Whether it is a business venturing into the digital realm or web and app developers, everyone has to constantly update themselves on the technology trends to stay on top of the game. And it is of utmost necessity for businesses as they use these technologies to build their software.
What if the platform announces there will be no long-term support? Or, if there are too few developers and you can’t find and hire dedicated Angular JS developers? It can severely affect your business’s productivity.
You wouldn’t encounter this situation if you make an informed choice. This blog will discuss the most suitable platforms for you Angular vs Kotlin vs Xamarin. You can look at the various advantages, disadvantages, and comparisons going forward.
Let’s begin!
Introduction to AngularJS
Angular JS is an open-source, Javascript-based web framework for developing front-end UI of dynamic single-page web applications. Released about 11 years ago, this front-end development framework is managed by Google and other community contributors.
Throughout the years of its service, it has seen many developments and upgrades and the most latest stable upgrade was on October 21st, 2020 – Angular JS v1.8.2. Here, look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of the framework for a better understanding of its state.
Advantages Of AngularJS
- It is open-source and anyone can use it without having to pay a sum to use the platform.
- AngularJS programmers can use the platform to create intuitive and interactive single-page applications.
- Working with Angular JS does not require one to learn other exclusive scripting languages as long as they are well versed in HTML, Javascript, and CSS.
- Extending or customizing Angular JS is more accessible, thanks to many of its in-built features.
- Backed by Google, AngualrJS boasts a huge community of developers. Google manages the framework regularly and brings new updates in place.
- It follows MVC (Model, View, & Controller) architecture for coding, and combining such codes is done automatically here. So, programmers have a better time coding and the development time is reduced as well.
Disadvantages AngularJS
- Since it is based on Javascript, the underlying memory leakage problem is also evident here. Such an issue can create furthermore problems like crashes, slowdowns, high latency, etc. in the application.
- Angular JS is known to be huge and complex. It means that one can perform a single task in many ways and there’s no way for developers or businesses to know which is the most optimized method.
- Authorization and authentication aren’t two very strong areas of Angular JS. Thus, it can be considered less secure.
Introduction to Kotlin
Unlike Angular JS, Kotlin is a general-purpose programming language and not a framework. It was first released in July 2011 to work with Android and JVM (Java Virtual Machine). The language is interoperable with Java and can help overcome many limitations of Java as it is lightweight, secure, and clean.
Advantages of Kotlin
- Working with Kotlin is easier when you compare it with Java. A developer experienced in Java can not only learn to rewrite functions with Kotlin but can also enhance these features for good.
- Detecting errors in the application is easier in Kotlin with a powerful compiler.
- Kotlin supports more than one IDEs, such as – Android Studio SDK, Atom, Rider, WebStorm, etc. Thus, businesses have plenty of options to develop mobile apps.
- When you develop with Kotlin, you can also use Java interoperably. Thus, coordinating with the existing codes written in Java becomes even more seamless.
- Kotlin applications can be built for varying operating systems as well apart from Android like Linux, Windows, iOS, macOS, Watch OS, etc. if the user experience is built natively.
Drawbacks of Kotlin
- It might be troublesome to find proficient Kotlin developers for your project.
- The speed of compilation can be slow.
- There are limited resources available for developers to learn and ace the language.
Introduction to Xamarin
Xamarin is a cross-platform app development framework for developing iOS, Windows, and Android applications. It was founded in May 2011 and is managed by Microsoft (ever since 2016). The open-source framework utilizes C# .Net framework and is one of the easiest platforms to start development with.
Advantages of Xamarin
- The development cycle is sped up as over 90% of the code can be shared between platforms.
- Creating native-like UI experiences is made possible with Xamarin as it utilizes native components for development. While Visual Studio allows sharing of codes between multiple platforms, developers are expected to write custom native codes for creating apps true to their operating systems.
- Xamarin became an open-source platform after it was acquired by Microsoft in 2016. Since then, developers have been able to use the framework along with its libraries without any cost.
- Since programmers use a single language for developing apps, it becomes even easier to manage apps and update them. Changes can be applied to both apps conveniently and quickly.
