15 Best Kotlin Books in 2023

This is a list of the best Kotlin books in 2023.

Kotlin is a statically typed programming language that targets JVM, Android, JavaScript, and Native. It's developed by JetBrains.

If you want to learn Kotlin, then you need a good book.

Here are the best Kotlin books that will help you get started with this powerful programming language:

1. Programming Kotlin Applications : Building Mobile and Server-Side Applications with Kotlin

1. Programming Kotlin Applications Book Cover

If you're looking for a guide to help you get up to speed with Kotlin, look no further than _Programming Kotlin Applications_.

Written by Brett McLaughlin, an accomplished cloud consultant and technology professional, this book provides a practical, hands-on introduction to the language that will help you build your first Kotlin projects.

The objective of the book is to learn the basics of the Kotlin language. This includes understanding key concepts such as classes, objects, inheritance, and delegation. Additionally, the book teaches how to use various features of the Kotlin language including scope functions, abstract classes, and interfaces. Finally, it provides an overview of Kotlin Multiplatform development.

You'll learn how to use Kotlin for developing mobile and server-side applications, and will gain a thorough understanding of the language that goes beyond mere mobile programming.

With its clear and concise explanations, Programming Kotlin Applications is the perfect Kotlin book for anyone who wants to learn this exciting programming language.

Authors: Brett McLaughlin

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Kotlin
Gain an understanding of how Kotlin works
Understand when to use Kotlin and when not to
Create basic applications with Kotlin

2. Kotlin in Action

Kotlin in Action is a book that teaches experienced Java developers the basics of Kotlin, a programming language that can be used to build applications for the JVM and Android devices.

The book covers topics such as building DSLs with natural language syntax and combining Kotlin and Java. The authors are core Kotlin developers, so you can trust that even the gnarly details are dead accurate.

Kotlin in Action is split into two sections:

- Part 1 explains how to get started using Kotlin with existing libraries and APIs, while - Part 2 teaches you how to create your own APIs and abstractions in Kotlin and goes through some of the language's more advanced features.

Authors: Dmitry Jemerov, Svetlana Isakova

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Kotlin including syntax, types, and functions
Use Kotlin with Java code and existing frameworks
Explore advanced features like operator overloading, higher-order functions, and generics
Discover how to build DSLs with natural language syntax
Get familiar with the Kotlin type system and find out how to use it effectively

Dmitry Jemerov: About the author

Dmitry Jemerov is a software engineer and author who specializes in Kotlin development. He has written several books on the subject, including "Kotlin in Action". He blogs regularly about Kotlin development, and his work has been featured in several publications, including "Java World" and "InfoWorld"

3. Head First Kotlin: A Brain-Friendly Guide

If you want to learn how to code in Kotlin, this is the book for you.

Head First Kotlin uses a visually rich format to engage your mind and teach you everything from language fundamentals to collections, generics, lambdas, and higher-order functions.

You'll also get to play with both object-oriented and functional programming. With this book, you will truly understand Kotlin and be able to use it to its full potential.

Authors: Dawn Griffiths, David Griffiths

Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the Kotlin language with a unique method that goes beyond syntax and how-to manuals
Understand language fundamentals, collections, generics, lambdas, and higher-order functions
Play with object-oriented and functional programming

4. The Joy of Kotlin

The Joy of Kotlin teaches you how to use these features to write safer, more maintainable programs.

You'll start with a quick overview of functional programming concepts before diving into the details of Kotlin's syntax and type system. Then you'll learn how to use Kotlin's standard library to write code that is easy to read and maintain.

Throughout the book, you'll find many examples that show you how Kotlin can be used to solve common programming challenges. By the end of the book, you will have a deep understanding of Kotlin and how to use it to write programs that are both safe and maintainable.

Authors: Pierre-Yves Saumont

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Kotlin
Use functions effectively in Kotlin code
Master the art of data handling in Kotlin
Know how to handle errors and exceptions gracefully
Gain a deep understanding of lazy evaluation and its benefits
Explore advanced topics such as recursion, memoization, and actors

Pierre-Yves Saumont: About the author

Pierre-Yves Saumont is a Kotlin programmer and author of several books on the subject. Saumont is also the author of Kotlin for Android Developers, a book that shows how to use Kotlin to create Android apps. In addition to his books, Saumont has written numerous articles on Kotlin programming.

