Kotlin Get Started

This section will help you get started with Kotlin, from setting up the environment to running your first Kotlin program.

1. What You Need to Start with Kotlin

To begin learning Kotlin, you need:

  • A computer (Windows / macOS / Linux)

  • Java Development Kit (JDK) installed

  • A code editor or IDE (recommended: IntelliJ IDEA)

2. Install Java (JDK)

Kotlin runs on the JVM, so JDK is required.

  • Download JDK 8 or above

  • Install it and set the JAVA_HOME environment variable

  • Verify installation:

java -version

3. Install IntelliJ IDEA (Recommended)

IntelliJ IDEA is developed by JetBrains, the creators of Kotlin.

Steps:

  1. Download IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition

  2. Install and open it

  3. Kotlin plugin is already included

4. Create Your First Kotlin Project (Using IntelliJ)

  1. Open IntelliJ IDEA

  2. Click New Project

  3. Select Kotlin

  4. Choose Kotlin/JVM

  5. Click Finish

5. Write Your First Kotlin Program

Create a file named Main.kt and write:

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

6. Run the Program

  • Click the Run ▶️ button

  • Output will be:

Hello, Kotlin!

🎉 Congratulations! You have successfully run your first Kotlin program.

7. Run Kotlin Without IDE (Optional – Using Command Line)

Compile Kotlin Code

kotlinc Main.kt -include-runtime -d main.jar

Run the Program

java -jar main.jar

8. Kotlin Online Compiler (No Installation)

You can also practice Kotlin online:

  • Kotlin Playground (official)

  • Online IDEs like Replit or Programiz

9. Folder Structure (Basic)

project-name/
└─ src/
└─ Main.kt

10. What to Learn Next?

After getting started, you should learn:

  • Kotlin Syntax

  • Variables (val & var)

  • Data Types

  • Operators

  • Conditions & Loops

  • Functions

  • Classes & Objects

Summary

  • Kotlin is easy to set up

  • Works on JVM

  • Beginner-friendly

  • Official language for Android

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