KMM as a New Approach to Cross-platform App Development

3

August

KMM as a New Approach to Cross-platform App Development

Developing cross-platform apps in the fast-paced world of software development is complex. Developers must choose between building separate codebases for different platforms or using hybrid frameworks with their trade-offs.

Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP), a programming language extension that bridges platforms, revolutionizes cross-platform development.

JetBrains created Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile (KMM) to simplify cross-platform mobile app development with Kotlin. KMM lets developers build cross-platform mobile apps.

KMM allows developers to write shared code that runs natively on multiple platforms. In this blog, we will be discussing everything about this new cross-platform development approach.

Introducing Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile (KMM)

Back in 2020, JetBrains made an exciting announcement about the Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile (KMM) SDK. With the help of this ground-breaking technology, developers may write shared code for business logic while retaining platform-specific UI code. You may reuse a sizable chunk of the codebase, much like a cross-platform framework, while ensuring the program is native. It's like getting the best of both worlds.

The remarkable cross-platform flexibility of the Kotlin language is what enables KMM. Developers can target different platforms, such as JVM, JavaScript, and Native/Desktop, with a single Kotlin codebase. For KMM, a Java library is created for Android and a Swift library for iOS using the shared Kotlin codebase.

Since both Kotlin and Java run on the JVM, compiling them together is relatively simple. However, it uses a compiler infrastructure known as LLVM for Kotlin to Swift compilation. This fantastic technology is the foundation for KMM's magic and paves the path for seamless code exchange across many platforms.

Reasons to Choose Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile for App Development

KMM gives programmers the ability to create platform-agnostic common server logic. It's crucial to understand that "server logic" in this context refers to the part of the application in charge of data transfer between the server and mobile devices. You can now share the code for this portion to save time and effort.

Since they have different requirements and design philosophies, the UI code for iOS and Android will remain distinct.

Even though an alpha version of KMM was released in 2020, some businesses might be hesitant to adopt it immediately, preferring to wait until it becomes more dependable and well-established. However, KMM has already won the confidence of several illustrious businesses that use it in their production apps.

VMWare, Netflix, Leroy Merlin, Quizlet, Philips, and Autodesk are a few examples. These businesses are aware of the distinctive advantages that KMM provides, which makes it an appealing option for cross-platform development.

Advantages of Kotlin Multiplatform for Efficient App Development:

Let's dive into the advantages of KMM for app development in detail. This will help you get started with your development process more efficiently:

1). Modern and Effective: Kotlin, created by JetBrains and made available to the public in 2012, has a robust global community. This confirmed its importance by making it the third language that Google supports for Android. Kotlin is a contemporary, effective, quick programming language thanks to its null-pointer safety, extension functions, and full Java compatibility.

2).Faster Development: Creating apps for various platforms frequently results in shared business logic and features. Developers can use Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile to share these standard code sections while creating unique UI codes. The streamlined sharing process makes app development more quick and effective because it saves time and effort.

3).Clear, quick, and cost-effective: Kotlin's simple syntax allows sharing common code without having to re-arrange it. This reduces development costs and eliminates duplication. KMM is a compelling option for cross-platform projects thanks to the optional sharing feature, smooth interop, and risk reduction.

4).Strong Community and Support: Popular companies like Pinterest, Gradle, Twitter, Lyft, Netflix, Trello, and Reddit have adopted Kotlin. In order to maintain its status as a next-generation programming language, the language is constantly changing thanks to contributions from developers worldwide. Kotlin makes the switch for Java developers easier thanks to its object-oriented structure and full Java interoperability. Developers can access many support materials, including forums, Slack, Stack Overflow, and Kotlin Talks.

5).Rich IDE Support: Kotlin code can be written in IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio, or Xcode. Since Android Studio is built on JetBrains' IntelliJ IDEA software, Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile benefits from exceptional IDE support and tooling, enhancing the development experience.

A Comparison of KMM, React Native, and Flutter in Terms of Security and Platform Updates:

React Native and Flutter, which are based on JavaScript and Dart, respectively, each have their distinctive approaches to security. Through its direct integration with platform-specific security measures, KMM, in contrast, offers a definite advantage. KMM reduces dependence on extra layers and bridging technologies that might introduce vulnerabilities by utilizing platform-specific APIs to enable seamless integration of security features into the shared codebase.

By using the numerous security-focused libraries and tools available within the Kotlin community, KMM's alignment with the Kotlin ecosystem further enhances security. Developers can use well-established security practices and libraries to protect their code from common threats.

KMM once again shows to be advantageous in terms of platform updates. To keep their apps current with Android and iOS advancements, developers can directly access and integrate the newest platform capabilities into their shared codebase.

The active library and framework contributions made by the Kotlin community make it easier to keep up with platform updates. KMM developers gain from timely updates and improved compatibility, which reduces delays in implementing the newest features and security upgrades.

For incorporating platform changes, React Native and Flutter, on the other hand, rely on their respective ecosystems. Although they try to stay current, dependence on framework-specific updates can occasionally cause delays in adopting new features or security enhancements.

By deciding on KMM, developers can confidently create apps with the newest security precautions while making the most of the constantly changing platform capabilities. KMM is a desirable option for cross-platform development because its proactive approach promotes a safe and cutting-edge app experience for users.

Wrapping Up

Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile is a great mobile development kit that solves many problems. It allows sharing code between platforms, saves resources and lets you use Android and iOS platform-specific technologies without being locked into a cross-platform or hybrid framework.

If you want your new app to be developed on this newly launched platform and looking for a team of professionals, then you got us.

We at Cosmonaut are dedicated to learning and enhancing the skills of our team. We have developed our KMM skills by developing a few apps. We know how to utilize the benefits of KMM, so let us be your left hand.

Let's connect and discuss things in detail.