What are the best Kotlin books in 2021?
Read on to find out.
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TLDR: Best Kotlin Books for 2021
Today we picked the best Kotlin books:
đž Best Value
Mastering Kotlin
đ„ Best for Newbies
Head First Kotlin: A Brain-Friendly Guide
đ Best Intermediate
The Joy of Kotlin
Best Kotlin Books: What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is a relatively new (2010) open-source, cross-platform programming language.
Itâs both an object-oriented and a functional programming language.
Kotlin is 100% interoperable with Java. So you can call Kotlin code from Java and vice versa.
When compared to Java, thereâs approximately a 40% reduction in the number of lines of code.
Kotlin is primarily used in Android development.
Did you know that Kotlin can be used for server-side development?
Now letâs get into the best Kotlin books for 2021âŠ
1. Hands-On Design Patterns with Kotlin
Hands-On Design Patterns with Kotlin is for programmers with prior experience with Java or Kotlin.
This book is for readers who want to understand classical design patterns.
First youâll learn about Kotlin principles.
Then youâll explore functional programming using Kotlin.
In addition, youâll learn how to solve problems using reactive and concurrent design patterns.
With 11 chapters, youâll learn about:
- working with creative patterns
- understanding structural patterns
- getting familiar with behavioral patterns
- pattern implementation using functional programming
- exploring streams
And much more.
By the end of Design Patterns with Kotlin , youâll be able to develop applications and work on scalable and maintainable projects.
Learn more about Hands-On Design Patterns with Kotlin
2. Kotlin Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide
Kotlin Programming is a companion guide to The Big Nerd Ranchâs Kotlin Essentials course. Itâs geared towards newbies and experienced developers.
Youâll start with core principles like data types, conditionals and collections.
Then youâll get into object-oriented programming in Kotlin.
With 23 chapters, youâll learn about:
- functions
- null safety and exceptions
- strings and numbers
- standard functions
- lists and sets
- maps
- defining classes
- inheritance
And much more.
For the duration of the book, youâll build a text adventure project.
This book was incredible. Easy to follow examples and clear explanations. If you are an Android developer this is a MUST.
â Ian Schoenrock, Amazon customer
Read more about Kotlin Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide
3. Android Studio 4.0 Development Essentials â Kotlin Edition
Android Studio is for developers with some programming experience who are interested in Android development using Kotlin.
Coming in at a massive 96 chapters, this isnât for casual learners. Rather, itâs for readers serious about Android development.
First youâll learn how to set up an Android development and testing environment.
Then, youâll become familiar with Android Architecture Components such as view models and app navigation.
Finally, Android Studio covers a variety of advanced topics:
- touch screen handling
- gesture recognition
- audio playback
- cloud-based file storage
- foldable device support
And much more.
Explore Development Essentials â Kotlin Edition.
4.Head First Kotlin: A Brain-Friendly Guide
Head First Kotlin is for developers with no prior Kotlin programming experience. But you should have some background in a scripting language.
This book takes a hands-on approach to learning Kotlin and teaches you how to think like a Kotlin developer.
It covers everything from Kotlin fundamentals to higher-order functions.
Youâll also learn object-oriented and functional programming.
The Head First series is known for its effective teaching methods. Instead of heavy text, youâll be visually stimulated with tons of images and unique fonts.
Thatâs why we picked this as one of the best Kotlin books for 2021.
Every time I need to look back to basics I pick up this book do a quick refresh and Iâm set.
I enjoyed it, went through it in 3 days when switching from Java to Kotlin.Atilio Repretto, Amazon customer
Take a peek at Head First Kotlin: A Brain-Friendly Guide
5. Kotlin in Action
Kotlin in Action is for experienced Java developers. However, you do not need any prior Kotlin programming experience.
This book was written by 2 Kotlin developers. So be prepared to dive deep into Kotlin concepts.
Using ample examples, youâll start by learning the fundamentals of Kotlin.
Then youâll learn about functional programming on the JVM.
In addition, youâll learn how to combine Kotlin and Java.
With 11 sections in this book, youâll also learn about:
- defining and calling functions
- classes, objects and interfaces
- programming with Lambdas
- the Kotlin type system
- operator overloading
- higher-order functions
- domain-specific languages (DSL) construction
And more.
Because this was written by 2 Kotlin developers, we think this is one of the best Kotlin books for 2021.
Read about Kotlin in Action.
6. Programming Kotlin
Programming Kotlin is unique in that itâs pretty hands-on.
For example, youâll be practicing hundreds of examples in your integrated developer environment (IDE).
In addition, youâll learn how to:
- build standalone programs to run as scripts
- create type-safe code
- create object-oriented and functional code
Then youâll use metaprogramming to create internal DSLs.
Finally, youâll delve into coroutines, program asynchrony and automated testing.
By the end of this book, youâll feel confident in combining Kotlin and Java in your applications.
Learn more about Programming Kotlin.
7. Mastering Kotlin
Clocking in at over 400 pages, Mastering Kotlin is aimed at developers already familiar with Kotlin programming.
With 17 chapters, youâll learn about more complex concepts such as:
- understanding programming paradigms in Kotlin
- working across Java and Kotlin
- practical concurrency
- domain-specific languages (DSLs)
- Kotlin with Android and web development
- practical design patterns
- multiplatform Kotlin
And beyond.
