Statistics say Android app development makes up 97% of the smartphone market share. With this in mind, you want to tap into the fast-growing app development industry. But what programming language to choose? In this article, we will help you in investigating the topic. Continue reading this article to know the pros and cons of the top programming languages for Android app development.
Kotlin
A simple google search will let you know that Kotlin is a fast-growing programming language today and takes most of the market space. Why is Kotlin so favored by developers and businesses? Have a look at the pros and cons.
Pros
1. Interoperability with Java Code
There is nothing easier than switching from Java to Kotlin because Kotlin is a 100% Java-interoperable programming language. Not only Kotlin is consistent with Java, but with other frameworks and tools.
2. Maintenance is easy
Most of the IDEs available in the market provide support for Kotlin. This makes the task of developers easier as they don’t need to learn a new IDE.
3. Reliability
If you compare it with other programming languages, for example, Flutter, I would say that Kotlin is much more mature. It passed numerous Alpha and Beta tests before its final release.
Cons
1. Fluctuation in the compilation
Kotlin is not a clear winner when it comes to creating clean builds for Android apps. In this sense, Java is better.
2. Market lacks Kotlin developers
It’s surprising but there are fewer Kotlin developers in the market than Java developers.
3. You still need to know Java
While it is easy to make a switch from Java to Kotlin, you still need to know how things work in Kotlin.
Java
Java has been reliably holding the absolute best situation among many programming languages for Android app development. Why is this? Why do developers prefer Java? Let’s look at some of the reasons.
Pros
1. Simple
It’s easy for developers to program, compose, gather, investigate and learn effective programming dialects with Java. In addition, Java removes all the complex features of C and C++ like pointers, structures, unions
2. Object-oriented
Java is an object-oriented programming language which means it organizes software design around objects, not functions. OOPs concept helps in the implementation process. It also makes Java much more secure.
3. Java is platform-independent
Java supports WORA (Write Once Run Anywhere) feature. This means Java does not depend on OS or hardware. Java is also highly portable.
Cons
1. Java requires huge memory space
Java requires a critical or significant measure of memory space when contrasted with different dialects like C and C++. Since Memory is overseen through trash pickup, memory productivity may suffer during the execution of trash assortment. This means that compared to other languages, Java is slow.
2. Verbose and Complex codes
There are numerous words and complex sentences while writing Java codes. This can decrease the meaningfulness of the code
3. Poor GUI
Java is considerably underdeveloped when it comes to GUI. Modern languages like Python, R, C#, etc. have better GUI builders.
C++
C++ is one of the oldest programming languages that still dominates the programming industry for Android apps. It can be used for anything from building simple codes to entire pieces of graphical application software. Here are some pros and cons.
Pros
1. Portability
The portability feature of C++ allowed moving the development of a program from one platform to another. You don’t need to worry about the hardware.
2. Object-oriented
C++ was created in the first place as an object-oriented language. This means that concepts such as polymorphism, classes, and data abstraction allow the code to be reused. Coding becomes much easier.
3. Memory management
C++ supports Dynamic Memory Allocation (DMA). This feature allows to free and allocate memory. The developers have total control over the memory management.
Cons
Complex language to learn
Since C++ is a very complex language. Programmers have difficulty learning this language especially if they are not familiar with other object-oriented programming languages.
Pointers
Some programmers believe pointers are useful. However, this can take up a lot of system memory. This is not a good solution for working on large projects.
Security issues
C++ comes with several security issues because of such features as pointers, friend functions, and global variables.
C#
This language is a good option for Android app development. The major drawback was that it could only run on the Windows system. This is not so after the invention of the cross-platform framework Xamarin. Now, C# can run on any platform.
Cons
1. Near-native level of performance.
C# provides a near-native level of performance for both Android apps and iOS apps.
2. Compiled language
Being a compiled language, C## has its code in binary form. This means that the hackers can’t have automatic access to your source code. For example, in the case of PHP, the hacker can gain access to source code which could then give them access to database passwords.
3. Integration with the Windows
C# integrates well with Windows. This means that you don’t need special configurations to get a C# program to run in your Windows environment.
Pros
1. API calls
There can be some pause between API calls.
2. Not the right choice for complex UI
C# is not the best choice for Android apps with a complex UI
3. Compiled code
While we mentioned compilation as an advantage, compiled code comes with disadvantages as well. Even if you make a single change, you need to recompile the whole application and deploy it again
Python
Even with the birth of some high-level programming languages, Python still remains one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Why? First of all, Python has been tested over time. You might expect to see only good sides. However, this programming language has both good and bad sides as others do. Let’s have a look.
Pros
1. Easy to learn and read
Newbies can easily understand how syntax works. If you want to become a top developer in one of the programming languages, choose Python. But before you do that, check this article on top programming languages to learn in 2022.
2. Higher productivity
Productivity is an issue for any programming language but Python wins the game in this regard. The variable is not a burden until you need to run the code. This reduces a lot of stress and saves time.
3. A vast collection of libraries
Apart from more ordinary projects, Python has libraries for machine learning, AI modeling, video game development, and so on.
Cons
1. Speed limitations
The program is not fast when executing codes.
2. Not good for mobile computing
This is a major drawback as the programming industry is largely going mobile.
3. Runtime errors
Because of the dynamically typing feature, Python can cause runtime errors.
Dart
You can build an Android app that also works on iOS from a single codebase using Flutter, which is powered by the Dart platform.
Pros
1. Speed
Programs written in Dart are faster than programs created in JavaScript.
2. AOT and JIT
Dart has the unique feature of handling both Ahead of time and Just in time compiling. This means that Dart code can be directly converted into native machine code.
3. Detailed documentation
Google took care that you get an answer to any question you have on Dart.
Cons
1. In the process of development
Dart is currently in development. There is a chance that the API will change while you use the current version.
2. Absence of native support
It turns out that to achieve at least 80% success, Dart developers must provide native support for it in all popular browsers.
3. Limited resources online
While it has a vast amount of resources in the form of documents, online resources are still limited.
Conclusion
So, what is the best programming language for Android apps? If you do a quick search, the all-knowing Google will tell you “Java”. But don’t take these words for granted. As we illustrated each of these languages has pros and cons and you should pick the one that suits best for your case. Among many issues, the cost of an app is an issue. But not only that. Things like maintainability, the complexity of the app, scalability, and performance are also important. The choice you make will largely affect the success of your project. And if you still have questions, check top mobile app development software in 2022.
