Best IDEs for Kotlin in 2024 (and How to Pick the Right One)

Kotlin has become a cornerstone language for developers worldwide, particularly in Android app development, backend services, and multiplatform projects. With its concise syntax, interoperability with Java, and official Google endorsement, it’s no surprise that Kotlin adoption is growing. However, the language alone cannot guarantee developer productivity or efficiency—the choice of IDE plays an equally critical role. An IDE is more than just a text editor; it’s the developer’s command center where coding, testing, debugging, and deployment all converge.

In this article, we’ll explore the best IDEs for Kotlin in 2024, break down their unique features, and guide you on how to choose the right one for your project needs. Each section dives deep to help you make an informed decision while staying up to date with industry trends.

Why Choosing the Right IDE Matters for Kotlin Developers

Kotlin’s versatility—spanning Android, backend, and multiplatform projects—means developers require tools that can handle complexity without slowing them down. The IDE is central to this equation, as it defines how smoothly a developer can move from writing code to testing and deployment.

A high-quality IDE ensures faster development cycles, fewer errors, and an overall more enjoyable workflow. For Kotlin developers, here are the primary reasons why choosing the right IDE is so important:

1. Productivity and Workflow Efficiency

The right IDE automates repetitive tasks like code formatting, imports, and syntax checks. Features like intelligent code completion and live templates save developers countless hours of work. When an IDE aligns with your workflow, you spend less time fixing mistakes and more time building features.

2. Debugging and Error Management

Kotlin’s features, such as coroutines and null safety, can sometimes introduce complexities. IDEs with strong debugging tools—such as advanced breakpoints, stack trace analysis, and asynchronous debugging—help developers identify and fix errors faster.

3. Integration with Build Tools and Frameworks

Kotlin projects often rely on Gradle or Maven for builds, and frameworks like Spring Boot or Ktor for backend development. An IDE that integrates seamlessly with these tools ensures smooth project setup and deployment without complex configurations.

4. Multiplatform Support

Kotlin Multiplatform is growing rapidly, allowing developers to share code across Android, iOS, and desktop platforms. IDEs that offer first-class support for KMP reduce friction, helping developers manage multiple targets in a single environment.

5. Long-Term Maintainability

Teams with larger codebases benefit from features like version control integration, refactoring tools, and code inspections. Without these, projects risk becoming harder to maintain and scale.

Example: IDE Features That Save Time

Feature	Impact on Workflow
Smart Code Completion	Reduces typing and syntax errors
Refactoring Tools	Allows safe restructuring of large projects
Integrated Testing Tools	Speeds up debugging and unit testing cycles
Git Integration	Streamlines collaboration with teammates

Key takeaway:

Your IDE is the foundation of your Kotlin workflow. Choosing the right one ensures higher productivity, better debugging, and smoother integration with the Kotlin ecosystem:

Top Kotlin IDEs to Consider in 2024

Multiple IDEs officially support Kotlin, but not all are equal in functionality, integration, or user experience. In 2024, developers have more options than ever, from traditional heavyweights to lightweight editors. Let’s look at the most relevant IDEs this year.

IntelliJ IDEA (Community & Ultimate Editions)

Developed by JetBrains, the creators of Kotlin, IntelliJ IDEA is the most natural and feature-rich choice for Kotlin developers. It includes Kotlin-first support, advanced refactoring tools, robust debugging, and seamless integration with Gradle and Maven. The Community edition is free and perfect for most developers, while the Ultimate edition adds professional-grade support for frameworks like Spring Boot, SQL databases, and enterprise tools.

Best for: Android, backend development, and Kotlin Multiplatform projects

Android Studio

As Google’s official IDE for Android development, Android Studio is heavily optimized for Kotlin. It offers native Android SDK integration, UI design tools, an emulator, and support for Gradle. Its Kotlin-first design ensures that developers building Android apps experience fewer compatibility issues and more productivity.

Best for: Android app development

Eclipse with Kotlin Plugin

Eclipse has been around for decades and remains a reliable option for organizations that are standardized on it. With the Kotlin plugin installed, Eclipse can support Kotlin development. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in IntelliJ or Android Studio, making it more suitable for teams locked into the Eclipse ecosystem.

Best for: Legacy teams using Eclipse as their standard IDE

Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

VS Code is a lightweight code editor that can be transformed into a Kotlin-friendly environment with extensions. While it lacks deep integration compared to IntelliJ, it shines in customization and speed. Developers working on Kotlin scripts, smaller multiplatform projects, or those who prefer a modular approach may find VS Code appealing.

Best for: Lightweight projects, scripting, and multiplatform experiments

Comparison Snapshot

IDE	Strengths	Weaknesses	Best Use Case
IntelliJ IDEA	Kotlin-first, robust features	The ultimate version is paid	Full-stack Kotlin development
Android Studio	Optimized for Android, free	Slower on low-spec machines	Android development
Eclipse	Stable, widely adopted	Limited Kotlin-specific features	Teams locked into Eclipse workflows
VS Code	Lightweight, highly customizable	Requires extensions, limited features	Lightweight/multiplatform scripting

Key takeaway:

IntelliJ IDEA and Android Studio dominate Kotlin development, but Eclipse and VS Code remain viable for specific workflows. The best IDE depends on your project scope and team needs:

Features That Set the Best Kotlin IDEs Apart

Not all IDEs are created equal. Beyond basic syntax highlighting, modern Kotlin development requires advanced tools to handle concurrency, multiplatform builds, and integration with frameworks. Understanding what features to prioritize helps developers make a smarter choice.

