Yesterday, I embarked on a new journey: building an advanced Sudoku application featuring a social network and a user dashboard. This marks my first engineering project and an exciting opportunity to master both the Kotlin programming language and the Ktor framework. Although I experimented with Kotlin a few years ago, this project rekindles my appreciation for its modern design and versatility. While Python remains my primary programming language and I’m quite proficient in Java, I’ve chosen Kotlin to expand my tech stack and challenge myself with new technologies.
Ktor vs. Spring Boot
Kotlin stands out for its seamless integration with Java libraries, making Spring Boot a natural companion. However, given my prior experience with Spring Boot in previous roles and existing projects, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to explore something new.
Why I Chose Ktor Over Spring Boot:
- Lightweight Design: Ktor provides a minimalistic framework, unlike Spring Boot, which comes with many built-in features.
- Modularity: Ktor allows me to pick and choose only the features I need.
- Designed for Kotlin: As my primary goal is to deepen my knowledge of Kotlin, Ktor’s Kotlin-centric design makes it an ideal choice.
- Customization: Ktor lets me customize every part of my application without relying on predefined components.
Getting Started with Ktor
My initial experience with Ktor has been nothing short of fascinating. Setting up applications with Ktor is quite different from my previous experiences with Spring Boot. Here’s what stood out:
The Ktor Plugin and IntelliJ IDEA
To streamline development, I decided to use the Ktor plugin. However, I discovered that it’s available only in the Ultimate version of IntelliJ IDEA. This prompted me to purchase my first IntelliJ IDEA license, a decision I’m quite happy with. The plugin greatly simplifies project setup and provides a solid foundation for beginners.
The Ktor Project Generator
The Ktor Generator is another fantastic tool that I’ve come to appreciate. As a beginner, it has been invaluable in:
- Saving Time and Effort: It automates the creation of a ready-to-use project structure.
- Ensuring Best Practices: The generator adheres to Ktor’s recommended project conventions.
- Customizability: It lets me select only the plugins and features I need at the start.
While it’s possible to set up a Ktor project manually, the generator helps avoid common mistakes and ensures a smoother onboarding experience.
Conclusion
My initial experience with Ktor has been fantastic. The framework is lightweight, customizable, and perfectly aligned with my goal of mastering Kotlin. Setting up my Sudoku application using Ktor has been a joy, and I’m excited about the journey ahead. This project combines my love for Sudoku with my passion for programming, offering the perfect platform to refine my engineering skills.
If you’re considering a new framework for your Kotlin-based project, I highly recommend giving Ktor a try. Stay tuned as I share more updates on my Sudoku application!
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