Written By :Appsierra

Thu Jul 27 2023

5 min read

Kotlin vs Scala: Which is the best JVM Language

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Kotlin vs Scala

Key takeaways:

  • What is Kotlin?
  • What is Scala?
  • Comparison table of Kotlin v/s Scala

The slow growth of the Java language has led to rising attention to the JVM programming languages. Basically, there are over 50 JVM languages. A few are implementations of the current languages, a few are high-profile ones, and others are the new languages alongside the JVM execution. Also, if you are familiar with them, you can choose a new one for your next big app development project. Today, we will tell you to know about the two popular JVM programming languages: Kotlin and Scala

What is Kotlin?

Kotlin
Kotlin

Kotlin is a JVM programming language. It implies operating on the Java virtual machine and compiles down to the Java byte code. Hence, as a language, it’s the same as Java. Well, if you are a Java developer, using Kotlin is not a big step. Thus, it is dissimilar to Scala where you will have to learn a lot more novel ideas.

What is Scala?

Scala is an open-source programming language issued under the Berkeley Software Distribution or BSD license. Martin Odersky created Scala. But it was released publically two years later. Well, its version 2.0 came in 2006, alongside the existing stable release 2.13.0 in April 2019.

Key features of Scala:

  • It is an Object-Oriented language.
  • Also, it has a great system.
  • It has robust features and closures.
  • Besides, it has custom control structures.
  • It’s of robust quality.
  • Last, it boasts a wide collection of libraries.

Some Major Differences Between Kotlin & Scala

Now, let us talk about some major distinctions between Kotlin and Scala:

  1. Null security: Scala gains a decision monad thus, which happens in secluded among two expressions. Some (x) or maybe none of them. In Kotlin to get the security of the error, new types of null and non-null factors are included. That null can’t be composed. So, the Kotlin approach and the genuine program are reasonable and brief.
  2. Data classes: Scala profits case classes that help to make new occurrences and proclaim properties. And Kotlin gives the related gathering of highlights. Yet, its classes are alluring to get managing Java-frameworks since it seems like JavaBean. Scala has issues with the linguistic structure, with the infix and postfix administrators. And Kotlin is an official language, so it ordinarily improves the readability with the software. It wipes out the outrageous ambiguity of the syntax.
  3. Besides, the embedded changes in Scala replace the conduct of the program while importing.  Likewise, it is difficult to make sense of exactly which variable will presumably surpass the capacity. Thus, the issue has been fixed once started working in that IDE.
  4. Collections:
  • Scala shaped sole (very high level) immutable, mutable, and parallel collections.
  • Also, they have the list, vector, stream, set, map, etc.
  • Hence, Scala collections could have extended with the least work.
  • It has interoperability with Java that is usually achieved with the contained conversions.
  • Kotlin relies–for the moment–on Java collections alongside a few enhancements:
  • Usually, it has to build techniques: list (1,2,3), map (“a” to 1)
  • Also, they have a loaded and advanced-order feature (zip, windowed, fold)
  • It has add-ons with numeric collections (sum (), average ())
  • Immutable view of mutable collections.
  • Communicate regular programming patterns in a concise, stylish and type-safe approach.

Kotlin features:

  • It has the utmost cut of boilerplate.
  • Also, it has high-end security by using null-types and immutability.

Extensibility by Using Extension Features

  • Scala: it has a simple integration of object-oriented and useful features.
  • Kotlin: it has a good focus on interoperability, along with Java and its frameworks.
  • Scala: It has big data, huge volumes, streaming.
  • Kotlin: Besides, it has good maintainability and regularity at the business level.
  • Scala: Also, it has a complex domain.
  • Kotlin: Likewise, it is easy to learn and essential.

Kotlin vs Scala 

Now, let us talk about the highest differences between Kotlin vs Scala.

Basis for ComparisonKotlinScala
According to StackOverflowIt was the 2nd most esteemed language of 2018 -2019.Well, it was the 12th most loved language in 2018 – 2019. 
Android languageKotlin is an official Android language.Likewise, Scala is not crazily used for Android.
Compilation speedIt has a quick compilation speed compared to Scala.Usually, Scala has a slow compilation speed as compared to Kotlin.
Community supportThere are some blogs, libraries, and smaller sized support networks.It has bigger network support compared to Kotlin.
Pattern matchingKotlin doesn’t support pattern matching entirely.Hence, it has end-to-end support for pattern matching, macros, and higher-kind forms.
Code lengthKotlin codes are very short and to the point.Also, Scala codes are extremely large.
Release yearKotlin was released on February 12.Scala was released on April 03.
Companies useGoogle uses Kotlin along with Amazon, Uber, and Netflix.Hence, Scala is used by Twitter, LinkedIn, Airbnb, etc.
Job factorOnly a few Kotlin jobs are accessible in the market.While more Scala jobs are accessible in the market.
Language beliefsObject-oriented language results in the features as first-class citizens.Besides, it is a multi-paradigm programming language.

Wrapping up

So, we hope this blog will give you a clear concept of these two JVM languages. Also, this will help you choose the best tool for your next application development project. Thus, in case you wish to create your own app using these languages, then you can reach the best app development firm. But, before choosing any of the organizations, assure yourself you are going with the right one.

Also Read: Benefits Of Using Kotlin For Android Developers

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