Dart vs Kotlin: What are the differences?
Introduction
Dart and Kotlin are both modern programming languages that have gained popularity among developers for their application in various domains. While Dart is primarily associated with web and mobile app development, Kotlin finds its use mainly in Android app development. Although they have some similarities, there are key differences between the two languages that set them apart in terms of syntax, features, and functionality.
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Syntax:
Dart uses a C-style syntax, similar to Java and JavaScript. It has a more familiar syntax for those coming from other programming languages. Kotlin, on the other hand, has a more concise and expressive syntax, which allows developers to write clean and readable code with fewer lines.
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Null Safety:
Dart has built-in null safety features where variables are non-nullable by default and require explicit annotations for nullability. This helps in preventing null reference errors and improving code reliability. In Kotlin, null safety is supported through nullable types and safe access operators, making it easier to handle null values.
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Platform Support:
Dart can be used to develop web applications, mobile apps for iOS and Android through the Flutter framework, and even desktop applications. Kotlin, on the other hand, is primarily used for developing Android applications. While Kotlin/Native allows developing multiplatform applications, its main focus is still on Android development.
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Async Programming:
Dart has built-in support for asynchronous programming with its async and await keywords, making it easier to write code that performs tasks concurrently without blocking the execution. Kotlin, on the other hand, provides coroutines, which enable easy and efficient asynchronous programming by using suspending functions and structured concurrency.
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Extension Functions:
Kotlin allows the developer to add new functions to existing classes without modifying their source code through extension functions. This helps in enhancing the functionality of existing classes and makes code more reusable. Dart, on the other hand, does not have the concept of extension functions.
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Type Inference:
In Kotlin, type inference is a powerful feature that allows the compiler to automatically infer the type of variables based on the assigned value. This reduces the verbosity of code and enhances code readability. Dart also supports type inference, but it is not as powerful as Kotlin's type inference capabilities.
In Summary, Dart and Kotlin differ in their syntax, null safety features, platform support, asynchronous programming capabilities, extension function support, and type inference. They are both powerful languages that offer unique features for different use cases and developer preferences.
