What is Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP)?
Kotlin Multiplatform, or KMP in short, is an SDK created to speed up the development of apps for many platforms. How? By sharing selected parts of code between iOS, Android, web, and desktop apps.
This way, there’s no need to write all apps entirely separately, which optimizes their development process, makes it faster and more budget-friendly.
KMP is an open-source project started by JetBrains. In November 2023, they released a stable version of Kotlin Multiplatform.
Benefits of Kotlin Multiplatform app development
Faster app development
With KMP, you can write business logic only once and share it between iOS and Android apps. This shortens the time to market and allows users to enjoy the app earlier.
Reduced cost
This technology allows you to avoid writing some parts of code twice, so the project cost is smaller compared to native apps.
Native experience
You can build UI separately for Android and iOS to ensure native experiences and combine it with KMP.
Kotlin in cross-platform app development
KMP uses the Kotlin programming language that is widely used to build native Android apps. This means that learning this technology is easier for accomplished Android developers.
At Holdapp, we have experts with up to 12 years of experience in Android app development who create solutions for such renowned brands like Answear, forBET, or Homla. Check out our portfolio and get to know more about our projects.
Our approach to Kotlin Multiplatform app development
01 Choosing elements to share between platforms
In Kotlin Multiplatform, we can choose which parts of code we want to share between apps.
It’s a perfect option when you move from fully native code to cross-platform solutions, because you don’t have to change everything at once. Instead, you can start with elements you find particularly important or time-consuming.
It’s similar to building KMP apps from scratch. First, we choose which code parts should be common to both platforms to make the work as efficient as possible and ensure the best app performance.
02 Building separate UI for iOS and Android
Kotlin Multiplatform doesn’t support rendering UI on iOS. This option is currently in a beta version, so we need to build it separately for each system.
It allows us to create user interfaces that ensure native experiences and bring the best UX to both Android and iOS users.
Kotlin Multiplatform or Flutter?
Flutter is a popular cross-platform technology that offers many advantages but works differently than Kotlin Multiplatform. Each solution has something unique to offer and has its pros and cons.
KOTLIN MULTIPLATFORM IS THE RIGHT CHOICE WHEN…
- you need a platform-specific UI design on iOS and Android to ensure a native look and feel
- the project requires many integrations with native components – KMP makes it easier to access native libraries
FLUTTER IS A BETTER OPTION WHEN…
- you want to release your app in the shortest time possible
- the budget is limited – Flutter enables sharing the entire UI, so you can only build it once for two platforms
Choose the best technology for your app project
Kotlin Multiplatform, Flutter, or maybe native apps? If you don’t know which technology will meet your requirements, ask our experts. We’ll help you make the right decision.
Selected tools for building KMP apps
BASIC
- Kotlin
- Kotlin Coroutines
- Compose
- MVVM
- Ktor
- Koin
- Room
- Realm
CI/CD
- Bitrise
- Gitlab
- AppCenter
DEBUGGING
- Firebase Analytics
- Firebase Crashlytics
DESIGN
- Sketch
- Zeplin
- UXPin
- Figma
Additional KMP app development services
QA tests
Project Management
UX/UI design
Why it is best to build Kotlin Multiplatform apps with us?
Our team has been developing digital products for web and mobile devices since 2012. Overall, we have created over 70 apps, both native and cross-platform, for companies worldwide that represent many industries. In our portfolio, you can read case studies that describe solutions we use in our e-commerce, sports betting, and other types of apps.
KMP development services from ideation to app launch
Apart from writing code, we also offer additional services. At the first optional stage of the project, we conduct UX workshops to help you determine what features should be in the app and what tools and technology will be useful in your project.
Then, we prepare UI/UX designs and start coding when they’re ready. To ensure that the app works as planned, QA specialists test it throughout every app development stage. Our project manager or technical project coordinator ensures that the process runs effectively and maintains a good communication flow between team members and the client.
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