In addition youâll learn about using interfaces, classes and data classes.
Then youâll learn about challenges within Kotlinâs interoperability with Java.
Mastering Kotlin also touches on how to use Kotlin for front-end JavaScript development.
Excellent book. Covered all aspects of Kotlin in a very easy to enjoyable approach. One of my favourite software development books.
â C. A. Jefferies, Amazon customer
Learn more about Mastering Kotlin.
8. Android Programming with Kotlin for Beginners
Android Programming with Kotlin for Beginners is for developers who are new to Kotlin and Android.
With this book, youâll learn how to develop interactive Android apps.
So first youâll come to understand how Kotlin and Android work together.
Then youâll learn how to add sound and animation to your apps. Also, youâll discover how to implement dialog boxes.
Finally, youâll build a database app that sorts and stores user data.
With 28 chapters, youâll learn key concepts such as:
- layouts and material design
- Kotlin variables, operators and expressions
- the Android lifecycle
- object-oriented programming
- Android dialog windows
- data persistence and sharing
- localization
- drawing graphics
- design patterns
And much more.
Take a look at Programming with Kotlin for Beginners.
9. Kotlin Cookbook
Kotlin Cookbook is for both newbies and experienced programmers.
Instead of teaching basic syntax, youâll learn Kotlin by personal use cases. For example, youâll learn how to apply Kotlin to your own projects.
While Kotlin is huge in the Android world, it can actually be used anywhere Java is implemented. In addition, it can be used in iOS development, JavaScript generation and more.
So in this book, youâll learn how to:
- apply functional programming concepts
- use delegates, late initialization and scope functions
- add extension functions
- use JUnit 5 and other libraries
And beyond.
In addition, youâll spend a lot of time on learning about Java interoperability with Kotlin.
Finally, Kotlin Cookbook will offer advice for working within frameworks like Spring.
Read more about the Kotlin Cookbook.
10. Best Kotlin Books: Kotlin for Android Developers
Google supports Kotlin for Android development. Thatâs a pretty strong endorsement.
So now is the perfect time to pick up Kotlin for Android Developers and learn Kotlin. Especially since itâs been recommended by Google and JetBrains.
This is a fun book because youâll be creating an Android app using Kotlin as the primary programming language.
So instead of just reading about concepts, youâll be actively applying them.
In addition, this means that Kotlin for Android Developers is not a reference book. Rather itâs a tool.
While creating new projects, youâll learn about:
- classes and functions
- variables and properties
- retrieving data from an API
- Lambdas
- parsing data
- Kotlin Android extensions
- interfaces and delegation
- Java interoperability
And much, much more.
Learn more about Kotlin for Android Developers.
11. Best Kotlin Books: The Joy of Kotlin
The Joy of Kotlin is for intermediate Java or Kotlin developers.
It teaches concepts using ample examples.
First, youâll learn about programming with functions.
Then, the book touches on dealing with optional data, safe handling of errors, and handling state mutation.
With 14 chapters, youâll learn about:
- recursion and memoization
- data handling
- working with laziness
- solving problems with advanced trees
- sharing mutable states with actors
- solving common problems functionally
And beyond.
Read The Joy of Kotlin.
12. Learn Kotlin for Android Development
Learn Kotlin for Android Development is geared towards developers with little or no Kotlin programming experience.
Here youâll learn the core concepts of Kotlin programming.
First, youâll learn useful techniques to create your own Android apps.
Then youâll learn about clean code principles.
Also, it touches on object-oriented and functional programming when developing Android apps.
Some key takeaways include:
- working with Android classes and objects
- using constructs, loops
- carrying out data operations
- handling exceptions
- using scopes and decisions
And more.
In addition, youâll build your first Kotlin app.
By the end of this book, youâll know how to write efficient Kotlin apps for Android.
Read more about Learn Kotlin for Android Development.
13. Best Kotlin Books: [Kotlin In-Depth Vol-I
Kotlin In-Depth is a two volume series. Here weâre examining Volume 1.
First, youâll learn about Kotlin programming fundamentals.
Then youâll learn how to use object-oriented and functional programming with Kotlin.
In addition, youâll become familiar with the Kotlin standard library.
From there, you can compose domain-specific languages.
Finally, youâll learn the basics of writing test code in Kotlin.
By the end of the book, youâll know how to create flexible and reusable Kotlin code.
Learn more about Kotlin In-Depth [Vol-1].
And our final pick for best Kotlin books in 2021:
14. Kotlin In-depth [Vol-II]
Kotlin In-Depth Volume 2 picks up where Volume 1 left off.
So after reading this book, youâll have a deeper understanding of most basic Kotlin programming concepts.
In addition, youâll be able to write reusable, flexible code using object-oriented and functional programming.
Also, youâll become more comfortable utilizing the Kotlin standard library.
Finally, youâll learn the fundamentals of using Kotlin for writing test code, web applications and Android development.
Take a peek at Kotlin In-Depth [Vol. II].
14 Best Kotlin Books for 2021: Conclusion
So what are the best Kotlin books for 2021?
We came up with 3:
Best Value
Mastering Kotlin
Best for Newbies
Head First Kotlin: A Brain-Friendly Guide
Best Intermediate
The Joy of Kotlin
The post 14 Best Kotlin Books for 2021 [Beginner and Intermediate Kotlin Books] appeared first on RealToughCandy.
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