Kotlin for Java Developers

JetBrains via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/kotlin-for-java-developers

Introduction

### Course Review: Kotlin for Java Developers #### Overview In an era where software development is evolving rapidly, keeping your skills relevant is crucial. "Kotlin for Java Developers" offers a gateway into the modern programming language of Kotlin, designed specifically for those who are already familiar with Java. As Java developers, you’re likely aware of the challenges posed by long, verbose code and the pitfalls of nullability. This course is expertly crafted to address these concerns and introduce you to the powerful features Kotlin brings to the table. **Why Kotlin?** Kotlin is becoming increasingly popular among developers due to its conciseness, safety, and pragmatism. With full compatibility with existing Java frameworks, it allows for seamless integration and migration, making it a fantastic choice for existing Java projects. Not to mention, its significant tooling support makes it a practical tool across various platforms—including server-side development and Android application design. #### Course Structure The syllabus of the "Kotlin for Java Developers” course is structured in an accessible manner, allowing you to build your knowledge progressively. Here’s a breakdown of the topics covered: 1. **Introduction** The course begins with an overview of Kotlin, setting the stage for what you can expect. This segment introduces Kotlin's core philosophy and its benefits compared to Java. 2. **Starting up with Kotlin** Here, you will set up your Kotlin development environment and start writing your first Kotlin programs. This hands-on section is essential for getting familiar with the syntax and features of the language. 3. **Nullability, Functional Programming** Kubernetes tackles one of Java's perennial issues—null pointer exceptions. Learn how Kotlin addresses nullability concisely and safely. Moreover, you'll explore functional programming paradigms that help you write more modular and reusable code. 4. **Properties, OOP, Conventions** Diving into the object-oriented features of Kotlin, this section covers properties, classes, and interfaces. You’ll learn how Kotlin simplifies these OOP concepts while still offering robust functionality. 5. **Sequences, Lambdas with Receiver, Types** Finally, the course will introduce you to advanced topics like sequences and lambdas—a powerful feature that promotes functional programming practices. This section empowers you to write clean, elegant, and efficient code. #### Learning Experience The course is designed for Java developers, providing an appealing transition into Kotlin's ecosystem. The instructional videos are clear, and the use of real-world examples encourages practical application. Furthermore, the interactive coding exercises allow you to apply what you’ve learned immediately, ensuring that concepts are not just theoretical but are also practiced. The language used throughout the course is approachable, and complex topics are broken down into bite-sized, manageable sections. The pacing is thoughtful, allowing for a smooth learning curve even for those who may initially feel overwhelmed by the shift from Java. #### Recommendation If you’re a Java developer aiming to enhance your coding toolbox, I highly recommend the "Kotlin for Java Developers" course on Coursera. It’s an excellent choice if you want to modernize your skills and improve your efficiency in writing code. Not only does this course equip you with the necessary Kotlin skills, but it also prepares you for practical applications in real-world projects ranging from enterprise back-ends to Android development. With Kotlin gaining traction as a preferred language in the tech industry, completing this course could significantly enhance your employability and value as a developer. In conclusion, whether you're looking to expand your coding horizons or adapt your Java knowledge to modern standards, this course is a thoughtful investment in your professional development. Grab your spot and start exploring Kotlin today!

Syllabus

Introduction

Starting up with Kotlin

Nullability, Functional Programming

Properties, OOP, Conventions

Sequences, Lambdas with Receiver, Types

Overview

The Kotlin programming language is a modern language that gives you more power for your everyday tasks. Kotlin is concise, safe, pragmatic, and focused on interoperability with Java code. It can be used almost everywhere Java is used today: for server-side development, Android apps, and much more. Kotlin is 100% compatible with all existing Java frameworks, and has good tooling support. It’s a pragmatic language with a very low learning curve, and can be quickly grasped by Java developers. Kotli

Skills

Reviews

Clearly explained, easy to understand and nice programming tasks. I could complain something of documenting what to do in programming task, and also more smaller tasks would be useful

Thanks JetBrains team, the course is as great as all the things that you do!\n\nNow I am going to visit Kotlin island (Kronstadt) to see lighthouse on your logo (I leave nearby in Saint-Petersburg).

The assignments don't have a detailed explanation. There should be more of code provided with fill the blanks kind of tasks. This would make it much easier and helpful as the assignments are tough.

Great assignments and quizzes to go along with videos. More in-depth than any other Kotlin course I have taken with showing best practices and reasons to prefer certain patterns.

The course is nice and quite informative, but it is almost impossible to understand what the presenter is saying. The only way to get through the course was to mute videos and go for subtitles.