Kotlin Developer handles Kotlin which is a statically typed programming language running on the Java virtual machine with option of Kotlin program, to be compiled to JavaScript as well. It is the only officially supported language on Android besides Java. Getting certifications to make you a preferable candidate for the job as well as increases your importance. They help in showing your commitment towards your aim and dedication towards your work and organization.
To stand out in the crowd you need to have somewhat different skills than others. Kotlin allows you to write highly expressive, understandable and safe code — while being 100% interoperable with Java. You can use any Java classes and methods from Kotlin and the other way around. Kotlin improves your Android app code by writing null-safe, concise, and readable code using higher-order extension functions thus, speeds up your development workflow. Let us get into details of these valuable certification.
Roles and responsibilities
A Certified Kotlin Developer is responsible for writing highly expressive, understandable and safe code — while being 100% interoperable with Java. You can use any Java classes and methods from Kotlin and the other way around.
Benefits of Certification
- Government Certification
- Certification valid for life
- Lifelong e-learning access
- Free Practice Tests
- Get tagged as ‘Vskills Certified’ On Monsterindia.com
- Get tagged as ‘Vskills Certified’ On
Shine.com
Certification Process
- Select Certification & Register
- Receive a.) Online e Learning Access (LMS) b.) Hard copy – study material
- Take exam online anywhere, anytime
- Get certified & Increase Employability
Test Details
- Duration: 60 minutes
- No. of questions: 50
- Maximum marks: 50, Passing marks: 25 (50%).
- There is NO negative marking in this module.
- Online exam.
Why to take Kotlin Developer Certification?
Development and usage of Kotlin has increased especially after Google made it the official programming language for Android. Mobile application developers, software engineers, managers or team leads should take this certification to showcase their skills in Kotlin and be abreast of the new developments in Android and Java development
Intended Audience
The certification is suitable for students to showcase their knowledge on modern programming language. Certification is also apt for software team leads, mobile application developers, software engineers and managers.
Course Outline
This exam revolves around the following objectives –
Kotlin Pre-requisites
- Introduction
- Install the Java JDK 8
- Install Android Studio
- Set Up a Project in Android Studio
Kotlin Basics
- Introduction
- Variables and Data Types
- Null Safety in Kotlin
- Conditionals: “if” Expressions
- Conditionals: “when” Expressions
- Collections
- “for” Loops
- “while” Loops
- Functions
- Get Ready for Serious Kotlin Coding (Set up IntelliJ IDEA)
- Create a main() Function
- Named Arguments & Default Parameter Values
- Exceptions
- Why No Checked Exceptions?
Functional Programming
- Introduction
- What is Functional Programming?
- Functional Programming II
- Lambdas & Higher-Order Functions
- Use map() and flatMap()
- Use take () and drop()
- Use zip ()
- Chain Functions Together
- Lazy Sequences
- Case Study: Performance of Lazy Sequences
- Code Along: Infinite Lazy Sequence of All Prime Numbers
- Use “let” Operator for Scoping and Nullables
- Use “with” for Many Calls on the Same Object
- Use “use” for Closeable (like try-with-resources)
- Inline Functions
Object-Orientation in Kotlin
- Introduction
- Classes
- Properties with Getters & Setters
- Primary and Secondary Constructors
- Methods
- Extension Functions
- Data Classes
- Enums
- Inheritance
- Code Along: Inheritance Example
- Abstract Classes
- Interfaces
- Overriding Rules
- Smart Casts
- Visibilities
- Companion Objects for “Static” Members
- Object Declarations as Singletons
- Packages and Imports
- Generic Classes
- Generic Functions
- Covariance
- Covariance: Java vs Kotlin
- Covariance vs. Contra variance: “out” and “in”
Kotlin for Android Fundamentals
- Introduction
- Create the App Project
- Understand the Android Versions
- Create a CardView Layout and Add UI Elements
- Use the “Kotlin Android Extensions”
Android RecyclerView
- Introduction
- What is a RecyclerView?
- Create the Data Class “Habit”
- Implement the “HabitsAdapter”
Android Activity
- Introduction
- Add a Menu
- Add a Second Activity
- Use Intents to Switch Activities
- Challenge Solution
- Let Users Choose an Image
- Get the Selected Image Back (onActivityResult)
- Show Error Messages to the User
- Code Along: An Extension Function for “EditText”
Kotlin and SQLite
- Introduction
- Introducing SQLite
- Define the Contracts
- Implement the Database Helper
- Store a Habit to SQLite
- Implementing Secure Transactions (that support Rollback)
- Clean Code: Improving Transactions in Kotlin
- Clean Code: Further Improving Transactions and Performance
- Store the Habit in “CreateHabitActivity”
- Read All Habits from SQLite
- Challenge Solution
- Challenge Solution
- Add Files to the Virtual Device
Preparation Guide for Certified Kotlin Developer
There are numerous resources that can be used for preparation. But cracking the certification becomes difficult when the set of resources chosen is not apt. You should be very careful while choosing the resources as they will determine actually how well you will pass the exam. let us have a look at handful of resources.
Step 1 – Review the Exam Objectives
The first and foremost thing before you start preparing is to get well versed with the objectives of the exam. Knowing in detail about the exam objectives will let you understand the way through which you will prepare for the exam and then help to pass that with the flying colors. The exam revolves around the following objectives –
- Kotlin Pre-requisites
- Kotlin Basics
- Functional Programming
- Object-Orientation in Kotlin
- Kotlin for Android Fundamentals
- Android RecyclerView
- Android Activity
- Kotlin and SQLite
Refer – Certified Kotlin Developer brochure
Step 2 – Hitting the books
You can refer to as many books as you want and can get them from bookstores or libraries. Books are the most valuable and reliable source for collecting the information relating to the theoretical concepts of the syllabus. Make sure that the books you select has all the necessary concepts that will be asked in the exam. also, the book should offer maximum practice exercises that will help to understand better and learn the things for a long time. Some books that you can refer are –
- Head First Kotlin: A Brain – Friendly Guide
- Kotlin Cookbook: A Problem-focused Approach
Step 3 – E-Learning and Study Materials
Learning for the exam can be fun if you have right set of resources matching your way of studying. Vskills offers you its E-Learning Study Material to supplement your learning experience and exam preparation. This online learning material is available for lifetime and is updated regularly. You can also get the hardcopy for this material, so, you can prefer either way in which you are comfortable.
Refer – Certified Kotlin Developer Sample Chapter
Step 4 – Evaluate yourself with Practice Tests
Practices makes a man perfect. You can also find the problems you are facing in your strategy. We all are quite well versed with this saying and also with the truth in this. Practice papers and test series help you in identifying the loopholes in the preparation. Practicing as much as you can will help in identifying various parts of the syllabus that need more attention and that are fully prepared. This is the best way to know your level of preparation. Start practicing now!
