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Differences Between Kotlin vs. React Native
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Differences Between Kotlin vs. React Native

Kotlin and React Native are widely used within the mobile application development space. While one is a programming language, the latter is a framework and tool. Both have established their foothold and proven their worth. However, both are different. As an entrepreneur, you must know the differences to make a contextually relevant choice. So, let’s compare Kotlin and React Native to make an informed choice.

What is Kotlin, and What is React Native?

Kotlin is a programming language that runs on the Java virtual machine. You can compile it to JavaScript source code or use the LLVM compiler infrastructure. The programming language got endorsed by Google as Android Studio’s official language and gained fame. Some popular companies using Kotlin include Coursera, Corda, Spring, and Atlassian.

On the other hand, React Native is a JavaScript framework. Facebook developed React Native to write real, native mobile applications for Android and iOS and reuse them across the web and mobile applications. It enables developers to build truly native with JavaScript. A few reputed organizations include Microsoft, Facebook, Airbnb, Uber, etc.

Pros and Cons of Kotlin

Let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages of Kotlin.

Advantages of Kotlin
  • Less Code

Kotlin’s concise coding process enables developers to build code in a few lines. But Kotlin enhances readability and helps maintain code accurately. In addition, it is more straightforward to write, read and modify code with minimal effort.

  • Easy Maintenance

Kotlin has the support of many IDEs like Android Studio and other SDK tools. It helps enhance the developer’s productivity as they work with tool kits they are familiar with

  • Java Code Compilation

Kotlin is completely interoperable with Java. It is consistent with its related tools and frameworks. Thus, developers can easily switch to the platform. You can use Java if you cannot write an application in Kotlin.

  • Solid Codebase

The language helps create a solid codebase that strengthens the application’s foundation to be more reliable and stable. In addition, errors and bugs get identified while compiling. So you can rectify errors well before the application runtime.

Disadvantages of Kotlin

Of course, Kotlin has some disadvantages as well. Here are a few.

  • Slow Compilation

Usually, Kotlin is slower than Java. There are some exceptions. For instance, it is faster than Java while performing incremental builds. But it gets slower than Java while building full builds. Besides, Java helps clean builds. Thus, slow compilation could form a significant concern for developers.

  • Fewer Kotlin Developers

Kotlin was launched in 2018. But Kotlin Multi-Platform emerged only in 2020. Thus, since Kotlin is very new, you wouldn’t have as many Kotlin developers. Searching for them could prove to be pretty challenging.

  • Still Evolving

While every technology, platform, framework, or language evolves, Kotlin is yet in its nascent stages. Thus, some errors while working on Kotlin could be fully new. You might not necessarily have support for it.

Now, when do you use Kotlin? You may use Kotlin to develop Android apps only, you have a sufficient number of Kotlin developers on hand, and when you have a lavish budget to spend, as with Kotlin, usually, the development cost is relatively high.

Pros and Cons of React Native

Here are some of React Native’s advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of React Native

Now that we’ve seen some pros of Kotlin, let’s overview some relating to React Native.

  • Live Reload

Live reload enables programmers to instantly experience the most recent code changes that developers do. But one can say that developers can see code results in real-time.

  • Open-Source Community

React Native has extensive community support. Its Facebook-powered backend support makes it a more reliable framework. So, while stuck with something with React Native, you have extensive community support ready to help you with solutions.

  • Code Reusability

With React Native, you can minimize the resources required to build a mobile application. Developers who know how to write React code can start developing for iOS, Android, and the web. It refers to more flexibility while classifying developers for various operating systems and platforms.

  • Hot Reloading

React Native is significantly focused on UI; hence, apps built on this framework load quickly and function more seamlessly. Besides, with React Native, you can expedite app development. With Hot Reloading, you can quickly run the new code while retaining the state of the application.

Disadvantages of React Native

React Native has some cons as well. Here are a few of them.

  • Inadequate Maturity

React Native is popular and has a huge developer base. But it is yet to evolve, especially regarding resolving bugs and enhancing the application’s overall appearance.

  • Patent Issues

React Native uses BSD-styled licensing with a Grant of Patent by Facebook. Thus, the company might stop you from using any open-source React Native projects if you challenge its patent right. So, with React Native, the environment is very restrictive.

  • Consistent Maintenance

React Native requires consistent maintenance to stay valid for app development. It isn’t a turnkey solution. You may face challenges while finding support in the long run.

So, when you do use React Native. Of course, React Native is also evolving and will potentially overcome its challenges in the long run. But you can use React Native if you are looking to develop apps on both Android and iOS cost-effectively.

Looking for Kotlin app developers or React Native developers? Connect with Datafortune. We have the resource muscle to deliver projects based on various programming languages and frameworks effortlessly. Please email us at info@datafortune.com to learn more about our app development solutions.