The Java programming language has been a steadfast presence since 1995 and remains the go-to language for Android app development. Despite the emergence of Kotlin as the new preferred language for Android, Java continues to enjoy immense popularity and support among developers. In this article, we will delve into why Java remains a top choice for many developers and compare its features with Kotlin.
Java for Programmers
Java is a class-based, object-oriented programming language that embraces the concept of "write once, run anywhere." It was originally created by Sun Microsystems, now Oracle Corporation, and borrows syntax from languages like C and C++. Java's features make it an attractive choice for both web and mobile app developers.
Java Features
Java boasts several features that contribute to its popularity:
- Object-oriented: Java, like Python, C++, and Ruby, is an object-oriented programming language. This means that everything is an "object" containing both code and data.
- Platform independent: Java programs are converted to bytecode, allowing them to run on any platform supporting the Java runtime environment. This renders Java platform-independent.
- Secure: Due to its limited interaction with the operating system and platform independence, Java is known for its enhanced security compared to other programming languages.
- High-performing: Despite being an interpreted language, Java's just-in-time compiler ensures high performance.
- Multi-threaded: Java allows developers to write applications that execute multiple tasks in separate threads, making it versatile for multitasking purposes.
- Open-source: Over the years, Java has acquired an extensive collection of open-source libraries, facilitating the development of Java mobile apps.
- Community support: Java's rich history has fostered a large community of developers who share insights and knowledge particular to Java app development.
Must-Haves for Java Mobile Development
Java offers numerous open-source tools and libraries that contribute to its popularity for developing mobile apps. Here are some essential tools used by developers for building Java mobile apps.
Android Studio
Android Studio, the official integrated development environment (IDE) for Android, is a vital tool for Android mobile application development. Built on IntelliJ IDEA, a powerful Java-based IDE, Android Studio maximizes productivity with its feature-rich code editor and developer tools. With fast emulators, a flexible Gradle-based build system, and a unified development environment, Android Studio provides an optimal platform for Android app development.
NetBeans
NetBeans, another product from Oracle Corporation, is a free IDE specifically designed for Java. It supports the creation of mobile, desktop, and web applications. Powered by a modular architecture, NetBeans offers a range of tools and features for the entire app development process, including code analyzers, visual debuggers, and converters.
Gradle
Gradle, a flexible build automation tool operating on the Java virtual machine (JVM), is a crucial component for Java mobile development. It enables developers to use Java APIs, plugins, and custom task types in their build logic. With a build cache that optimizes task outputs, Gradle ensures high performance. Moreover, major IDEs like Android Studio and IntelliJ IDEA seamlessly import and interact with Gradle builds.
Eclipse
Eclipse is a popular IDE known for its code refactoring, syntax checking, and code completion capabilities. Eclipse's Java Development Tools project (JDT) adds full-fledged Java IDE capabilities to the Eclipse platform. Apart from the Java IDE, Eclipse offers a range of other helpful IDEs, such as C/C++, JavaScript/TypeScript, and PHP.
Oracle JDeveloper
Oracle JDeveloper is a free IDE optimized for Java-based app development. It simplifies the entire application cycle, from modeling and coding to debugging, monitoring, and deployment. With its Java database connectivity (JBDC) compliance, cross-platform capabilities, and extensive features, Oracle JDeveloper streamlines Java app development.
Java vs Kotlin
While Kotlin has gained recognition as Google's official language for Android app development, Java remains a popular choice for developers. Both languages have their strengths and are used extensively in the mobile app industry. Let's compare the two languages and explore their individual attributes.
Kotlin
Kotlin is a free, open-source programming language that runs on the JVM and serves as the official language for Android development. It can be used in various areas, including web, server, client, and Android application development. Although a relatively new language, Kotlin has proven its robustness through its powerful features and clean code.
Comparative Features
Java and Kotlin, despite interoperability, exhibit distinct features that cater to different developer preferences and project needs. Java, known for its robustness and widespread adoption, has a more verbose syntax, requiring more lines of code for certain tasks simplified by Kotlin. On the other hand, Kotlin prioritizes conciseness and readability through its modern syntax, resulting in expressive code in fewer lines. Kotlin seamlessly integrates with Java within the same project, allowing flexibility for developers transitioning between the two languages.
Performance-wise, both Java and Kotlin are comparable in Android environments, although Kotlin's features may offer runtime advantages. Both languages benefit from a robust community, where Java's longevity and large developer base contribute to valuable insights and Kotlin's rapid adoption foster an ever-growing community dedicated to its advancement in the mobile app landscape.
Safety and Reliability
Java and Kotlin place emphasis on safety and reliability, albeit through different approaches. Java employs tried-and-tested mechanisms to handle potential pitfalls, like null pointer exceptions. However, its lack of inherent null safety often requires developers to adopt rigorous practices to avoid null-related issues. Kotlin addresses nullability challenges by introducing built-in null safety features, reducing the likelihood of null reference bugs. Kotlin's type system distinguishes nullable and non-nullable references, minimizing potential runtime crashes. Exception handling also varies, with Java's checked exceptions necessitating explicit handling or propagation, while Kotlin relies on developers' discretion for handling potential errors.
Which is Better?
Choosing between Java and Kotlin depends on the project's specific requirements and context. Java's longevity, extensive libraries, and broad ecosystem make it a reliable choice for large-scale, complex systems, particularly when legacy integration is crucial. Kotlin, with its modern syntax, built-in null safety, and expressive coding capabilities, is often favored for new Android projects, offering a streamlined development experience. Additionally, Kotlin's concise syntax reduces the risk of bugs by potentially reducing lines of code. However, the choice between the two languages is not universal. Teams proficient in Java or maintaining existing Java applications may not find it worthwhile to switch to Kotlin due to the learning curve and migration efforts. Conversely, startups and new projects may benefit from Kotlin's efficiencies and modern features. Ultimately, the decision depends on aligning the language's strengths with the project's goals and the team's expertise.
In conclusion, Java remains an incredibly powerful and well-established language with a vast community and a myriad of libraries and tools for mobile app development. Its ease of learning, cross-platform capabilities, and security make it an ideal choice for app development. If you are still uncertain about choosing Java for your mobile app project, our Simple Starter package provides a comprehensive technical write-up, including details on the tech stack, wireframes, and market research for your project. Feel free to share your preferred programming languages and the reasons behind your loyalty.
