Cross-Platform Development with Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile

Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile: Streamlining Cross-Platform DevelopmentCreation

Cross-platform development is a popular and efficient way to create mobile applications that run on multiple platforms, such as Android and iOS, using a single codebase. This approach can save time and resources, as well as ensure consistency and compatibility across different devices. However, not all cross-platform frameworks are created equal, and some may have drawbacks or limitations that affect the performance, quality, or functionality of the applications. In this article, we will explore some of the benefits and features of KMM, as well as how to get started with creating your first cross-platform application using KMM.

Benefits and Features of KMM:

Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile offers several advantages and capabilities for cross-platform development, such as:

Native experience:

 KMM enables developers to create native-looking and native-feeling applications for both Android and iOS, without compromising on the user interface or user experience. KMM supports the native UI frameworks of each platform, such as Android Jetpack Compose and SwiftUI, as well as the native tools and libraries, such as Android Studio and Xcode.

Code sharing:

KMM enables developers to share common logic and business rules between Android and iOS applications, such as network requests, data storage, authentication, and more. This can reduce code duplication, improve code quality, and facilitate code maintenance and testing.

Interoperability:

KMM enables developers to leverage the existing code and libraries written in Kotlin, Java, Swift, or Objective-C, and use them in their cross-platform applications. KMM provides seamless interoperability between Kotlin and the native languages of each platform, allowing developers to call Kotlin code from Swift or Objective-C, and vice versa.

 Flexibility:

KMM enables developers to choose the level of code sharing and platform-specific customization that suits their needs and preferences. KMM does not impose a rigid or restrictive structure but rather allows developers to decide how much code they want to share and how much they want to tailor for each platform.

Getting Started with KMM

To get started with KMM, you will need to set up your development environment, create your first KMM project, and run it on Android and iOS devices or simulators. Here are the steps to follow:

Set up your environment:

 You will need to install the following tools and plugins on your computer:

Kotlin plugin:

This plugin provides support for Kotlin language and Kotlin Multiplatform in IntelliJ IDEA-based IDEs. You can install it from the Plugins section in the IDE settings.

KMM plugin:

This plugin provides support for KMM-specific features, such as project creation, code generation, and debugging. You can install it from the Plugins section in the IDE settings.

Android Studio:

This is the official IDE for Android development, which you will use to develop the Android part of your KMM project.

Xcode:

This is the official IDE for iOS development, which you will use to develop the iOS part of your KMM project.

AppCode:

This is an alternative IDE for iOS development, which provides better integration with KMM and Kotlin.

Create your first KMM project:

You can use the KMM plugin to create a new KMM project from scratch or to convert an existing Android project to a KMM project. To create a new KMM project, follow these steps:

• Choose File | New | New Project in Android Studio.
• In the New Project wizard, select KMM Application and click Next.
• Specify the project name, package name, and location, and click Next.
• Specify the Android and iOS application names and click Finish.
• Wait for the project to be created and synced.

Run your first KMM project:

 You can run your KMM project on Android and iOS devices or simulators, and see the same Hello, Kotlin/Native! message on both platforms. To run your KMM project, follow these steps:

• To run on Android, select the androidApp configuration from the run/debug configurations drop-down menu, and click the Run button. Alternatively, you can right-click the android App module in the Project view and select Run.
• To run on iOS, select the iosApp configuration from the run/debug configurations drop-down menu, and click the Run button. Alternatively, you can right-click the iosApp module in the Project view and select Run.
• To run on both platforms simultaneously, select the Shared code configuration from the run/debug configurations drop-down menu, and click the Run button. Alternatively, you can right-click the shared module in the Project view and select Run.