Kotlin vs Python: Which One to Choose for Success in 2026

What is Python

Python was created by Guido van Rossum in 1991. It is a simple, readable programming language that is easy to learn. Its clean, English-like syntax makes it popular for beginners while still being powerful enough for large companies like Google, Netflix, and NASA.

Python is widely used in data science, machine learning, AI, web development, automation, and even game development. Its large community and extensive library support make it a reliable choice for developers at all levels. 

The demand for Python developers continues to grow as AI, data, and tech innovation expand, making it a strong language for career growth. So if you want to start a career in software development, taking a Python developer course can help you build real projects quickly and gain practical experience.

When to use Python

Learn Python when you want to build fast, test ideas quickly, or work with data, AI, or web applications. It is also a strong choice for beginners and for teams that need flexibility.

What is Kotlin

Kotlin was created by JetBrains in 2011 as a modern alternative to Java. It runs on the Java Virtual Machine and has a concise, readable syntax that developers enjoy.

Kotlin became very popular after Google announced official Android support in 2017. Today, it is Google’s preferred language for Android development, and most of the top Android apps use it. Its adoption has grown rapidly because it solves common problems that Java developers face, such as reducing complex code and preventing app crashes.

As Android development continues to expand, Kotlin has become a valuable long-term skill. For developers who are planning to work in this space, starting with a Kotlin course helps build a solid foundation before moving into larger projects.

When to use Kotlin

Use Kotlin when you are building Android apps, need stable and well structured code, or want strong error checking from the start. It fits projects where long term maintainability matters.

Similarities Between Python and Kotlin

Python and Kotlin are used for different purposes but share many qualities that make them strong choices for developers. Both languages are free, open source, and work on Windows, macOS, and Linux without extra setup.

They support modern programming features such as:

• functional programming
• lambda expressions
• higher-order functions. 

These features help developers write cleaner and easier-to-maintain code. Both Python and Kotlin have large, active communities that provide tutorials, libraries, and support for developers at any level. From our experience, Python’s community makes it slightly easier to find beginner-friendly tutorials and examples, which can be helpful when you are just starting out.

• Python and Kotlin focus on readable, concise code that is easy to understand. 
• Neither language requires semicolons at the end of statements. 
• Both have excellent IDE support. 
• JetBrains, the creator of Kotlin, also makes PyCharm, one of the most popular Python IDEs, so professional tools are available for both languages.
• Both can be used for backend and web development. 
• Each language has strong support from organizations. Python is backed by the Python Software Foundation and tech companies, while Kotlin is supported by JetBrains and Google. This backing ensures that both languages will continue to grow and improve.

Python

numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
even_numbers = list(filter(lambda x: x % 2 == 0, numbers))
print(even_numbers)

Kotlin

val numbers = listOf(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
val evenNumbers = numbers.filter { it % 2 == 0 }
println(evenNumbers)

Kotlin vs Python: Features Comparison

Each language has strengths that make it suitable for different kinds of development. We’ve compared the key features of both languages, so you can clearly see which one suits you best. Let’s get into it!

Syntax

Python is very simple and easy to read. You do not need to declare types, and indentation shows where code blocks start and end. This is why it is usually faster to write code and is great for beginners.

def greet(name):
    return f"Hello, {name}!"

print(greet("World"))

Kotlin is more structured. It uses curly braces for code blocks and is statically typed, although it can figure out some types automatically itself, so you don't always need to explicitly declare them.

fun greet(name: String): String {
    return "Hello, $name!"
}

fun main() {
    println(greet("World"))
}

Speed

Kotlin is faster because it is compiled to Java bytecode. This is important for mobile apps and backend systems where you pay a lot of attention to speed. Now, Python is a bit slower, but many Python libraries are written in fast C code, so for data projects or prototypes, it works fine.

Python example using a loop

numbers = range(1, 1000000)
squared = [x**2 for x in numbers]

Kotlin example using a loop

val numbers = 1..999999
val squared = numbers.map { it * it }

Interoperability

You can use Java libraries directly and mix Kotlin and Java code in the same project. This is helpful for companies with existing Java code.

Kotlin example using Java library

import java.util.Date

fun main() {
    val today = Date()
    println(today)
}

Python can also integrate with other languages, such as C and C++ via libraries like NumPy. You can integrate Java as well, but that requires extra tools like JPype or Py4J. 

Python example using C library (NumPy)

import numpy as np

arr = np.array([1, 2, 3])
print(arr * 2)

Reliability

Kotlin catches many errors before running the code. Its null safety prevents common crashes. Also immutable variables and data classes reduce mistakes.

var name: String? = null
println(name?.uppercase()) // Safe call, no crash

var guaranteed: String = "Hello"
println(guaranteed.uppercase()) // Always safe

Python is more flexible, but errors show up while the program runs. This means you need to check values carefully to avoid crashes.

name = None
print(name.upper())  # AttributeError at runtime

Performance

Sometimes, Python is less efficient for large tasks because it uses more memory and CPU during heavy computations. 

numbers = range(1, 1000000)
squared = [x**2 for x in numbers]

In contrast to Python, Kotlin is compiled to JVM bytecode, so it runs faster and uses memory more efficiently. This makes it suitable for mobile apps, backend systems, or any task where performance matters.

val numbers = 1..999999
val squared = numbers.map { it * it }

Kotlin vs Python: How to Set Up a Development Environment

Setting things up feels very different in Python and Kotlin, and that difference shows what exactly each language is built for.

