
Kotlin from Scratch
A Project-Based Introduction for the Intrepid Programmer
Faisal Islam(Author)
No Starch Press
Published on 14. January 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
432 pages
978-1-7185-0352-6 (ISBN)
Description
Kotlin is a programming language that combines the best features of Python and Java into a single, easy-to-use language that's rapidly growing. Though Kotlin is primarily known for Android app development, this book establishes its broader credentials for general-purpose coding - complete with geeky, hands-on projects that will take you from total beginner to proficient Kotlin developer. After learning the basics of the language and integrating the JavaFX library to generate graphics and data visualizations, you'll apply your knowledge to over 30 math, science, and algorithmic challenges of increasing complexity. You'll model the motion of a pendulum, simulate the orbits of a binary star system, render enchanting fractals like the Mandelbrot set, implement ant colony optimization and other nature-inspired algorithms, and much more. Beyond the specifics of the Kotlin language, the book's many projects will teach you how to think methodically and use code to solve problems. You'll also learn about generally applicable computer science topics such as randomness, recursion, sorting and searching, genetic algorithms, and optimization.
Reviews / Votes
"Do you want to have fun . . . and learn programming with Kotlin in one book? Faisal Islam wrote that perfect book for you! [F]ocused on a lot of practical examples from the world . . . a good foundation for further advanced topics."- Matthias Schenk, Kotlin software engineer & craftsman, @Finanzguru
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
San Francisco
United States
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 177 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight
810 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-7185-0352-6 (9781718503526)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
01/2025
No Starch Press
€46.99
Available for download
Person
Dr. Faisal Islam brings a wealth of interdisciplinary expertise to Kotlin from Scratch. With an MS in civil engineering and a PhD in resource economics, he offers a unique perspective on applying computational thinking to real-world challenges. Dr. Islam has over 20 years of experience in coding across multiple languages (C, Java, Python, and Kotlin) to solve complex problems and an extensive background in simulation, modeling, and optimization.
Content
Acknowledgments
Introduction
PART I: PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS
Chapter 1: Kotlin Basics
Chapter 2: Arrays, Collections, and Classes
Chapter 3: Visualizing with JavaFX
PART II: APPLICATIONS IN MATH AND SCIENCE
Chapter 4: Solving Mathematical Problems with Code
Chapter 5: Modeling and Simulation
PART III: RECURSION, SORTING, AND SEARCHING
Chapter 6: Recursive Functions and Fractals
Chapter 7: Sorting and Searching
PART IV: OPTIMIZATION WITH NATURE-INSPIRED ALGORITHMS
Chapter 8: The Genetic Algorithm
Chapter 9: Agent-Based Algorithms
Afterword
Appendix
Index
Introduction
PART I: PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS
Chapter 1: Kotlin Basics
Chapter 2: Arrays, Collections, and Classes
Chapter 3: Visualizing with JavaFX
PART II: APPLICATIONS IN MATH AND SCIENCE
Chapter 4: Solving Mathematical Problems with Code
Chapter 5: Modeling and Simulation
PART III: RECURSION, SORTING, AND SEARCHING
Chapter 6: Recursive Functions and Fractals
Chapter 7: Sorting and Searching
PART IV: OPTIMIZATION WITH NATURE-INSPIRED ALGORITHMS
Chapter 8: The Genetic Algorithm
Chapter 9: Agent-Based Algorithms
Afterword
Appendix
Index