Top 5 Programming Languages for Android App Development: Choosing the Ideal One

Quick Go-Through: The Android market is growing exponentially. That's why most businesses today prefer investing in Android app development. And for building feature-rich, robust, and cutting-edge Android solutions, choosing the ideal programming languages is essential. This blog will help you choose the ideal language for Android app development and the factors you should consider while making the decision.

Well, how often do you check your smartphone in a day? As per reports, it's staggering 100+ times a day, among which 51% of users directly engage with their apps one to ten times a day (At least for millennials). And the reason we are getting addicted to our phones is the breathtaking sensory experience they provide – YouTube, Facebook, Instagram (do I need to go on?)

So, applications are an integral part of our life. We use them for information, build connections, or have fun! And while developing apps is fun, you'll require more guidance, specifically when choosing the right technology. Whatever technology you choose will define how your audience will engage with the app. For instance, if you want to develop an Android app, you need to determine the right Android app programming language.

And when investing in app development, most businesses think it's a cakewalk, however, the reality is different. You need to focus on choosing suitable languages based on the business and app objectives. And for that, it's essential to consider the best programming languages for Android app development.

This blog deals with the top Android languages for developing modern applications and the critical factors to consider while choosing the most suitable one.

Speed up Your Android App’s Time-to-Market by 90% with Strategic and Tactical Execution

Consult Our Experts

Best Programming Languages for Android App Development

The first step for building high-performing Android apps is selecting a suitable programming language. So, let’s have a look at them.

1. Kotlin

Kotlin is a cross-platform, statically typed, general-purpose, high-level programming language with type inference. It can also be termed a family language for Android development as Android Studio supports it. And for new or experienced developers, Kotlin offers a basic touchpoint for creating seamless apps. And this is the precise reason why developers prefer Kotlin for Android app development.

While JetBrains endures the overall expenses of language development, the Kotlin Foundation protects its hallmark. It comes with a brief code syntax, and you can compile it into native code or JavaScript. Also, it is operated by Java Virtual Machine (JVM). Some of the best features of Kotlin include:

• Null safety
• Smart cast
• Operator overloading
• Inference type
• Object-oriented programming

2. Java

Java is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. It is also known for its robustness, interpreted/compiled code, and advanced safety and security features as a server-side development language. Java also offers multiple complex programming options, like constructors, checked and null pointer errors, etc.

Its least possible implementation dependencies make it an ideal choice across platforms. It's also crowned the programmer's native language due to its widespread prominence. Some best features of Java include:

• Architectural neutral
• Multithreaded
• Distributed system
• Platform independent
• Simple and portable

3. C/C++

Being high-level and multi-paradigm, C/C++ is also one of the best languages for Android app development. Google provides NDK (Native Development Kit), a specific toolset that integrates with the SDK and deploys native languages like C/C++ to build Android apps. C or C++ cannot help developing a full-fledged program and here NDK enables you to build a native library that can be utilized in Java programs.

However, in many cases, it is essential to use the NDK. So, instead of building code that runs on the JVM, with the help of NDK, you can write code that executes natively on the device. C/C++ libraries integrate this approach into developing applications. Moreover, C/C++ programs are simple to write, easy to understand, and much faster to execute. These popular Android app programming languages are used across multiple industries like gaming, banking, etc. Some of the USPs linked with C++/C include:

• Memory management
• Compiler based
• Structured programming
• Abstraction
• Case sensitive

4. C#

C# is a general-purpose, high-level language in the .NET environment. For developers familiar with Microsoft's C and C++, C# offers a more relaxed, object-oriented variant of these two languages. Though C# is not the primary Android app programming language, it's used to build native apps using cross-platform frameworks like MAUI and Xamarin. These frameworks enable developers to write C# code and compile it into native Android applications, providing easy access to the native APIs and Android SDK.

