How to Develop Android Apps with Kotlin in 2023

Why Kotlin Has Become the Heart of Android Development

Starting Android development from scratch can be overwhelming. As a team that once struggled to set up our first project, we understand how confusing the landscape can seem at first. Between countless libraries, frameworks, and updates, it’s easy to get lost.

But one thing has become clear over the years: Kotlin has completely transformed how Android apps are built.

Since Google officially declared Kotlin a first-class language for Android in 2017, it has evolved into the platform’s preferred language — known for its simplicity, expressiveness, and safety features. According to JetBrains’ 2021 developer survey, 77% of Android developers were already using Kotlin. And by 2023, its dominance has only grown stronger.

The Rise of Kotlin Multiplatform

One of the most exciting developments in recent years is Kotlin Multiplatform, a feature that allows developers to share code across different platforms — Android, iOS, web, desktop, and even embedded systems.

Instead of writing the same logic multiple times, you can write it once in Kotlin and reuse it everywhere. Each platform still uses its native UI and libraries, but the underlying business logic stays consistent.

This approach reduces duplication, keeps your codebase cleaner, and significantly cuts down development time. Although Kotlin Multiplatform is still in an evolving phase, it’s already proven its potential in several real-world projects, such as the official KotlinConf app and Jetpack Compose Playground.

As 2023 progresses, expect greater stability, more documentation, and broader adoption among cross-platform teams.

Jetpack Compose: Redefining Android UI Development

If there’s one tool that’s reshaped how Android developers think about UI, it’s Jetpack Compose.

Gone are the days of juggling complex XML layouts. Compose lets you build interfaces using declarative Kotlin code — simple, clean, and reactive. You describe what the UI should look like, and the framework takes care of updating it as your app’s state changes.

Compose also integrates naturally with Kotlin features like coroutines, lambdas, and extension functions, making it intuitive for those already familiar with the language.

Since its stable release in 2021, Jetpack Compose has rapidly become the default way to design Android UIs. In 2023, we’re seeing deeper integration with the broader Jetpack ecosystem, from navigation to animations and accessibility tools.

For developers, this means faster UI development, fewer bugs, and a much smoother workflow overall.

Coroutines: Simplifying Asynchronous Programming

Modern apps rely heavily on asynchronous tasks — from network requests to file operations. Without proper management, these tasks can block your main thread, freeze the UI, and ruin the user experience.

This is where Kotlin coroutines shine.

Coroutines provide a clean, structured way to handle concurrency without the mess of traditional callback hell. They’re lightweight, efficient, and designed to work seamlessly across Android’s ecosystem.

Libraries like Retrofit, Room, and WorkManager already have built-in coroutine support, and new APIs continue to adopt them. Combined with Flows, which handle reactive data streams, coroutines make building smooth, responsive apps much simpler.

In 2023, coroutines remain a cornerstone of modern Android architecture — the secret behind many apps that feel fast, stable, and reliable.

Ktor: A Modern Framework for Android Backends

While Kotlin is most famous for Android development, it’s also making waves on the server side with Ktor, a lightweight asynchronous framework for building APIs and backend services.

Ktor lets you build everything from REST APIs to chat systems using the same language and syntax you already know from Android development. It supports key technologies like HTTP/2, SSL/TLS, authentication, and serialization, and it’s fully compatible with Kotlin Multiplatform.

For small teams or indie developers, Ktor is especially appealing — it allows you to manage both your app’s frontend and backend in one consistent language ecosystem.

Although still evolving, Ktor has proven reliable for production use and continues to mature throughout 2023 as a preferred backend framework for Kotlin-based projects.

The Real Advantages of Kotlin Over Java

Developers who’ve transitioned from Java to Kotlin often describe it as “liberating.” The language was built with modern software principles in mind, addressing many of Java’s long-standing pain points.

Some of Kotlin’s standout advantages include:

Null Safety: Helps prevent one of Java’s most common causes of crashes — the dreaded NullPointerException.
Data Classes: Automatically generate equals(), hashCode(), and toString() without boilerplate code.
Extension Functions: Add functionality to existing classes without modifying their source code.
Lambdas and Higher-Order Functions: Enable a more functional, expressive coding style.
Coroutines: Simplify asynchronous operations, as discussed earlier.

Together, these features make Kotlin code cleaner, safer, and easier to maintain — three things every Android developer values.

Challenges When Learning Kotlin (and Why It’s Worth It)

Of course, no language is perfect. For developers coming from Java or other OOP-heavy backgrounds, Kotlin’s syntax can feel foreign at first. The functional programming aspects — like higher-order functions and immutability — require a slight mindset shift.

However, that learning curve pays off quickly. Once you understand Kotlin’s design philosophy, everything about Android development feels smoother and more cohesive. Many developers report shorter development times and fewer bugs once they switch fully to Kotlin.

And thanks to the vibrant developer community, resources like KotlinLang, Android Developers, and online courses make the journey much easier today than it was just a few years ago.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Kotlin in Android Development

As we move deeper into 2023, Kotlin continues to evolve beyond just an Android language. It’s becoming a truly universal development tool, capable of powering everything from mobile apps to backends, desktop software, and even web apps.

Google’s strong support ensures Kotlin remains at the center of Android’s roadmap, with tighter integration, better tooling, and improved performance across every release.

For new developers entering the field, learning Kotlin isn’t just an advantage — it’s practically a necessity. And for experienced developers, mastering its advanced features can help future-proof your skills in an ecosystem that rewards efficiency, safety, and cross-platform versatility.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to develop Android apps with Kotlin in 2023 is one of the smartest career moves you can make as a developer. It’s not just about keeping up with trends — it’s about embracing a language designed to make coding enjoyable again.

Kotlin’s modern syntax, deep integration with Android Studio, and growing ecosystem make it the clear choice for both beginners and professionals. Whether you’re building your first app or scaling a complex product, Kotlin offers the balance of simplicity, performance, and creativity that modern development demands.

In the near future we are going to have a discussion on the following controversial topic: Which language is better, Java or Kotlin?

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