In our journey exploring Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP), we’ve arrived at an exciting topic: the actual implementation for the Android platform. This might sound technical, but We promise to make it as simple and relatable as possible. Whether you're an Android developer or someone with no tech background, you'll find this blog easy to follow.
What is KMP?
KMP, or Kotlin Multiplatform, is a technology that allows developers to write shared code for both Android and iOS apps. Think of it as a way to write a piece of code once and use it in two different places, saving time and effort.
Why Focus on Android?
Since Android is one of the most popular mobile operating systems, understanding how KMP works specifically for Android is crucial. This knowledge helps in creating apps that run smoothly and efficiently on Android devices.
The Basics of Android Implementation in KMP
Imagine you’re building a house. The shared code in KMP is like the blueprint that applies to every room, but the actual construction details might differ from room to room. For Android, the actual implementation is about putting those details into place to ensure the app works perfectly on Android devices.
Here’s how it works step-by-step:
Setting Up Your Project:
First, you start with a KMP project. This is like laying the foundation of your house.
You’ll have shared modules (the blueprint) and platform-specific modules (the construction details).
Writing Shared Code:
- You write the logic that’s common for both Android and iOS in the shared module. This could be things like data processing, calculations, or business rules.
Android-Specific Implementation:
- Now, you focus on the Android part. Here, you implement the details that are unique to Android, like the user interface and how the app interacts with the device’s hardware.
Real-Life Examples of Writing Shared Code in KMP
1. Networking and API Calls :
Examples : Fetching news articles from an online API.
- Shared Code: Functions to make network requests and parse responses.
2. Data Models
Example: Defining data structures for user profiles.
Shared Code: Data classes representing user profiles.
3. Business Logic
Example: Calculating discounts or tax.
Shared Code: Functions to apply business rules and calculations.
4. Authentication
Example: Handling user login and token management.
Shared Code: Functions for login, logout, and token refresh.
5. Data Storage
Example: Saving user preferences or app settings.
Shared Code: Functions for reading/writing to a database or shared preferences.
6. Validation
Example: Validating form inputs like email and password.
Shared Code: Functions to check if inputs meet specific criteria.
These shared codes ensure that common functionalities are implemented once and reused across both Android and iOS platforms, making development more efficient.
A Practical Example
Let’s say we’re building a simple weather app.
Shared Code:
In the shared module, you might write a function to fetch weather data from the internet. This part of the code doesn’t care if it’s for Android or iOS; it just gets the data.
This is like designing a central heating system that works for the entire house.
Android Implementation:
On the Android side, you’ll write code to display this weather data in a way that looks good on Android devices. You’ll use Android’s design components and follow Android’s guidelines for user interfaces.
This is similar to installing radiators and thermostats that match the decor of each room.
Making It Real-Life Practical
For an Android developer, understanding this process means they can leverage their existing knowledge while adopting new practices. They don’t have to start from scratch but can integrate KMP into their workflow, making their development process more efficient.
Conclusion
Understanding the Android platform’s actual implementation in KMP is about seeing how shared code can be customized to fit the unique needs of Android devices. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that apps are high-quality and perform well. Whether you’re a seasoned Android developer or someone curious about how apps are made, We hope this blog has given you a clear and practical view of the process. Stay tuned for more insights as we continue our KM journey!