We can’t think of our lives without smartphones nowadays. Some use it for information, and some just for fun! Thousands of mobile apps are there that facilitate many services. While developing a smartphone app can be thrilling, it needs many other considerations too, and programming language is one of them. Here we will discuss popular programming languages for Android apps.

There are tons of programming languages for Android app development. While some of these programming languages are used just for general-purpose coding, on the other hand, some others are for specific functions. Furthermore, when choosing the right programming language for game development on Android is undoubtedly a daunting task.

This blog has listed down the 5 best and popular programming languages for Android app development.

Related post – Is Flutter development the future of mobile development

Programming languages in your pick

The most important thing while choosing programming languages for Android app development is the language and the tools associated with it, its features, and goals. Here are the languages in consideration:

• Java 
• Kotlin
• C++
• LUA (Corona)
• C#

1. Java 

Java is the official language for Android App Development, and by default, it is used in most of the cases for Android apps development. Besides, it is widely supported by Google and its extensive online community. In Java development, the code runs on the Java Virtual Machine or JVM. However, on Android, those lines of code are compiled by Dalvik Virtual Machine. Java is considered a very native coding language on Android studio.

But the learning curve of Java is very steep, and it is not considered the first language to learn for the new coders. So, when you are a new coder on the Android platform, it needs an extra level of understanding of the programming concept using Java-like Gradle, Android Manifest, and XML.

Why Java for Android Development?

· The main objective behind Android development was to create a platform-independent application environment that can support any device. As we know, Java is platform-independent, so Java is considered one of the best programming languages for Android app development. Aiming that Dalvik VM, built following Java virtual machine supports Android application to run on any device.

· Java has an extensive set of libraries, which can boost great benefits to Android apps. Android SDK comes with many standard Java libraries included. Some of the functionalities include data structure, graphics implantation, math functions, networking functions, etc.

· Android apps are aimed to run on different hardware platforms. So, it must be architectural neutral. Android code should be written once and will be executed and optimize native code on various devices for better performances. Java has that platform-independent feature.

2. Kotlin

If you are a novice in the Android world, then Kotlin can be a fantastic choice for you. Kotlin is a cross-platform, open-source, statically typed, and general-purpose language. This language is fully compatible with Java and designed in a way so that you can perform Android development with efficiency and effectiveness. This is the second official language, the Android programming language.

Similar to Java, Kotlin also runs on the Java Virtual Machine. However, unlike Java, in Kotlin, you need less “boilerplate” code. Kotlin is an ideal language for Android apps developers. Additionally, Kotlin has more security features than Java. Interestingly, Kotlin is used 60% of the top 1000 Android projects.

Why Kotlin for Android app development?

· Kotlin supports multiplatform mobile apps. Hence, you can use a single codebase for the business logic of iOS and Android apps. What you need is only to write platform-specific code as required.

· If You want to implement the same code and logic to multiple mobile platforms, you can migrate your code in stages with Kotlin. So, the programming language does not become a bottleneck here. Even if your project is a large one, your existing code will not prevent you from integrating Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile (KMM) app.

· There is flexibility in developing the app’s UI and working pattern with the platforms. Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile does not impose any restrictions on it.

· Since Kotlin itself is a cross-platform language, you don’t need to introduce any new languages to make your app cross-platform. Kotlin is a concise, safe, and tool-friendly language that can drastically improve the developer experience.

Link – https://kotlinlang.org/

3. Lua

Another open-source and easy to use programming language for developing Android apps is Lua. This is a scripting language and is mainly used for Android game development. However, Android does not support Lua by default for game development, and in this case, it takes the assistance of an Android SDK, which comes with cross-platform Corona Game engine features. It has two operational modes – Corona Simulator and Corona Native. You use the Corona simulator to build apps directly, whereas Corona native integrates the Lua code with the Android Studio project that builds app using native features.

For coding, you need a text editor like Notepad++ and later run that code on an emulator, which does not require any prior compilation. Finally, using an online tool, you can deploy your ready APK.

Furthermore, this support is a workable solution for simple games, but if you want to develop a more complex game, you need to use a more robust language like C++ or C#.

Lua has a limited scope compared to Java, and it is not for someone who wants to build their coding skill using this language. Lua is ideal for creating something relatively simple. Furthermore, if you’re going to use a few features, you need to purchase by buying a fee. However, Lua has a more straightforward learning curve.

Why Lua for Android development?

· Lua helps to create and manipulate Java objects seamlessly and interact with Android APIs. Also, it makes it possible to create UI elements dynamically. 

Link – http://www.lua.org/about.html

4. C/C++

C/C++ is a high-level language as well as complex. Hence, these are not for beginners, although they are great for building complex Android apps. A most interesting feature of C/C++ concerning Android apps is it can run natively on the phone. It is highly versatile in nature. Since high-level and complex, C/C++ is used to build a range of applications, from building operating systems to producing a 3D movie. Not to mention, C/C++ has a steep learning curve.

Why C/C++ for Android development?

Android Studio offers support for C/C++ code using the Android NDK (Native Development Kit). This means the code written for the apps directly runs natively on the device, unlike Java virtual machine. This gives you more control over programming controls like memory allocation. Moreover, you can use C/C++ libraries. But at the same time, it makes things more complex.

One drawback is for intensive applications like 3D games, C/C++ code squeezes extra performance from your Android platform.

5. C#

C# has the power of C/C++ but much less complexities than them. It has the best features of Java and C++. Essentially, C# is a high-level and object-oriented language and ideal for Android development. Besides, C# has a larger community. You can use it with the game engine for developing some excellent high-tech and 3D games.

Why C# for Android development?

C# is an excellent option for beginning programmers for a variety of reasons. It’s a high-level programming language with a simpler syntax than many other languages. It’s used for a wide range of purposes and has a great learning code, making it an excellent beginner option.

Final Verdict:

Needless to say, a Mobile app development career can be rewarding if you get your hands dirty on it. But the right choice of a programming language is essential to deliver the optimum performance. Especially learning the Android programming language will open up many doors for you. So, cultivate more on the languages mentioned above and find out which one is the best for you! 

Good luck!