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Kotlin

Detailed overview of Kotlin programming language for backend development.

Many well-known cases of Kotlin use involve the front end, especially for Android development. However, Kotlin can be valuable and practical for the backend, as it’s becoming an increasingly popular programming language. Kotlin displays multiple features that can be applied effectively in backend computer programming.

Concision for smoother operation.

One of the features of Kotlin for the backend is that it’s a statically-typed programming language. It also supports functional and object-oriented programming. The syntax and concepts of Kotlin code are akin to those of other popular programming languages like C#, Scala, and Java, especially the last one. Kotlin is similar to Java, as it compiles down to Java bytecode. 

Kotlin for the back-end

So, backend engineers with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) background find Kotlin easy to grasp. However, using Kotlin drastically reduces boilerplate code and improves readability thanks to built-in features like data classes, null handling, or extension functions.

Coroutines for multi-threaded applications.

Coroutines in Kotlin allow the creation of a performant multi-threaded application to unlock the total capacity for server-side programming. Coroutines help write asynchronous, non-blocking code. Using coroutines, developers can pause functions to resume them later. Writing non-blocking code does not change the programming model, so it’s similar to writing blocking code.

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Compatibility of Kotlin code with popular frameworks.

Kotlin can make an excellent language for server-side development. It’s compatible with a range of server-side frameworks. Here are some of the best ones.

Spring Boot

A framework that is widely used for creating stand-alone Spring-based web applications. Especially large-scale, production-grade ones. The best assets of Spring Boot include:
  • Easy to install and set up
  • Derives from the Spring ecosystem
  • Modular framework
  • Compatible with many external libraries
  • Designed with the enterprise requirements in mind
  • It has a dense community of developers

Javalin

Javalin is considered a lightweight web framework for Kotlin and Java developers. It supports server-side network configuration components like Web Sockets, HTTP2 and asynchronous programming requests.

Javalin was created as a clone of Java with added Kotlin framework – Spike. It is easy to use and can be implemented by beginners. It is also updated regularly since its first release. Here are the most important pros of the Javalin framework:

  • Its adaptiveness for beginners can help those who are switching backend languages and moving to Kotlin
  • Includes several tutorials and manuals for seamless adoption
  • It can help perform tasks rapidly
  • It’s embedded in the Jetty server
  • It makes a real micro-framework
  • It uses Lambda-based Web Socket API
  • Compared to its alternatives, it’s lightweight and fast

KTor

This lightweight framework can help reduce the effort required for web development. It’s compatible with most technologies used for a project and doesn’t manipulate them. KTor was developed by JetBrains for creating web applications in Kotlin. The benefits of using this framework include the following:
  • Reliability and stability
  • It works on a minimum memory footprint
  • It makes a rapid development framework
  • It can be an excellent tool for prototyping
  • Similarly to Javalin, it is a real micro-framework

Spark

Spark is one of the earliest rapid-development expressive Kotlin or Java web frameworks. It can also be used in higher-level Kotlin development. It’s not as popular as other frameworks, especially about micro-services. However, it has some good benefits, which include the following:
  • Swift and lightweight
  • Occupies a minimum memory footprint
  • It’s also a real micro-framework
  • It is an embedded Jetty server
  • Fully compatible with Angular
  • Easy to set up
  • Most suitable for rapid prototyping

Vert.X

It’s an ecosystem for building reactive applications in different programming languages. It comes with powerful tools and detailed documentation and is thoroughly compatible with Kotlin libraries. Vert.X can create reactive web applications for the Java Virtual Machine. What are the key features that make it attractive for developers?
  • It can be used for rapid development
  • It comes as a complete set of tools
  • Well modularised
  • Smaller memory footprint compared to Spark
  • Supports WebSockets
  • Follows the Reactive systems approach
  • Excellent for developing loosely-coupled, flexible and highly-scalable applications

Benefits of Kotlin in the backend.

Multiple benefits come from adopting Kotlin for backend systems. Both beginners and advanced devs can apply it. For example, the Kotlin plugin can make an ideal transition tool for a Java developer, as it allows easy conversion of Java to Kotlin.

 

Kotlin’s concision can help reduce the boilerplate code and compile time. All of the above make this language an excellent tool for Android apps and backend and server-side applications.

Benefits of Kotlin in the back end

Enhance your project with Kotlin now.

Given the multiple benefits coming from it, you might want to start applying Kotlin in your new and current projects. If you would like to learn more about its uses in backend applications, don’t hesitate and contact us for assistance.

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