5. Kotlin Cookbook : A Problem-focused Approach

The Kotlin Cookbook provides you with the recipes you need to apply this Java-based language to your own projects.

Author Ken Kousen shows you how to solve problems with Kotlin by concentrating on your own use cases rather than on basic syntax.

"You provide the context and this book supplies the answers."

Already big in Android development, Kotlin can be used anywhere Java is applied, as well as for iOS development, native applications, JavaScript generation, and more. With this book, you will jump in and build meaningful projects with Kotlin today.

The Kotlin Cookbook will show teach you how to:

Apply functional programming concepts, including lambdas, sequences, and concurrency
See how to use delegates, late initialization, and scope functions
Explore Java interoperability and access Java libraries using Kotlin
Use [Java IDEs](/best-java-ide) with Kotlin
Add your own extension functions
Use helpful libraries such as JUnit 5
Get practical advice for working with specific frameworks, like Android and Spring Boot",

Authors: Ken Kousen

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Kotlin, including syntax and features
Apply Kotlin in practical situations
Gain experience working with functional programming concepts
Use Java libraries in Kotlin projects
Discover best practices for using Kotlin in specific frameworks, such as Android and Spring.

Ken Kousen: About the author

Ken Kousen is a software developer, speaker, and technical trainer based in Marlborough, CT. He is president of his own company, Kousen IT, Inc., through which he mostly teaches technical training courses in all areas related to Java, focusing especially on subjects like Android, Spring, Hibernate, Groovy, and Grails. Ken is the author of several books, including Modern Java Recipes (O'Reilly), Making Java Groovy (Manning), and Recipes for Android (O'Reilly).

6. Data Structures & Algorithms in Kotlin (Second Edition) : Implementing Practical Data Structures in Kotlin

Best Advanced Kotlin Book

6. Data Structures & Algorithms in Kotlin (Second Edition) Book Cover

Data Structures & Algorithms in Kotlin is for you if you are intermediate Kotlin or Android developer. With this book, you will add to the basics of the language.

The book covers algorithms, data structures, tree data structures, sorting algorithms, graphs and more.

You'll also learn about the Big-O notation for complexity analysis, which will be very useful in understanding the performance of algorithms.

Additionally, you'll implement elementary data structures and sorting algorithms in Kotlin.

Finally, you'll understand Graphs and their uses in algorithms.

By the end of this Kotlin book, you'll have gained a much better understanding of Kotlin and how to use it to write complex software.

Authors: Márton Braun, Irina Galata, Matei Suica

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand about the main constructs of Kotlin
Use data structures and algorithms to solve problems
Understand the Big-O notation for complexity analysis
Implement elementary data structures in Kotlin
Understand Trees and their uses in algorithms
Implement sorting algorithms in Kotlin

7. Atomic Kotlin

If you're an experienced programmer looking to jump into the world of Kotlin, or a beginner who's ready to dig in deep, this book is perfect for you.

Written by two experts in the field, Thinking in Kotlin breaks down the concepts into easy-to-digest "atoms" along with exercises supported by hints and solutions directly inside IntelliJ IDEA.

You'll learn Kotlin's clear, concise syntax and how it can increase your programming productivity, produce safer, more reliable programs, and interact easily with Java.

Plus, you'll get all the resources you need to get started, including a free version of Intellij IDEA with extensive Kotlin support.

By the end of this Kotlin book, you will be able to confidently use Kotlin for your own projects.

Authors: Bruce Eckel, Svetlana Isakova

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the benefits of Kotlin
Program with Kotlin
Discover best practices for coding with Kotlin
Gain proficiency in using Kotlin for software development projects

8. Hands-On Design Patterns with Kotlin : Build scalable applications using traditional, reactive, and concurrent design patterns in Kotlin

8. Hands-On Design Patterns with Kotlin Book Cover

Design patterns are reusable solutions to common problems in software development. They make code more concise and readable, and can prevent complex issues from arising.

The Hands-On Design Patterns with Kotlin book will teach you how to use design patterns in your Kotlin code to create efficient and scalable applications.

You'll learn about classical design patterns from the creational, structural, and behavioral families, as well as functional programming and reactive & concurrent design patterns.

Along the way, you'll see how to use Kotlin features like lambdas and streams to make your code cleaner and more concise.

By the end of the book, you'll be able to efficiently address common problems faced while developing applications with Kotlin.

