In the discussion between Kotlin vs. Golang, many are asking, “Which is better in app development for the Android industry?”
Since its launch, Java has become a leader of the Android app development market. Recently, Kotlin, another advanced programming language, is increasingly getting the attention of global Android developers. Kotlin is gaining momentum as many offshore developers use the new programming language.
Currently, Kotlin is part of the top 20 programming languages. This article provides a comparison of Kotlin vs. Golang. How each language differs from the other? Why one is more preferred by some developers.
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is considered an open source language. This programming language is based on the Java Virtual machine (JVM). It was conceptualized by Russia-based JetBrains developers. Kotlin, like a new language, joins the latest Android Studio version 3.0.
For two decades, Java is the widely used programming language in the market. It is known for its exemplary features and functionalities that provide high-quality performance. However, Java has its own shortcomings in the process. Then, there came the ‘aging’ period of Java. This is when Kotlin becomes a better option. Kotlin is recognized as an innovative, sophisticated, and advanced Android language that offers a different set of benefits. Below are some of the benefits of why you should give Kotlin a try.
Enhanced exchange of information
Have you encountered a situation handling the same project, where two different programming languages are being used? In Kotlin, this makes things possible. When you are using Kotlin, you do not have to shift to another project or modify the current code. You can right away use the program features that ensure the app development process to be completed easily.
Reduced coding
Kotlin simplifies your tasks. You do not need to write a hundred lines of codes when you can speed up the process by having fewer lines of codes? The common volume of codes that is necessary when you write in Java for a task is reduced by 20% less in writing codes when using Kotlin. This brings many Android developers worldwide are going crazy over Kotlin. For them, this means 'less coding' feature minimizes the boilerplate coding required and improves the code execution.
Easy to learn
One of the benefits of Kotlin is that it is easy to understand the program. Compared to Android O version, Kotlin is easier to master by reading through the set of language references. It provides a lean with an intuitive syntax that is easy to comprehend among Java experts. Once you have acquired the Java skills, learning Kotlin comes very natural for you to use.
Safer and more secure
Using Kotlin is a safer option among programmers. Essentially, with Kotlin, you can prevent critical errors such a NullPointerException, an object that has a null value. The compiler can right away identify mistakes. At some instances, a developer has tendencies to commit simple errors or might not be aware of some glitches. Thanks to the Kotlin compiler, which can easily detect these things.
No cost needed
The word 'free' or getting something at 'zero cost' is an attention grabber for many people. Kotlin is one of them. Being an open source language, using Kotlin is free to use and you will not spend anything to get it. You only need a converter tool for transferring all your Java files into Kotlin and everything is fine. You are ready to begin using this advanced and high-end programming language.
Although Kotlin is a popular language being used by many developers today, for the novice in the Android app development, it is highly advised to master Java initially before learning Kotlin.
How Golang can be helpful for your business?
With the presence of different programming technologies, Google's Golang for business is a trendy option. Aside from its popularity, it is also interesting as many companies described it according to avid Golang and software developers who have tried it.
However, many first-time users ask, "Is Golang/Go a good contender that can be used for different software app development tasks for various platforms and solutions?" Below are some insights about Go, along with several facts to consider in understanding the language better.
How Golang started
In 2007, Go was launched by Google. The brains behind Golang were Robert Griesemer, Rob Pike, and Ken Thompson. Officially it was announced in 2009 and Go 1.0 was released to the public in March 2012.
In November 2009, Go has been widely used at Google and by some developers. The compiler for Golang ‘gc,’ is designed as an open source software, which targets different platforms, such as OS X, Linux, Windows, various Unix, and BSD versions. Also, this has been available in mobile tools, such as smartphones. Other leading firms using Golang include Cloudflare, Dropbox, Digitalocean, Soundcloud, Sendgrid, Bitly, and Stathat while others began to follow using Golang to substitute their current software.
Golang features
The Golang is filled with sophisticated technology features. Go was an offshoot of the existing languages and systems programming environments that faced some issues. Some programmers encountered several difficulties in their tasks and selected software was partly to be blamed. One needs to look for an efficient compilation, flawless execution or ease in programming. However, all these three features are available in the current mainstream language. Most developers usually consider ease over safety and efficiency by shifting to dynamically typed languages like Python and JavaScript instead of C++ or Java.
With Golang’s superior features on multiple platforms, it has been widely used in business and several organizational frameworks, along with its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, which provides a vital operational function when optimizing the recent development in technology solutions. Several technologies that Golang is applicable consist of Internet of Things (IoT), field mobility, connected enterprise, scalable infrastructure, and cloud as a backend, which are also considered technology focus areas that provide increased business growth.
Golang can assist in delivering scalable architecture in managing complex server system for better throughput. Let's get an in-depth understanding of Golang's applicability to today’s industry.
Golang for different enterprises
For Tobias Lütke, CEO and founder of Shopify, Golang is set as the server language of the future. In several enterprises, Golang is widely used in customer relationship management (CRM) process.
Golang is employed for business entities as entrepreneurs strategize, manage and analyze different customer interactions and data throughout in client lifecycle. There is the main objective of enhancing Golang for establishing business relationships with clients, increasing customer retention, and improving sales growth.
CRM software integrates customer details and related documents into one CRM database so business users can use the information and establish high and effective probability customer conversions. Many vendors began using CRM with Golang substituting their current systems like Python. Golang has the capacity to provide real-time access of high volume of customer data or popularly called as Big data at less effort needed.
New enhancements for Golang
In the upcoming applications, mobile development will be a new feature of Golang with its more advanced libraries compared to the existing mobile app platforms.
Docker is being a new trendy tool that can be used for packaging and implementing apps in handy containers. It eases the isolation, packaging, and deployment of applications, which make it highly acceptable among system administrators.
The man behind Docker is Solomon Hykes, who highlighted Go's libraries, concurrency primitives, and faster deployment as essential factors. He stressed if Docker was not been written in Go, it would surely have failed.
Golang has many things in store in the future with the ability to provide smart Golang for different business solutions.
