How To Learn Kotlin For Beginners From Scratch

How To Learn Kotlin

Ready to start learning Kotlin from scratch? If you’re new to coding or just curious, this guide is perfect for you. Kotlin is a friendly programming language that’s great for beginners. Whether you want to make apps, or websites, or improve your thinking skills, this guide will show you how to learn Kotlin step by step. Let’s start your coding journey!

What is Kotlin ?

Kotlin is a programming language that works with Java and Android. It’s like a tool that helps create computer programs. It was made to make Java better and works nicely with it. People use Kotlin for making Android apps and other types of programs too.

Kotlin isn’t just for Android apps; it’s useful in various ways:

1. Server-side development: It’s used to create the back-end of web apps. This is where websites store their information and do the “behind-the-scenes” work. Normally, Java is used here, but Kotlin works well too.
2. Full-stack web development: For making websites, developers use Kotlin to write code for both the front (what you see) and the back (how things work) of the site. This way, they can use the same code for both parts.
3. Multiplatform mobile development: Besides Android, Kotlin is used for making apps for other mobile platforms like Apple iOS, watchOS, and Linux.
4. Data science: People use Kotlin for tasks like handling data and putting machine learning models into action. It works with popular data science tools like Jupyter and Zeppelin.
5. Cloud resources: If you’re skilled in Kotlin for Android, those skills can also be used to manage cloud-based stuff for organizations.

What are the Benefits of Learning Kotlin?

Kotlin has several advantages that make it a great programming choice:

1. Interactivity: Kotlin and Java can work together because they turn into the same type of code when they’re used. Kotlin can also turn into JavaScript or a special type of code that runs quickly, making it easier to put code into other programs. This helps with migrating Java apps to Kotlin.
2. Safety: Kotlin is designed to help prevent common coding mistakes that can break code or cause security issues. It has a feature called null safety, which helps avoid errors with empty values that often cause problems.
3. Clarity: Kotlin makes coding more straightforward. It’s less repetitive than other languages like Java. This saves time and lets developers write shorter code, which makes them more efficient.
4. Tools: Kotlin is supported by Android, with tools designed just for Android development. These tools, like Android Studio, help developers make apps more easily.
5. Community: Even though Kotlin is newer than Java, it has a growing group of developers. They’re working to make the language better and creating guides to help others learn it.

What are the 9 Different Ways to Learn Kotlin?

1. Online Tutorials and Courses

Numerous online platforms offer tutorials and courses for learning Kotlin. These courses usually provide structured lessons, hands-on exercises, and quizzes to help you understand and practice the language step by step.

2. Interactive Coding Platforms

Websites like Codecademy, LeetCode, and HackerRank provide interactive coding challenges that allow you to practice coding in Kotlin in a real coding environment. These platforms offer a range of difficulty levels to suit both beginners and more experienced learners.

3. Video Lectures

YouTube is a popular resource for video tutorials on Kotlin. Additionally, websites like Udemy and Pluralsight offer comprehensive video courses taught by experienced instructors. Video lectures can provide visual explanations and examples to aid your understanding.

4. Books

There are numerous books available that focus on teaching Kotlin programming. Some recommended titles include “Kotlin in Action” by Dmitry Jemerov and Svetlana Isakova, and “Kotlin Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide” by Josh Skeen and David Greenhalgh.

5. Practice Projects

Building your own projects is an effective way to apply what you’ve learned. Start with small projects and gradually work your way up. For example, you could create a basic to-do list app, a simple calculator, or a weather app.

6. Online Communities

Joining online communities such as Reddit’s r/Kotlin or Stack Overflow can provide you with a platform to ask questions, share your progress, and learn from experienced Kotlin developers. These communities often have discussions, tutorials, and code snippets to help you understand the language better.

7. Official Documentation

The official Kotlin website provides comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and guides. These resources cover a wide range of topics and can serve as a valuable reference as you learn and work on projects.

8. Local Meetups and Workshops

Look for coding meetups, workshops, or tech events in your area. These events provide opportunities to learn from professionals, network with other learners, and participate in hands-on coding exercises.

9. University or College Courses:

Some educational institutions offer courses that teach programming languages like Kotlin. If you’re looking for a more structured and in-depth learning experience, enrolling in a course at a university or college could be a good option.

Choosing the right approach depends on your learning style, time availability, and goals. It’s often beneficial to combine multiple methods for a comprehensive learning experience.

FAQ -How To Learn Kotlin For Beginners From Scratch