Guide to setup a Kotlin application environment on Ubuntu

Introduction

Setting up a Kotlin application environment on Ubuntu involves a series of simple steps. Kotlin, a modern programming language that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), offers a combination of functional and object-oriented programming features. It is interoperable with Java and is known for its concise syntax. In this guide we'll cover the essentials for preparing your Kotlin development environment on an Ubuntu system, including installing Java, Kotlin, and a suitable integrated development environment (IDE).

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have a working Ubuntu system and administrative privileges (sudo access) to install the packages.

Step 1: Update and upgrade Ubuntu packages

First, update the package index and update existing packages to the latest versions. Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Java

Kotlin applications run on the JVM, so you need to have Java installed on your system. You can install the default Java Development Kit (JDK) with the following command:

sudo apt install default-jdk -y

After installation, verify this by checking the Java version:

java -version

You should see details of the installed Java version.

Step 3: Install Kotlin

While there are several ways to install Kotlin, using the Software Development Kit Manager (SDKMAN!) is one of the simplest and most flexible methods. SDKMAN! allows you to manage multiple software development kits for Java, Kotlin, Groovy and other JVM languages. Install SDKMAN! running:

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

Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation. After installing SDKMAN!, open a new terminal or run:

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

Install Kotlin using SDKMAN!:

sdk install kotlin

Verify your Kotlin installation by checking its version:

kotlin -version

Step 4: Install IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA is a popular IDE for Kotlin development. While you can use other IDEs like Eclipse or Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ offers excellent Kotlin support out of the box. Install IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition via snap package manager:

sudo snap install intellij-idea-community --classic

Alternatively, you can download it from the JetBrains website and install it manually.

Step 5: Create your first Kotlin application

To make sure everything is set up correctly, let's create a simple Kotlin "Hello, World!" application. Open IntelliJ IDEA and create a new Kotlin project. Once your project is set up, create a new Kotlin file named Main.kt and paste the following code:

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

Run the application by clicking the Run button next to the main function. You should see "Hello, World!" printed in the console.

Step 6: Explore Kotlin development

Once your environment is set up, you're ready to dive deeper into Kotlin development. Explore the Kotlin documentation, join the Kotlin community, and start building your projects.

Conclusion

Setting up a Kotlin application environment on Ubuntu is a simple process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up a robust development environment that allows you to explore the full potential of Kotlin on Ubuntu. Whether you're new to Kotlin or an experienced developer, the simplicity and power of Kotlin, combined with the flexibility of Ubuntu, create a compelling development ecosystem.