Kotlin Environment

Start with a JDK, then add Kotlin tooling, then choose an editor that understands both Java and Kotlin well.

Install the JDK

Kotlin runs on the JVM, so you need a Java Development Kit. Use a current LTS JDK unless a project requires a specific version.

Tooling options

  • IntelliJ IDEA for the best Kotlin-first experience.
  • Android Studio for Android projects.
  • Gradle for build automation and dependency management.
  • Kotlin compiler for CLI compilation and simple experiments.

Project setup

mkdir kotlin-lab
cd kotlin-lab
./gradlew init

Editor workflow

Use IntelliJ for code completion, refactoring, and debugging. If you prefer a lighter setup, combine VS Code with Gradle and the Kotlin language support extension.

Practice

  1. Install a JDK and confirm java -version.
  2. Open a Kotlin project in IntelliJ or Android Studio.
  3. Write down whether you want a Gradle-first or IDE-first workflow.