Kotlin for Java Developers Course Syllabus

Overview: This course is designed for Java developers looking to transition smoothly into Kotlin development. Over approximately 5 weeks, you'll learn Kotlin's syntax, null safety, functional programming, object-oriented features, and advanced concepts like extension functions and sequences. With a total time commitment of around 20-25 hours, the course blends concise explanations with hands-on coding exercises, guided by JetBrains, the creators of Kotlin. Each module builds on your existing Java knowledge to help you write safer, more expressive, and modern Kotlin code.

Module 1: Introduction

Estimated time: 0.25 hours

• Understand Kotlin's purpose and design philosophy
• Explore Kotlin's evolution and relationship with Java
• Learn why Kotlin is a preferred choice for modern development

Module 2: Starting with Kotlin

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Declare variables using val and var
• Write functions and understand default parameters
• Use control structures like if, when, and loops
• Work with collections and string templates

Module 3: Nullability and Functional Programming

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Apply Kotlin’s null safety features to prevent NullPointerException
• Use safe calls and the Elvis operator effectively
• Write lambda expressions and higher-order functions
• Process collections using map, filter, and other functional operators

Module 4: Object-Oriented Programming in Kotlin

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Define classes and primary constructors
• Implement inheritance and override methods
• Use interfaces and abstract classes
• Apply Kotlin’s property conventions and accessors

Module 5: Sequences, Lambdas with Receiver, and Types

Estimated time: 10.5 hours

• Understand Kotlin’s type system and type inference
• Use extension functions to enhance existing classes
• Master lambdas with receiver for DSL-style code
• Optimize performance with sequences and lazy evaluation

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Build a small Kotlin application using OOP and functional features
• Incorporate null safety and extension functions
• Submit code with documentation for peer review

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with Java programming language
• Understanding of object-oriented programming concepts
• Experience with collections and basic control structures in Java

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Write clean and safe Kotlin code leveraging null safety
• Apply functional programming techniques using Kotlin’s standard library
• Design object-oriented systems using Kotlin’s class and interface features
• Use advanced Kotlin features like extension functions and sequences
• Transition confidently from Java to Kotlin in Android or backend projects