Kotlin is a statically typed programming language supported release under the open-source license and developed by JetBrains and many other open-source contributors. The core design of Kotlin is support for multiplatform programming to lower the amount of time spent writing and maintaining the same code for different platforms.
Kotlin is supported by Google on the popular Android operating system as it is designed to fully interoperates with Java. In this blog post we present you with a list of best rated books that can help you master Kotlin Programming Language in 2025.
1. Kotlin in Action
With Kotlin in Action book you’ll learn to use the Kotlin language in development of production-quality applications. This books is written for experienced Java developers with tons of examples that covers interesting topics like building DSLs with natural language syntax. Its is authored by core Kotlin developers, so you can trust that even the gnarly details are dead accurate.
What’s Inside the book
- Functional programming on the JVM
- Writing clean and idiomatic code
- Combining Kotlin and Java
- Domain-specific languages
2. Kotlin Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide 1st Edition
This book is based on Big Nerd Ranch’s popular Kotlin Essentials course. You’ll learn to work effectively with Kotlin programming language through hands-on examples and clear explanations of key Kotlin concepts and foundational APIs. JetBrains’ IntelliJ IDEA development environment is also captured in the book.
Whether you are an experienced Android developer looking for modern features beyond what Java offers or a new developer ready to learn your first programming language, the authors will guide you from first principles to advanced usage of Kotlin.
3. Head First Kotlin: A Brain-Friendly Guide 1st Edition
Head First Kotlin is a complete introduction to coding in Kotlin. This hands-on book helps you learn the Kotlin language with a unique method that goes beyond syntax and how-to manuals and teaches you how to think like a great Kotlin developer. You’ll learn everything from language fundamentals to collections, generics, lambdas, and higher-order functions.
Along the way, you’ll get to play with both object-oriented and functional programming. If you want to really understand Kotlin, this is the book for you. Head First Kotlin uses a visually rich format to engage your mind rather than a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep. Why waste your time struggling with new concepts? This multisensory learning experience is designed for the way your brain really works.
4. Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide (Big Nerd Ranch Guides) 4th Edition
Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide is an introductory Android book for programmers with Kotlin experience. Based on Big Nerd Ranch’s popular Android Bootcamp, this guide will lead you through the wilderness using hands-on example apps combined with clear explanations of key concepts and APIs.
This book focuses on practical techniques for developing apps in Kotlin compatible with Android 5.0 (Lollipop) through Android 8.1 (Oreo) and beyond. Write and run code every step of the way, using Android Studio to create apps that integrate with other apps, download and display pictures from the web, play sounds, and more. Each chapter and app has been designed and tested to provide the knowledge and experience you need to get started in Android development.
5. The Joy of Kotlin 1st Edition
The Joy of Kotlin teaches you to write comprehensible, easy-to-maintain, safe programs with Kotlin. In this expert guide, seasoned engineer Pierre-Yves Saumont teaches you to approach common programming challenges with a fresh, FP-inspired perspective. As you work through the many examples, you’ll dive deep into handling errors and data properly, managing state, and taking advantage of laziness. The author’s down-to-earth examples and experience-driven insights will make you a better—and more joyful—developer!
What’s inside the book
- Programming with functions
- Dealing with optional data
- Safe handling of errors and exceptions
- Handling and sharing state mutation
6. Kotlin Cookbook: A Problem-Focused Approach
Author Ken Kousen (Modern Java Recipes) shows you how to solve problems with Kotlin by concentrating on your own use cases rather than on basic syntax. You provide the contextand this book supplies the answers. Already big in Android development, Kotlin can be used anywhere Java is applied, as well as for iOS development, native applications, JavaScript generation, and more. Jump in and build meaningful projects with Kotlin today.
- Apply functional programming concepts, including lambdas, sequences, and concurrency
- See how to use delegates, late initialization, and scope functions
- Explore Java interoperability and access Java libraries using Kotlin
- Add your own extension functions
- Use helpful libraries such as JUnit 5
- Get practical advice for working with specific frameworks, like Android and Spring
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