Kotlin Devs Diversify: Android is 25% Now

Cotlin Conversations: Reflections on Cotlin Con Growth

Introduction to the Interview

• The host welcomes viewers to Cotlin Conversations, introducing a special guest humorously described as being caught in a "big humansized net."

• The guest expresses comfort with the introduction and shares their positive feelings about Cotlin Con.

Overview of Cotlin Con Evolution

• Discussion on the growth of Cotlin Con from its inception in 2017 to now, highlighting it as the sixth event.

• Notable increase in attendance: from approximately 1,150 attendees in 2017 to over 2,100 this year, leading to sold-out tickets.

Community and Logistics Improvements

• Emphasis on maintaining a sense of community despite growth; organizers are cautious about expanding too much.

• Comparison between early logistical challenges and current smoother operations due to an experienced team handling everything in-house.

Memorable Past Events

• Recollection of chaotic moments during the first conference, including alarms going off due to exceeding capacity.

• Anecdote about losing internet connection during a keynote and using data roaming for backup; humorous resolution involving duct tape on a carbon monoxide alarm.

Changes in Community Dynamics

• Inquiry into changes within the JetBrains community post-pandemic; concerns about stability and diversity within developer communities.

• Guest reflects on how Kotlin's adoption by Google shifted demographics significantly towards Android developers initially but has since diversified.

Diversity Efforts and Future Outlook

• Importance of fostering an inclusive environment emphasized; welcoming new members is crucial regardless of their experience level.

• Acknowledgment that while Android development was once dominant at conferences, there is now greater representation across various tech backgrounds.

Adoption and Impact of Kotlin Multiplatform

Reflections on Kotlin's Adoption

• The speaker acknowledges the long-term impact of their work on Kotlin, humorously referencing a past article about Google's Kotlin.

• They highlight diverse use cases for Kotlin, including its adoption by Norway's post office service, showcasing its versatility across platforms.

• Initial skepticism about Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) has shifted to positive recognition due to its growing traction in the developer community.

Future of KMP and UI Development

• The speaker emphasizes the need for increased KMP adoption, especially with stable support for iOS development, catering to developers wanting to share UI code.

• Acknowledgment of Google’s role in promoting KMP through libraries, despite naming challenges related to Android X.

Community Support and Contributions

• Gratitude is expressed towards community figures like Jake Wharton for their contributions that have facilitated Kotlin's adoption.

• The speaker humorously notes their lack of mobile development experience but maintains a strong appreciation for the Android community.

The Role of AI in Software Engineering

AI's Influence on Development Practices

• Discussion shifts to AI's significance within JetBrains' strategy and broader industry implications; it raises both excitement and concern among engineers.

• The speaker critiques the "silver bullet syndrome," cautioning against over-reliance on AI while recognizing its potential impact on job markets and workflows.

Embracing Change While Maintaining Skills

• There is a divide in the engineering community regarding AI; some embrace it fully while others remain skeptical about its effects on coding quality.

• Emphasizes the importance of understanding AI capabilities and limitations as it will inevitably change how engineers work.

Challenges for New Engineers

• Reflecting on personal experiences with coding, the speaker notes how AI can accelerate development processes but also poses challenges in maintaining critical thinking skills among new engineers.

• Concerns are raised about diminishing problem-solving abilities due to reliance on technology; this issue extends beyond coding into broader societal impacts.

The Future of Programming: AI and Junior Developers

The Impact of AI on Junior Developers

• Concerns are raised about the potential replacement of junior developers with AI, questioning where future senior developers will come from if juniors aren't gaining experience through coding and mentorship.

• A metaphor is used to illustrate a possible future scenario where programmers may only maintain outdated systems (like COBOL), highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in technology.

Quickfire Kotlin Features Discussion

• A rapid-fire comparison of Kotlin features begins, showcasing preferences between various operators. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding different programming constructs for effective coding practices.

• The participants discuss their choices among Kotlin's Elvis operator, null assertion operator, and no safety operator, indicating personal preferences that reflect broader trends in programming paradigms.