Native Android app development with Kotlin and Compose
Kotlin is the language Google recommends for Android development. It is concise, null-safe and fully interoperable with Java, making it the standard choice for new native Android apps and for modernising older Java-based ones.
Kotlin removes much of the boilerplate of Java and its null-safety prevents a common class of crashes. Coroutines make asynchronous work such as network calls and database access far easier to write correctly. Kotlin also runs on the server, including with Spring Boot, and Kotlin Multiplatform can share business logic with iOS. A native Kotlin app still needs a separate iOS build, so if both platforms need identical features on a tight budget, a cross-platform framework is often more cost-effective.
What we build with Kotlin
- Native Android apps
- Migration of Java Android code to Kotlin
- Apps using Bluetooth, NFC or background services
- Enterprise and field-service apps
- Shared logic with Kotlin Multiplatform
Kotlin questions
Can Kotlin and Java code live in the same app?
Yes. They interoperate fully, so we can introduce Kotlin into an existing Java app gradually without a rewrite.
Can Kotlin be used for iOS as well?
Kotlin Multiplatform can share business logic between Android and iOS, while each platform keeps a native interface. It suits teams that want native apps with less duplicated code.
How does Google Play review compare with the App Store?
Play review is usually quicker, but new developer accounts can face extra testing requirements before public release. Apps must also meet Play policies on permissions, data safety declarations and target API level.
How do Android push notifications work?
Notifications are sent through Firebase Cloud Messaging and shown by the app. On newer Android versions users must grant notification permission, so we design when and how that request appears.
How do you make a Kotlin app fast on cheaper Android phones?
We profile on lower-end devices, keep work off the main thread with coroutines, use baseline profiles to speed up start-up and keep image and memory use in check.
Can a Kotlin app work offline?
Yes. We use Room for local storage and WorkManager to sync changes reliably in the background once the device is back online.
How do you handle the variety of Android devices?
We test across different screen sizes, Android versions and manufacturers using emulators and real devices, and design layouts that adapt to phones, tablets and foldables.
How are updates released to Android users?
Updates go through Google Play, and staged rollouts let us release to a small percentage of users first and halt if problems appear. In-app update prompts can encourage users to install important versions.
Should we build natively in Kotlin or go cross-platform?
Native Kotlin is best when you need deep Android integration, top performance or hardware features. If you need iOS too on a tighter budget, a cross-platform framework or Kotlin Multiplatform may be better value.
What does it cost to maintain a Kotlin app?
Ongoing costs come from yearly target API updates required by Google Play, library upgrades, new Android versions and feature work. We can support you on a dedicated team or time-and-materials basis.
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