What is Android Language: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re interested in becoming an Android app developer, you may be familiar with the word “Java”. 

Java is the official programming language of Android, but those who are looking for developer jobs in this field might also benefit from learning C and C++.

In this post, we’ll discuss the origins of Java and where this programming language is used. We also discuss the various languages used in programming to help you get a little bit closer to becoming an Android developer. 

What Is Android Programming Language

We all know that android is an operating system that is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software. It is primarily used to operate smartphones but has also come a long way since then. 

Today there is a whole host of other technology that runs on the Android operating system such as smartwatches, TVs, home appliances, and even cars. So between checking your phone, switching the lights on and off or browsing through the apps on your television for something to watch, Android comes in pretty useful on a day to day basis. 

What Language Is Android Written In?

The main language used for all android devices is Java, however, there are other languages that work on the Android operating system too. 

In fact, although large parts of Android are written in Java and its APIs are designed to be called primarily from Java, both C and C++ languages are also commonly used. This is through using the Android Native Development Kit (NDK), however, it isn’t something that Google promotes as Java and Kotlin are considered to be the classics. 

Languages For Android App Development

If you want to develop Android apps, the first thing you need to do is choose a language. There are many different options out there some of which are very well known whilst others, not so much. The differences between all the variations of Android programming languages can be a little complex and confusing. 

Here you can find a list of the main types of android programming languages, each of which is detailed with all the information you need to know. 

Java 

This is by far the most common and well-known language for Andriod. It is accepted universally and you will find that most of the original documentation from google will refer to Java. 

Java is was developed in 1995 by Sun Microsystems (today known as Oracle), so it’s certainly stood the test of time and has been proven to work seamlessly on both phone and computer software. It has many different applications including:

• Desktop GUI 
• Web applications 
• Embedded systems
• Big data technologies 
• Scientific and business industries 

The language within Java is considered to be complex, yet also simple enough for beginners to understand. With that being said and due to its popularity, there is so much help available online in case you run into any difficulties whilst developing your application. 

Kotlin 

Another firm favourite by most Android developers (including Google), Kotlin was introduced as the official secondary to Java language in 2017. This is because Kotlin can be interoperated with Java, and runs on the Java Virtual Machine which makes writing code and running applications much easier. 

Kotlin has many features one of which, modern language, which allows you to focus on expressing your ideas and write less boilerplate code. In comparison to Java, Kotlin is much easier to understand which makes it a great programing language for beginners to start off using. 

C++

This is where android languages start to get a little complex. The C++ language can be used for Android App Development using the Android Native Development Kit (NDK), which means you’ll be writing code that doesn’t run on the Java Virtual Machine. 

It is a great multi-paradigm programming language that is fast and powerful and has a wide range of applications from game development to graphics. However, with that being said, it can be much harder to learn in comparison with other languages. 

It is not easy to write a C++ code in a readable way which makes this language less user-friendly and less flexible for the developer. Its increased complexity may also lead to more bugs as it is usually used for building complex android applications. 

C#

This language is quite similar to Java in the sense that it is one of the most versatile programming languages and has a range of different features. C# integreates garbage collection so there are fewer chances of memory leaks and it also has a clean and simple syntax which makes coding for beginners much easier.

C# basically combines the best features of Java and C++ and is used for a wide range and complexity of tasks from developing Windows applications to designing games. However, it does have a low graphical user interface compared to other languages. 

Python 

Although not as well known for android development as some of the above languages, Python has seen a rise in popularity over the past few years. Python is essentially an object-oriented language that offers a variety of features such as dynamic binding, dynamic typing and great GUI support. Features like these are what make it such an attractive language for Android app developers. 

However, Android doesn’t actually support native Python development and so you will need to use tools that convert the Python apps into ones that are able to run on Android devices.

Which Language Is Best For Android App Development?

The truth is, there is no right or wrong answer to what programming language you should learn or what framework you should invest your time and learning into. 

All the languages listed above are suitable for android development, and each come with their own list of pros and cons. But knowing which one best suits your goals depends on what type of app development you wish to pursue. 

There are some questions that you will need to ask yourself first such as ‘What mobile device will the end-user be on?’ and ‘What does the application need in terms of data access control?’ in order to make an informed decision.