Best way to learn Kotlin
Kotlin is a general-purpose programming language, meaning you can use it to make different types of projects in different fields.
It is popularly used to make Android Applications, full-stack web applications, and data science projects.
There are some best ways you can follow to learn Kotlin effectively and quickly. I have outlined the best ways to learn Kotlin in this article.
These are the guides I use whenever I want to learn a new technology or programming language. If you follow these guides and act on what I have highlighted, you will be able to work with Kotlin in no time.
Here are the best ways to learn Kotlin
CHOOSE A PATH
If you want to learn Kotlin effectively, you must first determine what you want to use Kotlin for. Kotlin being a general-purpose programming language means it can be used for more than one purpose.
Kotlin can be used for Android app development, machine learning, web development, data science,, and mobile app development. Here are some Jobs that you can get as a Kotlin developer.
Although the basics are going to be the same for all these fields, it is important to choose a field that you are going to focus on.
If you want to use Kotlin for Web Development, then you need to understand the fundamentals of Kotlin/JS and move to frameworks like Spring, Ktor, Javelin, or Vaadin.
If you want to use Kotlin for Data Science, then you need the basics of Kotlin and a good understanding of libraries like Krangl, MultiK, KotlinDL, Kravis, and many others.
Once you have a defined path, it becomes easy to learn Kotlin because you will only focus on the technologies and libraries related to your field.
FREE TUTORIALS
Once you have chosen the path you want to take, you can learn more by watching free tutorials online.
For example, if you want to use Kotlin for Android app development, you can focus on watching tutorials on Android app development with Kotlin.
There are many platforms and channels that offer amazing free Kotlin tutorials. Youtube is the best platform to find free Kotlin tutorials.
Channels like FreeCodeCamp, Coding in Flow, Telusko, Traversy Media, and many others offer free tutorials on Kotlin and many other programming languages.
PRACTICE
Once you familiarize yourself with the fundamental of Kotlin programming through free tutorials, its time to practice what you have learned.
Practice is the best way to gain a deep understanding of Kotlin. Practice, practice, practice, and practice. This is the best way to learn any technology or programming language.
The more you practice, the more you will know how much progress you are making. Whatever you do, don’t think you will learn Kotlin by watching others.
You need to work with the language yourself, only then will you be able to know what is missing and what you are getting.
I cannot say this enough, practice, practice, and practice.
BUILD PROJECTS
Building projects is the best way to practice working with Kotlin.
When you have chosen your path and have learned the basics, use your knowledge to build simple projects, then keep working on them to cement your understanding.
In the process of building projects, you will come up against many challenges and bugs, in the process of solving these challenges, you will gain valuable problem-solving skills that will help you beyond those Kotlin projects.
TAKE ONLINE COURSES
As you build projects, you can take a step further and take an online course or a Bootcamp.
These online courses especially those offered by big companies like Udacity, or Coursera will help you gain a unique understanding of industry standards.
For example, Udacity in collaboration with Google has an Android Kotlin course that takes 4 months to complete. In the process, you will learn the industry standard of Kotlin Android app development and build a real-world project.
You can also find many amazing Kotlin courses for Web Development, Android App development and more on Coursera.
JOIN ONLINE COMMUNITIES
Another best way to learn Kotlin is to join online Kotlin communities. These can be Facebook Groups, forums, subreddits, or platforms like Stack Overflow and Github.
Online communities are important to help you keep up with recent development in your field. They can also help you when you get stuck.
TAKE CHALLENGES AND TESTS
Once you have a certain level of understanding of Kotlin, it is easy to get comfortable. But you must challenge yourself to work on more advanced concepts than those that you are already comfortable with.
You can begin to work on data structures and algorithms, you can also participate in online challenges, hackathons, and tests. These challenges will help you to develop different ways of approaching and solving problems.
You can find different types of challenges and Hackathons in different fields on Devpost. Devpost is a home of hackathons, by participating in these hackathons, you can win amazing prizes and open up many windows of opportunities.
READ BOOKS
Reading Kotlin and programming books is another best way to learn Kotlin. In my article Should Programmers Read Books, I highlighted the best kinds of books that programmers should read.
Reading books has many great benefits for programmers. It will help you to increase your level of focus and engage your brain in a great mental exercise.
CONCLUSION
Whatever you do, make sure to practice and build projects, this is among the best ways to learn Kotlin. You should also challenge yourself to learn advanced concepts that you are not comfortable with.