Programming languages for mobile apps

Swift is Apple's language that's here to stay

‍

If we talk about main languages for developing mobile applications, Swift was introduced by Apple as a modern alternative to Objective-C and quickly became the main tool for iOS development. It combines powerful features with a concise syntax, making it convenient for developers of all levels.

‍

Why choose Swift:

• It is compiled into fast machine code, which provides excellent performance.
  ‍
  
• Integration with Xcode and Apple SDK allows faster development.
  ‍
  
• The functional syntax makes the code readable and maintainable.
  ‍

Cons:

• It only supports the Apple ecosystem.
  ‍
  
• Rapid language updates may require regular changes to the code base.
  

They use:
Companies that develop iOS apps with a focus on long-term support and deep integration with the platform (for example, banking and fintech apps).

‍

Kotlin is a modern Android language with ambitions to become a cross-platform standard

‍

Kotlin is what Android mobile apps are written on today. A tool that changed the approach to creating mobile apps on the Google platform. Since 2017, when Google officially announced Kotlin as the main language for Android development, it has rapidly gained popularity among developers, gradually replacing Java from most new projects. But Kotlin is not just for Android; it is developing as a universal language that can also work in cross-platform development, thanks to tools like Kotlin Multiplatform.

‍

Why is Kotlin so popular with developers and companies?

• Concise and readable code. Kotlin significantly reduces the amount of boilerplate and junk code compared to Java. This means that developers spend less time on routine tasks and can focus on application logic and solving business problems.
  ‍
  
• NULL security is built in at the language level. The main problem when programming in Java was the NullPointerException error, which causes the application to crash in runtime. Kotlin, on the other hand, checks for null values at the compilation stage, preventing most of these errors before the code is run, which greatly improves application stability and security.
  ‍
  
• Java code compatibility. Kotlin seamlessly integrates with segments and libraries already written in Java. This helps developers gradually migrate large projects to Kotlin without rewriting from scratch, but using mixed code, which saves time and resources.
  ‍
  
• Support for modern asynchronous programming using coroutines. Asynchrony is the main element for smooth operation and data bases. Kotlin offers coroutines — lightweight streams with asynchronous code in a synchronous style, making it easier to maintain and improving application performance.
  ‍‍
• An active community and Google support. A large developer base has been formed around Kotlin, and Google is constantly expanding and improving language support and its integration with Android Studio and build tools.

Who is Kotlin for?

• For teams that want to create modern Android apps with minimal bugs and effective code.
  ‍
  
• Projects for which flexibility is important — a gradual transition from Java or interaction with existing Java segments.
  ‍
  
• Those who plan to use Kotlin Multiplatform's cross-platform capabilities for simultaneous development for Android and iOS.
  

‍

Thus, Kotlin has become not just another programming language, but a full-fled modern mobile development solution that combines convenience, security and scaling prospects in various areas.

‍

Objective-C is Apple's legacy that still works

‍

Objective-C is an old but still viable language for developing for Apple devices. It remains relevant to support large projects where rewriting to Swift is not yet practical.

‍

Strengths:

• Great compatibility with Apple's existing code and frameworks.
  ‍
  
• Good documentation and time-tested solutions.
  

‍

Weaknesses:

• A non-intuitive syntax that is difficult for beginners.
  ‍
  
• A smaller community and a number of relevant resources.
  

Where they use:
Large applications created before 2015, as well as in projects where Swift has not yet paid off in terms of investment and benefit.

‍

Java is a classic that is losing ground

‍

Java has been the primary language for Android development for over a decade. Although it is now inferior to Kotlin, its importance cannot be ignored.

‍

Pros:

• A rich community and a huge number of libraries.
  ‍
  
• Versatility: Java is suitable not only for mobile but also for server solutions.
  

‍

Cons:

• A voluminous code and a complex syntax.
  ‍
  
• Less security and readability compared to Kotlin.
  

Relevance:
Many large applications (including banks and public services) still use Java, especially if they were created before the Kotlin era.

Dart and Flutter — from draft to full release

‍

The Flutter framework developed by Google works in Dart and allows you to create mobile interfaces that do not differ from native ones, using the same code for both platforms. This solution is especially valuable when it's important to quickly test an idea, but you don't want to sacrifice the quality of the final product either.

