Install Kotlin on Ubuntu

About Kotlin

Kotlin is a modern language that runs on the JVM. Google recommends it for Android apps. Its main features:

• Java interoperability. You can use Java libraries.
• Null safety. Helps to avoid null pointer errors.
• Extension functions.
• Data classes.
• Coroutines for asynchronous code.
• Type inference.
• Functional programming features.
• Operator overloading.

Kotlin needs a Java runtime. Install one first if you do not have it: sudo apt install default-jdk.

Method 1: Snap

Step 1: Update the package list

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Kotlin

sudo snap install kotlin --classic

Step 3: Check it

kotlin -version

Method 2: SDKMAN

SDKMAN lets you install and switch between versions of many SDKs.

Step 1: Install SDKMAN

First install curl and the tools it needs:

sudo apt install curl zip unzip

curl -s https://get.sdkman.io | bash

Open a new terminal, or run:

source "$HOME/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh"

Step 2: Install Kotlin

sdk install kotlin

Try it

Create hello.kt:

fun main() {
    println("Hello, Kotlin!")
}

Compile and run:

kotlinc hello.kt -include-runtime -d hello.jar
java -jar hello.jar

Why use Kotlin

• Better productivity with less code.
• Safer code.
• More readable code.
• Works with your Java code.
• Great for Android and server apps.

Quick recap

• sudo snap install kotlin --classic is the fast way.
• SDKMAN is best if you need several versions.
• Check with kotlin -version.