Design patterns are a valuable tool for any developer, and in this book, the author Alexey Soshin will give you the skills you need to use them effectively.

Authors: Alexey Soshin

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Kotlin programming
Understand traditional GOF design patterns and how to apply them in Kotlin
Gain an in-depth understanding of functional programming using Kotlin
Discover reactive and concurrent design patterns, and how to use them in Kotlin code
Understand antipatterns and how to avoid them in your codebase
Understand about the various design considerations necessary when choosing an architecture for your project

9. Kotlin In-Depth [Vol-I] : A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Multi-Paradigm Language

Kotlin In-Depth is a comprehensive guide that takes you on a deep dive into all the features of the Kotlin language.

The book starts with the basics and helps you understand all the key concepts behind the design of Kotlin.

You will learn how to use various features of Kotlin for developing various applications, be it desktop, mobile or Web applications.

The book also gives you an understanding of using Kotlin for specialized tasks such as testing, Android development and Web development.

Kotlin In-Depth is a great resource for any developer who wants to learn Kotlin or deepen their understanding of the language. It is packed with information and examples that make it easy to understand and use Kotlin in your own projects.

Authors: Aleksei Sedunov

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Kotlin
Understand object-oriented and functional programming with Kotlin
Use the Kotlin standard library
Compose domain-specific languages
Understand using Kotlin for Android development
Write asynchronous code using Kotlin coroutines
Write test code, web applications, and more with Kotlin

Aleksei Sedunov: About the author

Aleksei Sedunov is a Russian author who writes books about Kotlin. He has published several books on the subject, including "Kotlin for Beginners" and "Kotlin in Action"

10. Mastering Kotlin : Understand advanced Kotlin programming techniques to build apps for Android, iOS, and the web

Mastering Kotlin book is a comprehensive guide to learning the Kotlin programming language.

You will learn how to use Kotlin for build targets like Android, iOS, JavaScript, and backend service.

You will also explore functional programming constructs and best practices.

By the end of the book, you will have obtained an advanced understanding of Kotlin in order to be able to build production-grade applications.

Authors: Nate Ebel

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Kotlin programming
Understand how Kotlin is a modern approach to object-oriented programming
Discover how to use Kotlin for build targets like Android, iOS, JavaScript, and backend service

11. Kotlin Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide

This book will introduce you to Kotlin, a statically typed programming language designed to interoperate with Java.

You will learn how to work with the Kotlin programming language through hands-on examples and clear explanations of key Kotlin concepts and APIs.

By the end of the book, you will be able to create reliable and concise applications in Kotlin.

Authors: Josh Skeen, David Greenhalgh

Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Kotlin programming
Work with Kotlin in an Android development environment
Gain experience creating concise and reliable applications in Kotlin

12. Android Programming with Kotlin for Beginners : Build Android apps starting from zero programming experience with the new Kotlin programming language

12. Android Programming with Kotlin for Beginners Book Cover

This book is for people who want to learn Kotlin and Android programming. It starts with an introduction to Kotlin and Android, then moves on to exploring the various Android APIs for building stunning apps.

You will learn how to make your apps more presentable using different layouts, how to add user interaction and animation, and how to implement dialog boxes.

By the end of the book, you will have sound knowledge about significant Kotlin programming concepts and be able to build your own fully featured Android app.

Authors: John Horton

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Kotlin programming
Use Kotlin with Android
Gain familiarity with common Android APIs
Build attractive user interfaces for Android apps
Discover best practices for creating performant Android apps
Get up to speed with the latest features of Android 10

13. Kotlin at a Glance : Use of Lambdas and higher-order functions to write more concise, clean, reusable, and simple code

Kotlin at a Glance is a Kotlin book that gives an in-depth knowledge about Kotlin. It mainly focused on Kotlin programming language and its comparison to Java.

By reading this book, you get familiar with the language's most important features and aspects. With a complete overview of OOPs, null safety, generics, and many other interesting features, this book is perfect for fresher and experienced Java developers who want to learn more about this alternative JVM language.

For reading this book, there's no need for any prior Kotlin knowledge, as the basics are explained in the book. Moreover, the required functional programming concepts are also described.

