Getting started with Vert.x

Vert.x is a Reactive framework that is asynchronous and non-blocking. Let's understand what this means by looking at a concrete example.

We'll start by creating a new Kotlin Gradle project or by using start.vertx.io:

1. From your IntelliJ IDEA application, select File | New | Project and choose Kotlin from the New Project wizard.
2. Then, specify a name for your project – CatsShelterVertx, in my case – and choose Gradle Kotlin as your Build System.
3. Then, select the Project JDK version that you have installed from the dropdown. The output should look as follows:

Figure 11.1 – Creating a Kotlin application

Next, add the following dependencies to your build.gradle.kts file:

val vertxVersion = "4.1.5"
dependencies {
    implementation("io.vertx:vertx-core:$vertxVersion")
    implementation("io.vertx:vertx-web:$vertxVersion...