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https://packt.link/deep-engineering-javaIn this chapter, we will see the relationship between Kotlin and Java. We will be able to study basic elements of Kotlin, such as some types and I will explain some recommendations to consider, if we are starting with this language, and take advantage of previous experience with Java to master Kotlin.Before delving into the technical content, this chapter will highlight the strong points of Kotlin. We will explain that references to general elements of Java are necessary, covering not just new or old versions, but a comprehensive view. The book will maintain a neutral tone, avoiding negative comparisons between languages. Our focus will be on the technical elements of both languages to optimize your prior knowledge of Java. We aim to introduce you to the world of Kotlin in a pleasant and engaging manner, explaining the dynamics of the book and studying the types available in Kotlin.Kotlin offers several advantages...

Technical requirements

To begin we can use any text editor or Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that the reader uses of their choice with the Java language, in my case I could recommend the IDE IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition (CE) This tool already comes with everything you need to work with both, Java and Kotlin. The list of requirements for this chapter are as follows:Software required (with version):

• Java JDK 17 or higher
• IntelliJ IDEA CE
• Kotlin 1.x or 2.x

The code used in the chapters can be found on the book’s accompanying GitHub repository:https://github.com/PacktPublishing/Kotlin-for-Java-Developers-Beginner-to-Advanced

Looking at the origin

Kotlin is a language that has taken a relevant role in the world of software development in recent years. It has been linked to the Java programming language since its inception, and this is because the developers who created it used Java as a starting point. They used the concepts of Java, Groovy, C#, and Scala. Kotlin uses many features that can found in modern programming languages.Kotlin was created by JetBrains but it is also closely associated with Google, and this is because of Google's decision to make it its main language for the development of Android applications a few years ago.The reality is that Kotlin was born within the company JetBrains. The company decided to create a language that was completely interoperable with Java, but as we already mentioned, contained many modern language features. With the creation of Kotlin we can notice that they created a language that avoided being ambiguous, eliminating repetitive code, and increasing the speed...

Relationship between Java and Kotlin

At this point, we will see how we can find some similarities and differences between Java and Kotlin. We will emphasize very particular parts, in some we will not go in-depth since this book will have chapters to explain the points in detail. But we do want to share in this part with the reader what the points may be where the similarities arrive and what are the differences between the two. The main objective is for this to be the starting point to understand simple differences, but also to know that later we will explain the differences that are more complex and that deserve explanation in detail.

Types available in Kotlin

In this section, we are going to touch on the topics related to the variables and the types that are available. In this chapter, we will focus on the different types available in Kotlin, including their characteristics, behaviors, and how they contribute to safer and more expressive code. Understanding Kotlin’s type system is essential to writing robust applications, and this section will provide a clear overview of how types work and how to use them effectively.

Summary

In this chapter, we have explored the foundations of Kotlin and its significance in the world of software development. We learned about Kotlin's origins, its association with Java, and its rise in popularity, particularly due to Google's adoption of Kotlin for Android development. We also discussed Kotlin's robust ecosystem, including various libraries and tools designed to tackle common development challenges, such as asynchronous programming, dependency management, and code quality improvement. Additionally, we introduced Kotlin's key features like null safety, type inference, and its full interoperability with Java.Understanding these foundational aspects is crucial as it highlights why Kotlin is a powerful and versatile language, helping developers write cleaner, more efficient code while leveraging their existing Java knowledge. The insights gained in this chapter prepare us for more advanced topics, enabling us to appreciate and effectively use Kotlin...