Authors: Swati Saxena

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of object-oriented programming
Write code in Kotlin
Gain an understanding of Android development using Kotlin
Understand about common Java concepts that are also applicable to Kotlin
Familiarize yourself with the basics of functional programming
Discover how to use Kotlin with JavaScript

14. Java to Kotlin

If you are an experienced Java developer who is looking to learn Kotlin, this book is for you. Java to Kotlin will help you to understand the key concepts behind the language, and will show you how to convert Java code to Kotlin.

Java to Kotlin is divided into four sections:

Introduction to Kotlin
Kotlin Syntax and Semantics
Kotlin and Java Interoperability
Advanced Kotlin Features

Each section covers a different aspect of the language, and includes a number of code examples to illustrate the concepts being discussed. By the end of the book, you will be confident in writing Kotlin code from scratch, and in managing a mixed-language codebase as it evolves over time.

Authors: Duncan McGregor, Nat Pryce

Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Kotlin, such as nullability and collections
Understand the different functionalities that Kotlin offers and how to use them
Get comfortable refactoring Java code to Kotlin
Gain a deeper understanding of how to manage a mixed language codebase effectively

15. Hands-On Object-Oriented Programming with Kotlin : Build robust software with reusable code using OOP principles and design patterns in Kotlin

15. Hands-On Object-Oriented Programming with Kotlin Book Cover

Hands-On Object-Oriented Programming with Kotlin is a practical guide that covers all the key concepts of object-oriented programming with the latest features of Kotlin.

You'll learn about objects and classes, asynchronous and non-blocking code, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction.

The book also includes numerous examples and programming exercises to help you understand the concepts covered.

By the end of the book, you'll be able to build robust and maintainable software with Kotlin.

Authors: Abid Khan, Igor Kucherenko

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand object-oriented programming concepts
Write code with Kotlin coroutines
Understand Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism and Abstraction in Kotlin
Gain familiarity with advanced Kotlin features such as sealed classes and package level functions
Understand the importance of design patterns in software development
Build robust and scalable applications with Kotlin.

Conclusion

Kotlin is a powerful language that can be used for developing Android applications, web applications, and more. In this roundup of the best Kotlin books, you have learned about some great resources that will help you learn all there is to know about the language.

If you are looking for a Kotlin book that covers the basics of the language, then I would recommend Kotlin for Beginners by Aleksei Sedunov.
If you want to learn more advanced Kotlin concepts, then I would recommend Mastering Kotlin by Nate Ebel.
If you are working on a mixed-language codebase, then Kotlin in Action by Duncan McGregor and Nat Pryce is a great resource to have.
If you are looking for a Kotlin book that covers all the topics in depth, then Kotlin In-Depth is the book for you.

About Josip

Josip Miskovic is a software developer at Americaneagle.com. Josip has 10+ years in experience in developing web applications, mobile apps, and games.

Follow @JosipMisko

1. Programming Kotlin Applications : Building Mobile and Server-Side Applications with Kotlin

Topics covered

2. Kotlin in Action

Topics covered

Dmitry Jemerov: About the author

3. Head First Kotlin: A Brain-Friendly Guide

Topics covered

4. The Joy of Kotlin

Topics covered

Pierre-Yves Saumont: About the author

5. Kotlin Cookbook : A Problem-focused Approach

Topics covered

Ken Kousen: About the author

6. Data Structures & Algorithms in Kotlin (Second Edition) : Implementing Practical Data Structures in Kotlin

Best Advanced Kotlin Book

Topics covered

7. Atomic Kotlin

Topics covered

8. Hands-On Design Patterns with Kotlin : Build scalable applications using traditional, reactive, and concurrent design patterns in Kotlin

Topics covered

9. Kotlin In-Depth [Vol-I] : A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Multi-Paradigm Language

Topics covered

Aleksei Sedunov: About the author

10. Mastering Kotlin : Understand advanced Kotlin programming techniques to build apps for Android, iOS, and the web

Topics covered

11. Kotlin Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide

Topics covered

12. Android Programming with Kotlin for Beginners : Build Android apps starting from zero programming experience with the new Kotlin programming language

Topics covered

13. Kotlin at a Glance : Use of Lambdas and higher-order functions to write more concise, clean, reusable, and simple code

Topics covered

14. Java to Kotlin

Topics covered

15. Hands-On Object-Oriented Programming with Kotlin : Build robust software with reusable code using OOP principles and design patterns in Kotlin

Topics covered

Conclusion

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