JetBrains has simply launched Kotlin 2.0, which it says is a serious replace to the programming language. It was introduced at KotlinConf 2024, occurring Could 22-24, which is an occasion filled with talks about utilizing Kotlin.
“In the present day we’re excited to launch Kotlin 2.0 with a steady K2 compiler, which is multiplatform from the bottom up, understands your code higher, and compiles it twice as quick,” Egor Tolstoy, undertaking lead for Kotlin at JetBrains, wrote in a weblog publish.
One of many fundamental highlights of this launch is that it features a steady model of the K2 compiler, which is an entire rewrite of Kotlin’s unique compiler that unifies all platforms supported by Kotlin, and provides a quicker and extra extensible structure, addresses technical debt from the outdated compiler, fixes bugs, and lays the muse for future language extensions.
In keeping with JetBrains, round 15,000 builders have already used K2, and Meta has already migrated giant parts of its codebase to it.
“The on a regular basis ardour of the Kotlin group continually motivates us to enhance the language, and right now, we’re proud to take an enormous step ahead for the entire Kotlin ecosystem and launch Kotlin 2.0. The brand new compiler structure was constructed to allow us to evolve the language a lot simpler, we are able to introduce new options quicker and in a constant and platform-agnostic manner,” mentioned Tolstoy.
In keeping with JetBrains, the K2 compiler is vital for multiplatform Kotlin, and to that finish, Kotlin 2.0 additionally introduces a number of new options and enhancements for Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP).
Kotlin now gives first-party help for Compose Multiplatform, and the Jetpack Compose compiler (which powers Compose Multiplatform) now ships with Kotlin as of this launch.
This launch additionally introduces an improved tooling expertise for Kotlin Multiplatform. It now totally understands Xcode initiatives and provides full help for Swift.
Google has additionally began recommending builders swap to KMP and it provides KMP help in a number of widespread Android libraries, and has migrated a few of its personal apps to it as properly, reminiscent of Google Docs.
Looking forward to the longer term, upcoming plans for Kotlin that the staff is now engaged on embody knowledge recognition and deconstruction, growing abstraction, high-performance clear code, and bettering the library writer expertise.
“Kotlin 2.0 considerably boosts your day by day productiveness. It brings a quicker, smarter, and extra sturdy compiler, in addition to even higher help for Kotlin Multiplatform initiatives. As a Kotlin developer, you get greater than only a trendy, concise, and secure language. You even have entry to a flexible ecosystem with highly effective frameworks reminiscent of Ktor and Compose Multiplatform, and mixed with JetBrains IDEs, Kotlin 2.0 provides an distinctive developer expertise, empowering you to construct modern, performant, and dependable purposes for all platforms,” Tolstoy wrote.
Kotlin 2.0 is now obtainable within the newest model of IntelliJ IDEA and Android Studio. A full record of recent options might be discovered within the language’s launch notes.
