Learn Kotlin Fast: A Step-by-Step “Hello, World!” Tutorial

Unlock the Power of Kotlin: A Beginner’s Guide to “Hello, World!”

Getting Started with Kotlin

Before diving into the world of Kotlin, ensure your computer is set up to run this powerful programming language. For a seamless experience, check out our guide on how to run Kotlin on your computer.

The Magic of “Hello, World!”

The “Hello, World!” program is a timeless classic, used to introduce newcomers to the world of programming. In Kotlin, this program is no exception. Let’s explore how it works its magic.

Dissecting the Code

kotlin
// Hello World Program
fun main(args : Array<String>) {
println("Hello, World!")
}


At first glance, the code may seem complex, but fear not! We’ll break it down into manageable chunks.

The Main Function: The Heart of Every Kotlin Program

The main function is the entry point of every Kotlin application. It’s where the magic begins! This function takes an array of strings as a parameter and returns Unit. Don’t worry too much about the details; we’ll cover functions and parameters in later chapters.

The Println Function: Bringing Your Code to Life

The println function is responsible for printing the message “Hello, World!” to the standard output stream. It’s the perfect way to see your code in action!

Kotlin vs. Java: A Comparison of “Hello, World!” Programs

As Kotlin is 100% interoperable with Java, let’s take a look at how the “Hello, World!” program differs between the two languages.

java
public class HelloWorld {
public static void main(String[] args) {
System.out.println("Hello, World!");
}
}


Key Takeaways

• Unlike Java, Kotlin doesn’t require a class in every program. The compiler creates one for you!
• The println function internally calls System.out.println().

By mastering the “Hello, World!” program, you’ve taken the first step in unlocking the full potential of Kotlin. Happy coding!