Will Java Live or Be Replaced by Kotlin: The Future of Programming Languages

The Lifespan of Mainstream Languages

Mainstream programming languages like Java do not go away, no matter how much they age. Much older and less-popular languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and Assembly are still going strong and evolving in their appropriate sectors.

Adaptation is Key for Professionals

Professional software developers are expected to learn and properly use programming languages, programming paradigms, and other technologies as needed. It is part of the job. If you can no longer use your favorite language, learn an appropriate language and move on. It’s as simple as that.

Do not fret and wring your hands over whether this mainstream programming language or that mainstream programming language is going to survive. Instead, focus on learning and adapting.

Oracle's Stance on Java

Those concerned about the future of Java don’t need to worry. Oracle, a major player in the tech industry, does not seem to be an entity that would rush to get rid of its money-making machine. For the foreseeable future, at least, Java will continue to survive.

Large enterprises have made significant investments in very large systems written in Java and will need to maintain these systems for 30-50 years before it is cost-effective to rewrite them from scratch. There is currently no superior platform for large distributed transactional systems that have been invented yet.

Kotlin: The New Comer

While Java shows no signs of disappearing, it is facing stiff competition from Kotlin. Google officially recommended Kotlin for Android app development, giving the language significant traction.

Kotlin's advantages over Java include its conciseness and safety. The language supports functional programming, which is more like Python’s style, making it safer and more modern. These features make Kotlin particularly appealing to the Android community, with Google optimizing the Kotlin compiler to match or exceed the speed of Java soon.

Java's Resilience

Despite the growing popularity of Kotlin, Java remains resilient. Each release of Java brings improvements in style, conciseness, and optimization. New programmers may prefer to learn new and fancier languages, but the mainstream apps and products are unlikely to migrate to a new language anytime soon.

Java continues to thrive in areas where it has already established a strong presence. Its widespread use in enterprise solutions and large-scale applications ensures its longevity. While Kotlin is gaining ground, it is not yet poised to overtake Java in the short term.

So, whether you are a long-time Java developer or a newcomer to the world of programming, the landscape is dynamic, but Java remains a strong contender for the years to come. The key is to stay adaptable and continue learning new skills in an ever-evolving industry.