Kotlin is one of the famous programming languages, especially for Android. If you are a beginner, and you want to learn Kotlin, you are at the right place. This guide will help you to start Kotlin and learn it principally and create real projects.
Why should we learn Kotlin?
Before start learning this language, let’s see if it is worth learning Kotlin. There are some reasons that make this process logical:
- This language is supported by Google, and it is the officially developed Android language.
- You can learn this language easily because it has a simple syntax, and it is briefer than java.
- The other reason is that it is compatible with java, and you can use Kotlin alongside other Java projects.
- Knowing Kotlin is a high-demand skill and many technical companies are looking for Kotlin developers.
Learning Kotlin Step by step
You should learn primary principles of programming.
If you are completely new to a programming language, first start to learn fundamental concepts of programming, such as variables, data types, loops and functions. If you know some programming languages such as Java, Python or C#, then learning Kotlin is very easy for you.
Install Kotlin developing environment
To start programming at Kotlin, first you have to install a developing environment. You have 3 choices. Select which one you prefer:
- Use of Kotlin Playground: if you use a Kotlin playground, you can run Kotlin projects and codes without installation.
- Install IntelliJ IDEA: this is the official development environment for Kotlin programming.
- Install Android Studio: if you want to learn Kotlin to develop Android, then download Android Studio.
- Learning Kotlin syntax and basics
You should get familiar with Kotlin’s fundamental concepts such as:
- Variables and data types such as val and var.
- Control structures like if, when, for, while.
- Functions and lambdas.
- Classes and objects.
- Null management in Kotlin.
Registering for online Kotlin courses
There are lots of online Kotlin courses. Some of the important and famous ones are:
- Kotlin courses from zero to hero on SkillWells.
- Kotlin for beginners on Udemy.
- Kotlin training course for developing Androids on a Pluralsight site.
- Official Kotlin documents of JetBrains.
Creating small projects with Kotlin
The best way to learn kotlin is by practicing. Start to write small projects. For example, you can write code for a simple calculator or a To-Do list application. You can use APIs and write code to show weather conditions or write applications for taking notes.
Learning object-oriented and functional programming in Kotlin
Kotlin is a language that supports object-oriented programming and functional programming. To learn this kind of programming there are some concepts that you should be familiar with:
- Classes, inheritance and interfaces.
- High order functions and lambda.
- Coroutines for paraller programming.
Work on real projects
After you have learned Kotlin basics, try harder and more complicated projects. First develop a simple Android application, then work with the Kotlin standard library. Also, you can learn how to use kotlin to run tasks in the background.
Join the Kotlin community and stay up to date.
To stay up to date, register with the Kotlin community and forums such as Kotlin Slack. You can follow Kotlin’s weblogs and YouTube channels too and participate in GitHub open source projects.
Get ready for job offers in the field of Kotlin.
If you want to learn Kotlin to enter the job market, get a specialized certificate in Android and Kotlin development fields. Also, you can practice programming challenges on sites such as LeetCode and Codewars.
Conclusion
Learning kotlin as a beginner is an exciting way. Start with fundamental and basic concepts, build small projects and gradually pay for complicated subjects. Don’t stop and be persistent, create real projects and, in order to always be in learning mode, join the Kotlin development community.
Are you ready to learn Kotlin? Comment on which stage of learning you are in!
