Cookbooks
Kotlin
Chapter 1. Getting Started
Starting a new project

Kotlin:
Starting a new project

How to:

Let’s get rolling with a Kotlin project using IntelliJ IDEA – a popular IDE for Kotlin.

  1. Open IntelliJ IDEA.
  2. Select File > New > Project.
  3. Choose Kotlin on the left sidebar.
  4. Specify your project’s SDK (usually, IntelliJ will select the most recent one you’ve installed).
  5. Pick a project template or stick with the default one.
  6. Name your project and choose its location.
  7. Hit Finish.

Boom, you’ve got a new Kotlin project. Your typical directory will look like this after creation:

projectName
|-- .idea
|-- src
     |-- main.kt
|-- build.gradle

And your main.kt might start off as simple as this:

fun main() {
    println("Ready, set, go Kotlin!")
}

Upon running the main.kt, you’ll see:

Ready, set, go Kotlin!

Deep Dive

Kotlin is a modern language that runs on the JVM (Java Virtual Machine), designed to be concise and safe. It was created by JetBrains and has been gaining traction, especially for Android app development, since announcing official support by Google in 2017.

Before jumping into a new Kotlin project, understand why you’re choosing Kotlin:

  • Concise syntax: Reduces boilerplate code.
  • Interoperable with Java: Seamless integration with Java code and libraries.
  • Smart casting: Less explicit type casting needed.
  • Null-safety: Built-in system to avoid null pointer exceptions.

Alternatives to starting a new Kotlin project with IntelliJ IDEA:

  • Command-Line: Create files manually, compile with kotlinc, and run using kotlin commands.
  • Other IDEs: Use Android Studio for Android development or Eclipse with the Kotlin plugin.

When you start a new project in IntelliJ IDEA, it sets up the necessary Gradle configuration automatically. Gradle is a build automation system that manages dependencies, builds, and tests for your project. This setup allows you to import libraries, define module dependencies, and facilitate builds with ease.

See Also

Want to go beyond the basics? Here’s where to head next:

Remember, the best way to learn is by doing. Start with the ‘Hello World’ and keep building from there. Happy coding!