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.
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.
Javalin
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
- 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
- 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 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
Spring Boot
- 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
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 front-end and Android apps and backend and server-side applications.
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.