Mobile Android applications have become a crucial part of the smartphone experience among users. In fact, these applications account for 90 percent of the total mobile usage. Apps are a great innovative way to promote business, services, and entertainment among customers. Speaking of Android, it is an open-source operating system primarily curated for smartphones. Android apps are software that can run on the same OS-supported devices.
The equally intriguing part is to understand what programming languages does Android use for creating this rich user experience. Using these can be both fun and informative, as there is huge scope for the same in the market. In this blog, we shall look at the important languages that are used in the creation of android apps and software development.
Java
Java is the first priority programming language which has been used for Android since it’s beginning in 2008. It is fairly compatible with Google and has been used for creating most applications available on the Google Play Store. The applications are written under the the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) in Java. Although it is a bit complex to work with, but once you get the hang of it, nothing will appeal you the same way.
Java runs on bytecode which is interpreted through the JVM (Java Virtual Machine). It provides portability and any hardware which has JVM installed on it can run Java programs. This includes Windows, Linux, and OS-X. There are other options available now for writing Android codes but Java still holds its supremacy intact.
Other Programming Languages For Android
Other than Java, there are several other programming languages which can be used for Android. For instance, Kotlin is one such language which is becoming an impactful alternative. Have a look at some notable options:
Kotlin
Starting off with Kotlin itself, it has emerged as a prominent language for Android, probably the only one in parallel comparison to Java. It offers ease of programming when compared to Java, but most of the feature remain remain similar. It is highly compatible with Google too, but has limited reach outside the Android Studio.
Due to its beginner friendly interface, Kotlin can be preferred over Java for entry level programmers. It can be described as a modernised version of Java which is taking the same features ahead with a distinct approach. Using Kotlin is a knowledgable and fun coding process with numerous prospects for beginners.
C++
This cross platform programming language is based on the Native Development Kit (NDK) and can be used for creating various web and mobile applications. The wide range of libraries can be explored for creating app through this high-level programming language. Just like Java, it is an object-oriented language and also gives absolute control of memory management to the users.
However, the pointers of C++ are hard to retain and add to complexity. Also, there is no system of garbage collection and removal of unnecessary info. Keeping that aside, the large community network of C++ provides immense assistance and discussions for every query.
C#
This is another Android development programming language which shares similar features like Java. Also, unlike C++, there is the option of garbage collection and lesser memory leak issues. It also can be implemented in Windows. Coding is user friendly due to its comprehensive syntax and the versatility of C# is ideal for many Android development projects.
The drawbacks of C# include repetitive compiling after every slight alteration and Windows being a necessity due to the .NET framework. However, the advantages of C# make these drawbacks negligible.
Python
Android development is also possible through Python, but the process involves conversion of Python codes to Android packages, as the native development is not readily supported by Android. Using this language offers the perk of time saving due to the easy translation and reading of codes and developing apps quickly.
Python has a diverse set of applications and also an extensive library for programming. But the usage is more inclined towards web development rather than mobile development and thus, it is not used as much for Android as the other languages. Still, its applications range from the basic apps to the most high-level ones.
Android Programming Languages: Java Vs Kotlin
Kotlin was coined as the official language for Android in 2017, after Java retaining that position for a long time. Java is an object oriented language whereas Kotlin combines object orientation with functional programming. Users can also create extension functions in Kotlin and it also does not require any variable datatype specifications.
Java still holds some existing features in comparison to Kotlin like implicit conversions and supporting static members. Looking at the broader perspective, Kotlin offers more flexibility and adaptability when compared to Java in Android development. For a future scope, it might actually outshine Java due to its modern approach.
Conclusion
When programming languages for Android come to mind, Java apparently pops up as the first option. And rightly so, it has been unparalleled in its extensive usage over the years. With the introduction of Kotlin, a new opponent has stepped in the game and is offering unique ways of development. Also, several other languages have been shared above so that programmers can explore the potential of each. The Android development sector is ever growing and there are uncountable advancements to come in the future.
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