Certified Kotlin Developer

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
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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!