It is now considered one of the best languages for Android app development because of its remarkable performance and reliability for building resource-intensive applications. Moreover, C# programs are easy to write and simple to understand. Also, it's effortless to use this language as Microsoft acquires its tools for every development stage, allowing developers to build an Android app without any additional purchases. Some best C# features include:

• Type safe
• Rich library
• Component oriented
• Scalable and updateable
• Interoperability

5. Python

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. Its design philosophy focuses on code readability, using significant indentation. There was a time when developing Android apps with Python was not suitable. However, multiple third-party tools are now available to help convert Python programs into packages compatible with Android-based mobile devices. Features like dynamic binding and typing make it one of the best programming languages for Android app development.

It also makes it seamless for developers to translate code, accelerating the app development process compared to other languages. You can also reduce overall costs using Python to develop and maintain apps. You can also use Python to build simple and large commercial apps. Some significant features of Python are:

• Free and open-source
• GUI programming support
• High-level language
• Large standard library
• Dynamic memory

Explore Innovation and Intelligence to Craft Top Android Apps for Ultra-Specific User Needs

Build Scalable Apps

Why is it Important to Choose the Right Programming Language for App Development?

Choosing the ideal programming language is essential when building apps for multiple reasons. Think about it: your developer's productivity, app's maintainability, scalability, functionality, and performance are significantly influenced by the language you choose. Following are some apt justifications for selecting the ideal one:

• Performance Optimization

For an app to succeed, it must work at its pinnacle. Your development teams can experience benefits from features that optimize performance, including low-level memory management, using the ideal language. Android app programming languages acquiring extensive authority over system resources perfectly match resource-consuming apps, such as gaming apps.

• Adaptability to Project Needs

The right language is the one that fits your app's specific requirements. For example, some Android app programming languages acquire abundant analytical libraries, making them the best strategic choice if your app needs data handling. Hence, you can improve efficiency and code readability by choosing the language that aligns with your project's main objective.

• Developer Productivity

Accessibility to a robust language and how it can be used for development considerably impacts the developers' performance. Hence, the best programming languages for Android app development should come with an extensive library, a short structure, and a large supportive community that can help accelerate the development process. For example, Python catches the eye as it focuses on readability and facilitates rapid app development cycles, assisting developers to accomplish their goals in a short time.

Team Up with Android App Developers Having Profound Experience in Design Standards, User Interface, And Code Optimization

Let Experts Help

How to Choose the Ideal Programming Language for Android App Development?

Generally, writing adequate code in Python, Java, C#, or any other Android app programming language is pretty much possible. However, things are equally likely to go the other way around! So, enlisted below are the aspects you need to consider when choosing the ideal language for your project:

1. Performance

The most important question is whether your programming language performs the same when you run code on different platforms. Well, preferably, the program functioning differs for every platform, but it shouldn't be so terrible as to disappoint your target audience.

2. Language Flexibility

Does the chosen programming language make modernizing your existing apps and integrating new features seamless? Think thoroughly, and if your answer is no, it's time to consider another language.

3. Community Support

Imagine if your Android developers face challenges while writing the code. The first thing they’ll do is to look for an active online community or support group dedicated to the chosen Android app programming language. So, choosing a language with solid community support helps accelerate the development process to a great extent.

4. Learning Curve

Any ideal language is the one with a low learning curve. So, even when you hire newbies as developers, they'll not find working with these languages challenging.

5. Security

Security is an essential factor to consider when choosing the best programming languages for Android app development. Why? Because every app requires some specific security needs, obliging them is imperative.

6. Scalability

Think - is it easy to scale the app with that language? Well, scaling an app from time to time is a common and significant practice; therefore, you need to choose the development language that is also easy to scale.

Making the Right Choice with Radixweb!Using the best Android app programming languages, you can create many apps, such as calculators, games, music players, chat messenger, etc. And there is no language you can call a "correct language" for developing Android apps. So, you must consider the pros and cons of every language and choose based on your project objectives and preferences.Also, to help you make an informed decision and choose among the best languages for Android app development, you can always consult experienced developers at Radixweb. So, no matter what language you select, our developers focus on building high-quality Android applications that deliver the most incredible user experience. Our developers have exposure to tools like Android App Bundle, Android Studio, and Android Jetpack, helping you create intelligent and sophisticated solutions that navigate your digital journey.Contact us to learn more about our Android app development services.