increased job opportunities.

Moreover, the extensive community of Java developers ensures that when you encounter challenges, you can easily find solutions. This support is crucial for beginners who will inevitably face various technical hurdles.

When searching for assistance online regarding Java issues, you will likely find numerous resources. In contrast, Kotlin, being relatively new, may not offer the same breadth of available solutions.

Additionally, there is a wealth of tutorials, books, and courses available on Android development with Java. Many of these resources are accessible at no cost, while options for Kotlin, especially free educational materials, are still limited.

As time progresses and more developers adopt Kotlin, the situation may improve. However, it’s uncertain whether Kotlin will ever reach the level of popularity and widespread use that Java enjoys.

> Therefore, I believe that a beginner aspiring to become an Android developer should begin with Java instead of Kotlin.

That said, this isn't a strict rule. If you prefer Kotlin for its productivity benefits and are primarily focused on Android development, starting with Kotlin is a valid option, and "Kotlin Fundamentals" is a great introductory resource.

However, once you become familiar with Java, transitioning to Kotlin will be seamless, as Kotlin is fully interoperable with Java. It compiles into Java bytecode and operates on the JVM.

Why Java Programmers Should Learn Kotlin

Now, let’s address the second group of programmers interested in Android development: Java developers. For this audience, learning Kotlin is advantageous as it significantly enhances productivity.

In Kotlin, a class that may require 50 lines of code in Java can often be condensed to a single line. This efficiency helps eliminate boilerplate code, as Kotlin automatically generates necessary methods such as getters, setters, equals(), hashCode(), and toString().

Here’s a compelling comparison showcasing productivity and the amount of code needed between Kotlin and Java:

Developed by JetBrains, the creators of the popular Java IDE IntelliJ IDEA, Kotlin was designed to enhance productivity for Java developers. Since they couldn't rewrite all their existing code in Kotlin, they ensured its full compatibility with Java.

Because Kotlin generates Java bytecode, you can utilize your preferred Java libraries and frameworks within Kotlin, and Java developers can easily adopt Kotlin frameworks as well.

Notably, even significant Java frameworks, such as Spring, have begun incorporating Kotlin support starting from Spring 5. For updates regarding Spring 5, check out the latest features.

Although most Android code, examples, and applications are currently written in Java, this trend is likely to shift as Google has endorsed Kotlin as the official language for Android app development.

Many companies have already begun adopting Kotlin for their Android projects, which is a key reason why I believe Java developers should learn Kotlin in 2023.

If you decide to learn Kotlin in 2023, the Getting Started with Kotlin course on Pluralsight is an excellent resource tailored for Java developers, helping you dive into Kotlin without unnecessary basics.

For those who prefer reading, Kotlin in Action is also a valuable resource, covering essential Kotlin features such as var vs val, the data keyword, and functional programming.

In conclusion, whether Android developers should learn Kotlin or Java ultimately depends on their background.

As mentioned, beginners aiming to start their careers as Android developers should consider beginning with Java. This approach will not only accelerate their learning curve but also provide better community support, and a solid foundation in Java will facilitate their future Kotlin learning.

For Java developers, acquiring Kotlin skills will enhance productivity and allow them to join the niche of Java developers proficient in Kotlin, providing a competitive advantage in the job market. It’s also one of the three JVM languages Java developers should learn in 2023.

Closing Notes

Thank you for reading this article. You may feel overwhelmed by the vast array of material and courses available, but don’t fret.

Chances are, you already possess some knowledge, and many valuable free resources are accessible, as I have linked throughout this article. While I am a fan of Udemy courses for their affordability and quality, feel free to choose the options that suit you best.

Ultimately, you should aim to acquire sufficient knowledge and experience regarding the topics discussed here.

Best of luck on your journey with Kotlin! It’s undoubtedly a challenge, but following this guide will bring you closer to becoming the Android developer you aspire to be.

If you found this article helpful, consider following me on Medium (javinpaul) for updates on new posts, and don’t forget to follow javarevisited on Twitter!

Wishing you success in your Kotlin journey, and may you create amazing Android applications.

P.S. — If you wish to start with an online course to learn Kotlin, I highly recommend the Android App Development Masterclass using Kotlin as a fantastic starting point.