Getting Started with Kotlin from Pluralsight

Kotlin is a lanuage that compiles to Java bytecode and runs on the JVM; it's designed to address many of Java's shortcomings. This course aims to give you an introduction to Kotlin to get you developing applications quickly.

Java as a programming language is almost 20 years old. Java hasn't changed a great deal over those 20 years, which is both a strength and a weakness. Java is very verbose, with lots of ceremony needed to do even the simplest thing. Enter Kotlin, a more modern version of Java. It adopts functional ideas such as immutability and first-class functions, out of the box, and it is also object-oriented. It aims to reduce the 'noise' that Java has and to make programs more concise and readable. This course, Getting Started with Kotlin, introduces you to Kotlin and will get you up to speed very quickly so that you can adopt this language in your projects. First, you'll learn how to install the Kotlin tools and set up the IDEs to use Kotlin, as well as learn some basic language syntax. Next, you'll learn how to start using the object-oriented features of Kotlin. You'll finish the course by learning how to use the programming features of Kotlin, and also how to write and run tests in Kotlin. By the end this course, you'll have a strong foundation of knowledge on basic syntax and features of Kotlin.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction

Programming with Objects

Improving Code with Functional Programming

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces Kotlin and teaches learners how to write Kotlin code

Helps learners get up to speed quickly so they can use Kotlin in their own projects

May be less helpful for learners who want to learn object-oriented programming from the ground up

Covers basic Kotlin syntax and features

May be helpful for learners who are familiar with other programming languages, such as Java

Reviews summary

Getting started with kotlin: a concise foundation

According to learners, "Getting Started with Kotlin" provides a solid and concise foundation for those new to the language, especially Java developers looking to transition. Students appreciate the course's coverage of basic syntax, IDE setup, and core object-oriented features. Many find the content straightforward and practical, enabling them to quickly grasp Kotlin's essentials and its advantages over Java, such as reduced verbosity. While it offers a good introduction to functional programming concepts and testing in Kotlin, a few wish for more advanced topics or deeper project work. Overall, it's considered an effective starting point for adopting Kotlin in projects.

Efficiently delivers core concepts without unnecessary fluff.

"Very concise and gets straight to the point. I appreciated how it highlighted Kotlin's modern features..."

"I found it efficient in covering the essentials quickly, which was great for my schedule."

"I appreciated that the course gets straight to what's needed to start, avoiding excessive detail."

Highly beneficial for those transitioning from Java.

"As a Java developer, this was perfect for transitioning to Kotlin. The examples make sense, and the comparison to Java syntax was very useful."

"I appreciated how it highlighted Kotlin's modern features compared to Java."

"It provided a good jumping-off point for further learning, especially coming from a Java background."

Provides a strong, accessible introduction to Kotlin basics.

"Excellent introduction! The instructor explains concepts very clearly and the hands-on examples were incredibly helpful..."

"A good course for absolute beginners to Kotlin. It covers the fundamentals well..."

"I now feel confident to write simple Kotlin programs, definitely a solid foundation."

Some sections might imply existing programming familiarity.

"Found it hard to follow. The explanations were not detailed enough, and I needed to look up a lot of information elsewhere."

"Felt like it assumed some prior knowledge even though it's 'getting started'."

"The functional programming part was a bit confusing, suggesting it might be better with prior FP exposure."

Pace may be too fast for some, limited advanced topic depth.

"Decent overview. It's a bit too fast-paced in some sections, especially if you're completely new to programming."

"I wish there were more advanced topics or a more complex project, but for 'getting started,' it delivers."

"Some concepts felt rushed, and I needed to look up a lot of information elsewhere."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Getting Started with Kotlin with these activities:

Understand the basics

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Build a strong foundation in Kotlin's syntax and core concepts to prepare for the course.

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Study tutorials and documentation on Kotlin.
Practice writing basic Kotlin programs.
Review online resources and forums for additional insights.
Complete practice exercises and quizzes.

Share your knowledge

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Enhance your understanding by mentoring others, answering questions, and providing guidance on Kotlin.

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Identify opportunities to mentor students or colleagues who are learning Kotlin.
Provide clear explanations, guidance, and support.
Share your experiences and best practices.
Reflect on your mentoring experiences to improve your own understanding.

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Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with Kotlin will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

A Software Developer is responsible for designing, installing, testing, and maintaining software systems. This course may be useful for learning the basics of Kotlin, which is a programming language used to develop software applications. Additionally, the course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Software Developers to understand.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain the code that makes computer applications and software run. This course may be useful for Computer Programmers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Computer Programmers to understand.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Web Developers to understand.

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Mobile Application Developer

Mobile Application Developers design and develop mobile applications. This course may be useful for Mobile Application Developers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Mobile Application Developers to understand.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make informed decisions. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Data Scientists to understand.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and build machine learning models. This course may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Machine Learning Engineers to understand.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Software Engineers to understand.

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Full-Stack Developer

Full-Stack Developers design and develop both the front-end and back-end of web applications. This course may be useful for Full-Stack Developers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Full-Stack Developers to understand.

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Backend Developer

Backend Developers design and develop the back-end of web applications. This course may be useful for Backend Developers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Backend Developers to understand.

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Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers design and develop the front-end of web applications. This course may be useful for Front-End Developers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Front-End Developers to understand.

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Android Developer

Android Developers design and develop mobile applications for the Android operating system. This course may be useful for Android Developers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Android Developers to understand.

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iOS Developer

iOS Developers design and develop mobile applications for the iOS operating system. This course may be useful for iOS Developers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for iOS Developers to understand.

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Game Developer

Game Developers design and develop video games. This course may be useful for Game Developers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Game Developers to understand.

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Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers design and develop blockchain applications. This course may be useful for Blockchain Developers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Blockchain Developers to understand.

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Cloud Developer

Cloud Developers design and develop cloud applications. This course may be useful for Cloud Developers who want to learn the basics of Kotlin. The course covers object-oriented programming and functional programming, which are important concepts for Cloud Developers to understand.

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