Must-Have Features for Kotlin IDEs

• Smart Code Completion: Predictive suggestions reduce boilerplate coding.
• Advanced Refactoring: Helps restructure code safely as projects grow.
• Coroutine Debugging: Visual tools for tracking asynchronous tasks.
• Integrated Build Support: Out-of-the-box Gradle and Maven integration.
• UI/UX Tools: Drag-and-drop layout editors for Android.
• Version Control Integration: Git/GitHub management directly within the IDE.
• Plugin Ecosystem: Extend IDE functionality for frameworks and third-party tools.
• Cross-Platform Development Support: Smooth handling of Kotlin Multiplatform projects.

Why These Features Matter

Without coroutine debugging, developers may struggle to diagnose concurrency issues. Without integrated testing, developers lose valuable time switching between tools. Each feature reduces cognitive load, letting developers focus on solving problems instead of wrestling with setup.

Example: Feature Relevance by Project Type

Project Type	Essential Features	IDE Recommendation
Android App	UI tools, Gradle, and emulator integration	Android Studio
Backend Service	Build tool integration, framework plugins, and testing	IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate
Multiplatform Project	Cross-platform support, coroutine debugging	IntelliJ IDEA Community
Lightweight Scripts	Fast startup, minimal configuration	VS Code with extensions

Key takeaway:

The best Kotlin IDEs go beyond editing—they empower developers with debugging, testing, and integration tools tailored to modern workflows:

How to Match an IDE to Your Kotlin Project Needs

Choosing the right IDE isn’t about finding the most popular one—it’s about aligning it with your project’s requirements and your team’s workflow.

Matching IDEs to Project Types

• Android Apps: Android Studio is purpose-built for this, offering Kotlin-first integration and tools like the layout designer and emulator.
• Backend Development: IntelliJ IDEA (Ultimate) shines with frameworks like Spring Boot, Hibernate, and Ktor.
• Multiplatform Projects: IntelliJ IDEA leads the way in Kotlin Multiplatform support, reducing complexity across iOS, Android, and desktop builds.
• Lightweight Scripting: VS Code is ideal for developers who need quick edits, smaller scripts, or prefer lightweight environments.
• Legacy/Enterprise Teams: Eclipse works when organizations already rely on it, though it’s not the most cutting-edge choice.

Other Factors to Consider

• Team Size: Larger teams may need advanced version control integration and collaboration features.
• Budget: IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate requires a subscription, while the Community edition, Android Studio, and VS Code are free.
• Machine Resources: Developers on low-spec machines may benefit from lightweight editors like VS Code.
• Future-Proofing: Teams planning to adopt multiplatform should favor IDEs with strong KMP support.

Quick Decision Guide

Scenario	Recommended IDE
Solo Android developer	Android Studio
Backend with Spring Boot	IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate
Start with a multiplatform app.	IntelliJ IDEA Community
Developer on a low-end machine	VS Code
Corporate team on Eclipse	Eclipse with a plugin

Key takeaway:

The right Kotlin IDE depends on your specific project goals, team size, and resources. Match your IDE to your needs rather than following trends:

Kotlin IDE Trends to Watch in 2024

The landscape of IDEs is changing rapidly, driven by AI, cloud development, and the demand for multiplatform solutions. For Kotlin developers, these trends will shape workflows in 2024 and beyond.

Key Trends

• AI-Powered Development: IDEs like IntelliJ are integrating AI assistants for code completion, bug fixing, and even generating documentation.
• Cloud-Based IDEs: Tools like JetBrains Fleet and GitHub Codespaces allow developers to code from any device, enabling remote-first teams.
• Deeper Multiplatform Integration: Kotlin Multiplatform is gaining traction, and IDEs are offering more out-of-the-box support.
• Lightweight Editor Popularity: Developers increasingly choose editors like VS Code for speed and simplicity.
• CI/CD Integration: IDEs are integrating DevOps workflows, from containerization to continuous deployment pipelines.

What This Means for Developers

These trends highlight the importance of choosing an IDE that evolves quickly. Developers adopting multiplatform projects should invest in IntelliJ IDEA, while those experimenting with AI-driven coding may want to explore JetBrains’ AI integrations. Remote-first teams may lean toward cloud-based IDEs.

Future Snapshot: Where IDEs Are Heading

Trend	Impact on Kotlin Development
AI Code Suggestions	Faster coding, fewer errors
Cloud IDEs	Development anywhere, collaboration-friendly
Multiplatform Integration	Easier cross-platform builds
Lightweight Editors	Speed and simplicity for smaller projects
DevOps Integration	Streamlined deployment and testing workflows

Key takeaway:

Future-proofing your workflow means choosing an IDE that embraces AI, cloud support, and multiplatform capabilities. Staying ahead of these trends ensures long-term productivity:

Conclusion

Kotlin’s popularity is expected to continue growing in 2024, and with it, the demand for powerful, flexible IDEs. While IntelliJ IDEA and Android Studio dominate the field, options like Eclipse and VS Code remain valuable depending on specific project requirements. The best IDE isn’t always the most popular—it’s the one that aligns with your project goals, team needs, and resource constraints.

Pick the IDE that supports your current development workflow but also prepares you for the future of Kotlin development.

FAQs

Is IntelliJ IDEA better than Android Studio for Kotlin?

IntelliJ IDEA is more versatile, while Android Studio is better optimized for Android-specific development.

Can I use VS Code for Kotlin development?

Yes, with the Kotlin plugin, though it lacks the deep integration of IntelliJ or Android Studio.

Is Eclipse still a good option for Kotlin?

It’s not the most modern choice, but it’s useful for legacy projects or teams tied to Eclipse.

Do I need the Ultimate version of IntelliJ IDEA?

Not always. The free Community edition is excellent, but Ultimate offers advanced features like Spring support.

Which IDE is best for Kotlin Multiplatform projects?

IntelliJ IDEA currently provides the best support for KMP.

Additional Resources