With Python, setup is quick. You install Python, open an editor, and start writing code. Most systems handle the basics for you, and installing extra libraries takes a single command. You do not need to understand build tools or project structure at the beginning. This makes Python friendly for learning, testing ideas, or working on small scripts.

Kotlin, on the other hand, takes more time to prepare. You need a Java Development Kit and a full IDE like IntelliJ or Android Studio. The IDE creates the project, sets up folders, and manages dependencies for you. At first, this feels like extra work, but it also means everything is organized from the start. This kind of setup is typical in professional Kotlin projects and is what many developers encounter when moving through a Kotlin developer course or into real Android and backend work. Once the project is ready, the tools guide you while you write code and help catch mistakes early.

We can say that Python lets you move faster at the very beginning, and Kotlin asks for patience upfront but gives you a structured workspace that scales well as projects grow. Neither approach is better for everyone.

Kotlin vs Python: Which One is Easier to Learn

The learning curve can decide which language beginners pick. Python and Kotlin are very different in this case.

Python: Easier for Beginners

What really makes Python beginner-friendly is how little it gets in your way. You spend more time thinking about what your program should do, not how the language wants you to write it. This is why many people stick with Python after their first week instead of quitting out of frustration.

Python lets beginners focus on logic and problem solving early. You can try ideas quickly, make mistakes, fix them, and move on. That trial-and-error process feels natural, especially if you are learning on your own. Luckily, there are tons of Python resources available, from tutorials and video courses to guides and forums, so you always have help when you need it.

A simple example shows how quickly you can interact with users:

name = input("What's your name? ")
print(f"Hello, {name}!")

Kotlin: More Structure from Day One

Instead of letting you experiment freely, Kotlin encourages you to think about structure, data types, and safety early on. This can feel heavy at first, but it also builds discipline.

Kotlin pushes you to write safer code from the start. The compiler points out mistakes early and forces you to deal with edge cases instead of skipping them. Some beginners find this annoying at first. Others find it helpful because it reduces surprises later.

A basic Kotlin example shows this difference clearly:

fun main() {
    print("What's your name? ")
    val name = readln()
    println("Hello, $name!")
}

So our verdict on this is if you’re an absolute beginner, Python is the better choice. Kotlin is better if you specifically want Android development or are coming from a Java background.

Kotlin vs Python: Which One Is Better for Startups

For startups, the language choice is not about what is perfect. It is about what helps you move fast now without creating problems later. Time, money, and team size matter more than technical elegance.

From experience, most startup decisions around Kotlin and Python come down to what you are building first.

When Does Python Make More Sense

Python works best when speed of building matters more than strict structure. If your startup is testing ideas, shipping MVPs, or still figuring out product market fit, Python helps you move faster.

It is especially strong for startups built around data, automation, or AI features. You can test ideas quickly, change direction easily, and rely on a huge ecosystem of ready made tools. Small teams benefit because fewer rules mean less friction in the early days.

Python also lowers the hiring barrier. Many junior developers already know it, and non-technical founders often find it easier to read and understand. This makes collaboration simpler when resources are limited.

In short, Python is a strong choice when your goal is to learn fast, test fast, and adjust fast.

When Is Kotlin the Better Choice

Kotlin fits startups that already know what they are building and need reliability from day one. This is common for mobile-first products or startups targeting Android users.

Kotlin pushes teams to think about structure early. That slows things down at the beginning, but it reduces problems later as the codebase grows. Fewer hidden errors and clearer rules help teams avoid messy rewrites when the product scales.

It also suits startups where performance matters from the start. Apps that depend on smooth interaction, real time updates, or long running services benefit from Kotlin’s stronger control over execution and errors.

Kotlin is a good fit when your startup values stability and long term code health over quick experiments.

Kotlin vs Python: Salary Trends and Job Opportunities in 2026

Both Kotlin and Python lead to well paid roles, but the job markets feel very different. One offers volume and flexibility. The other offers focus and less competition.

Python vs Kotlin: Overall Salary Comparison

Below is a side-by-side view of salary ranges and job market differences.

What the Numbers Mean in Practice

Python has more jobs overall. It appears in startups, enterprises, research, education, and automation. This makes it easier to find roles, especially early in a career. The downside is competition. Many developers know Python, so standing out often requires a specialty like data or machine learning.

Kotlin has fewer roles, but also fewer developers. Most positions focus on Android or mobile related systems. Because the skill set is more specific, experienced Kotlin developers often receive strong offers and face less competition per role.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Both Python and Kotlin will stay relevant and well paid in the coming years. Python will continue to lead in AI, data work, and general software development. Kotlin will remain a strong choice for mobile development and will keep growing in backend and cross platform projects.

 The most important step is not choosing the perfect language. It is choosing a language that matches what you want to build right now and starting with confidence. Python works well if you want flexibility and quick progress. Kotlin works well if you prefer structure and clear rules from the beginning.

At Hyperskill, we focus on learning by doing. Our Python and Kotlin tracks are built around real projects, not just theory. You write code from day one, practice with real problems, and learn using the same professional tools developers use every day.

Every programming journey starts small. Whether your first line of code is written in Python or Kotlin, what matters most is taking that first step and staying consistent. We are here to guide you through that process, one project at a time.