- Xamarin.Forms can be used to develop apps quickly for shared platforms. Its best use is when you are creating an MVP for one of your clients.
Disadvantages of Xamarin
- If your application requires heavy UI/UX implementations and graphics, you might want to reconsider using Xamarin. It would demand extensive knowledge of using native components. Thus, going for native development would be a better alternative.
- When you develop apps with Xamarin, the size of the application may turn out to be large depending upon the base class library, data library, and mono runtime libraries you use.
- In case you use third-party libraries, there may arise compatibility issues. You may have to create bindings or use wrappers for this. Besides, you have to depend on these third-party vendors to update their plugins and tools. In most cases, there is a possibility of delay.
Now that we are aware of the three platforms and how they may benefit us, let’s look at the differences and help you choose your best option.
Which Framework is your Ideal Choice?
Basic differences between Angular JS, Kotlin, and Xamarin:
| Angular JS | Kotlin | Xamarin | |
| Type: | Web framework | Programming language | Mobile app development framework |
| Used for | Development of single-page applications, and front-end development. | Cross-platform app development using various IDEs for Android, JVM, iOS, Windows, Linux, etc. | Cross-platform mobile app development for Android, iOS, and Windows. |
| Written in: | Javascript | Itself is a programming language with a dependency on the Java Class Library. | C# |
| Companies that still use such technologies in 2023: | Google, Lyft, Snapchat, Tinder, Udemy, Amazon. | Postmates, Pinterest, Uber, Atlassian/Trello, Corda, Evernote. | APX, Story, Oro, Caption, The World Bank, CA Mobile, MRW. |
| Competitors: | React JS, Angular, JQuery, Node JS, Vue JS. | Java, Python, Swift, Dart, Scala. | Flutter, React Native, Ionic, Mono, Android Studio. |
With so many technologies around the corner and new ones coming every now and then, it is understandable that you are puzzled. And you want nothing but the best option for your project.
But, the three mentioned – kotlin vs angular vs Xamarin are not comparable entirely. While one is a web framework and the other is a programming language, the third one is a mobile app development framework.
The above table shows competitors of each of the three platforms for your reference. If you want to have a detailed and informed decision, you can compare these problems and make an informed decision for your project.
Going forward, we will address different queries that you might have while choosing the right platform out of the mentioned three. Let’s begin!
Which one is best for developing mobile apps?
As we know, Angularjs is apt for developing web applications for mobile and any other compatible devices. Leaving that, we have Kotlin and Xamarin.
Though Kotlin was originally released for developing native applications for Android and JVM, it has now extended its support for cross-platform apps. In August 2020, Kotlin Multiplatform was released and sent to the alpha phase.
So, developers now can build highly efficient mobile apps with native performance using Kotlin multiplatform. The code is shareable and a single tech stack is utilized.
As for Xamarin, it is backed by Google and has a strong community of supporters. Moreover, it is interoperable with Java.
Both platforms appear to have a promising future and are a winning bet. However, it depends on the kind of project you are going to develop to make an informed decision.
When should I use Angular JS, Kotlin, or Xamarin?
This table here illustrates some of the best circumstances when choosing a particular technology that can come in handy.
Angular JS
- When you want to develop a single-page app.
- If you want to develop cross-platform PWAs quickly.
- If you have resources with proficient knowledge of Javascript, HTML, and CSS.
Kotlin
- Android application development.
- Client and server-side development.
- Web App development.
- It can be used interoperably with Java-based programming languages.
- For developing apps with native performances.
- For creating heavy graphics and content-heavy UI apps.
Xamarin
- Suitable for cross-platform app development.
- If you want the app maintenance and updating tasks to be minimal.
- If you have a comparatively low budget for app development.
Takeaway
Whether it is Angular JS, Kotlin, or Xamarin, all are developed and maintained by renowned names and are reliable platforms to develop and manage applications. Nevertheless, they serve different purposes and are used for multiple purposes as mentioned above.
It is up to you and your project requirements which platform would suit them best. Make sure you are well aware of your project needs (type, complexity, budget, etc.) and decide based on the features, advantages, and other things listed here. This should also help you hire AngularJs developers (or Kotlin/ Xamarin developers).