‍

What makes Flutter stand out:

• High performance thanks to its own rendering engine, bypassing the standard Android and iOS UI components.
  ‍
  
• A wide range of widgets and flexible interface settings — you can implement almost any visual style.
  ‍
  
• The “hot reload” feature allows you to instantly see changes in the code without fully rebuilding the application.

‍

This flexibility, combined with a quick development iteration (thanks to the “hot reload”), makes Flutter a convenient tool for launching a product with minimal delays and improvements on the fly.

Where Flutter is in demand:
From small startups to large-scale e-commerce platforms, the framework is chosen for its speed, versatility and visual flexibility. It is used by both beginners and big brands like BMW and eBay, especially when you need to get to both mobile platforms as quickly as possible with the same user experience.

‍

JavaScript and React Native — a mobile-friendly web experience

‍

Developed by Meta (formerly Facebook), React Native lets you build apps using JavaScript, a language that every front-end developer is familiar with. Thanks to the ability to reuse code from web platforms, this approach has become a real bridge between the web and mobile devices.

‍

Pros:

• Faster time to market
  ‍
• A large community and support from a large number of libraries
  ‍
• Easy to learn for web developers.
  

‍

Cons:

• Sometimes performance and animation issues arise.
  ‍
  
• Strong dependence on third party solutions.
  

Where they use:
Instagram, Airbnb, Discord — projects were started or partially implemented on React Native. A great choice for MVPs and products with frequent iterations.

‍

C# and Xamarin — Microsoft's Enterprise Approach

‍

Xamarin is part of the .NET family that allows you to create cross-platform mobile applications in C#. This stack is often chosen by those who already work in the Microsoft ecosystem and want to reduce development costs by reusing code.

‍

The advantages of Xamarin:

• It is possible to use the same business logic across all platforms.
  ‍
  
• Access to native device features and full UI customization.
  

‍

Cons:

• Assembly takes longer than other solutions.
  ‍
  
• The community is shrinking: many developers are moving to MAUI and Blazor.
  

Who is suitable for:
Corporate projects, integrations with CRM, ERP and internal services, where compatibility with existing Microsoft infrastructure is important.

‍

Alternative languages: when you need a non-standard approach

‍

In addition to basic solutions, less popular but specific languages are sometimes used in mobile application development. For example:

‍

• Python via Kivy — suitable for rapid prototypes.
  ‍
  
• Lua — It is actively used in game engines (like Corona SDK).
  ‍
  
• Rust — is implemented through harnesses for tasks where speed and safety are important.
  

‍

These tools are rarely used in mass production, but can be useful in highly specialized projects or when developing internal software.

‍

How to choose a language for your project

‍

What mobile apps are written on — this is not only a matter of technology, but also a strategic step. In order not to be mistaken, it is worth evaluating several key factors:

‍

• Platform: Are you planning to run on iOS or Android only—or both?
  ‍
  
• Budget and deadlines: A cross-platform typically saves resources but can limit flexibility.
  ‍
  
• Technical features: Do you need deep integrations with devices, graphics, Bluetooth, and background work?
  ‍
  
• Team qualification: The closer the language is to the developer experience, the faster and more stable the process will be.
  ‍
  
• Long term goals: Are you planning to scale, regularly update, and increase functionality?

• iOS only: Swift is the best choice.
  ‍
  
• Android only: Kotlin is an industry standard.
  ‍
  
• Both platforms at the same time: Flutter or React Native, depending on the team's profile.
  ‍
  
• Corporate solutions: Xamarin if you already have A.net stack.
  ‍
  
• Experiments and MVP: Flutter or React Native for a quick start.

The trend for 2025 is as follows: native programming languages for mobile applications (Swift and Kotlin) remain strong, but cross-platform technologies are actively developing. Flutter is increasingly being used even in large projects, and React Native is being strengthened by the support of Meta and the huge web community.

Meanwhile, Apple and Google are actively developing their SDKs and frameworks, so native languages remain a priority for projects where performance, UX, and deep integration with the device are important.

A mobile application is not only a software product, but a point of contact with an audience. Therefore, languages for developing mobile applications are not only technologies, but also a growth strategy.

‍

The Beetrail team will help you choose the right tools for the project. We work with native and cross-platform solutions, we are able to launch applications from scratch and scale existing products.

‍

Tell us what you want to create and we'll find the perfect technology stack for your goals.