If you are planning to build Android apps or dive into software development, you have probably come across two popular programming languages: Java and Kotlin.
Both are widely used, both are supported by Google, and both are powerful but they are also different in many ways.
What is Java?
Java is one of the oldest and most popular programming languages in the world. Released in 1995, it is used for:
- Android app development
- Enterprise software
- Web apps
- Backend systems
It is known for being reliable, scalable, and object-oriented. Many banking, airline, and government systems still run on Java.
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is a modern programming language created by JetBrains and officially supported by Google for Android development since 2017.
Kotlin is fully compatible with Java, but it is cleaner, more concise, and reduces common coding errors. Many modern Android apps are now being written in Kotlin.
Why Choose Java?
- You are a beginner and want to understand core programming concepts
- You want to work in enterprise-level development
- You are applying for jobs where Java is still heavily used
- You want to build cross-platform backend systems
Why Choose Kotlin?
- You are building Android apps, Kotlin is now the default choice
- You prefer cleaner, modern, and safer code
- You want to write less code and reduce bugs
- You are working with Jetpack Compose (Android’s modern UI toolkit)
Can I Learn Both?
Absolutely. In fact, many developers do. Since Kotlin and Java work together, you can use both in the same project.
Start with one (usually Kotlin for Android), and later you will easily pick up the other.
Final Thoughts
- If you’re focusing on Android development in 2025, go with Kotlin.
- If you’re learning programming from scratch or want a solid foundation, Java is a great place to start.
Both are valuable, powerful, and highly respected in the tech industry. Also learn about kali linux.
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