13 Best Android App Development Programming Languages

Android app development requires programming languages that support native Android app development and cross-platform mobile development. Developers select a programming language for Android development based on performance, platform compatibility, development efficiency, and ecosystem support.

Each programming language offers unique capabilities, whether for native Android applications using Android Studio programming tools or for cross-platform apps built with frameworks like the Flutter.

The best programming languages for Android app development are listed below:

1. Java
2. Kotlin
3. Dart
4. C++
5. C#
6. JavaScript
7. Python
8. React Native
9. Swift
10. Xamarin
11. HTML and CSS
12. Corona
13. Flutter

Android applications are built for smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and wearable devices using Android development tools such as Android Studio, SDKs, and integrated development environments (IDEs). The development process includes writing structured code, integrating APIs, optimizing app performance, and testing across multiple devices to ensure smooth user experience and system compatibility.

According to StatCounter, titled "Mobile Operating System Market Share Worldwide," published in January 2025, Android holds a 72.24% share of the global mobile operating system market.

1. Java

Java is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language widely used in Android app development. As one of the first official languages for Android, it is fully supported by Android Studio programming tools and provides strong compatibility with the Android SDK. Java's robust architecture makes it suitable for large-scale, high-performance applications that require secure memory management and efficient multithreading.

Key features of Java include platform independence, object-oriented programming (OOP), standard APIs, automatic garbage collection, multi-threading support, and a scalable architecture.

Java is best for developing complex Android applications that require high performance, scalability, and long-term maintenance.

Pros:

• Fully supported by Android development tools like Android Studio.
• Strong object-oriented programming (OOP) principles for maintainability.
• Large community and extensive third-party libraries.
• Secure and efficient for enterprise applications.

Cons:

• Verbose syntax makes development slower compared to Kotlin.
• Higher memory consumption due to JVM overhead.
• Requires more boilerplate code, increasing complexity.

2. Kotlin

Kotlin improves Android app development by offering a concise syntax, enhanced safety features, and smooth Java interoperability. It allows developers to build cross-platform mobile applications while integrating with Android Studio tools, enabling Java-to-Kotlin code conversion without rewriting entire projects. Its compatibility with the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) ensures efficient execution and access to Java's extensive ecosystem.

Key features of Kotlin include null safety, concise syntax, interoperability with Java, extension functions, and improved type inference for reducing boilerplate code.

Kotlin is best for developing modern Android applications that require efficient code structure, reduced development time, and improved performance over Java.

Pros:

• Fully supported by Android development tools and Android Studio.
• Concise syntax reduces boilerplate code.
• Null safety feature prevents app crashes caused by null references.
• Interoperability with Java, allowing code conversion within Android Studio.

Cons:

• Some Java libraries and frameworks may not work perfectly when converted.
• Newer language with a smaller developer community compared to Java.
• Slightly slower compilation time than Java in some cases.

3. Dart

Dart supports cross-platform mobile development, allowing developers to create Android and iOS applications from a single codebase. It powers the Flutter framework for apps, uses ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation for fast execution, and is suited for applications that require high performance and smooth animations.

Key features of Dart include an English-like syntax for easier readability, just-in-time (JIT) and ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation for faster execution, a reactive programming model, and deep integration with Flutter.

Dart is best for building cross-platform Android applications that require fast performance, fluid UI animations, and real-time updates.

Pros:

• Fully integrated with Flutter framework for apps.
• Fast execution with JIT and AOT compilation.
• Hot reload feature allows real-time code updates.
• Reactive programming models improve UI responsiveness.

Cons:

• Larger app file size compared to native Android apps.
• Smaller community and fewer third-party libraries than Java or Kotlin.
• Limited usage outside of Flutter-based development.

4. C++

C++ is used for complex Android applications and game development, offering high performance through direct machine code compilation. It reduces runtime overhead compared to Java, which relies on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) for execution.

Key features of C++ include direct memory management, low-level hardware access, high execution speed, and full integration with the Android Native Development Kit (NDK).

C++ is best for developing performance-intensive Android applications that require efficient memory usage, real-time processing, and low-latency execution.

Pros:

• High-performance execution with direct machine code compilation.
• Efficient memory management for resource-intensive applications.
• Supports multi-platform development using Android NDK.
• Widely used in game development with engines like Unreal Engine.

Cons:

• More complex syntax compared to Java or Kotlin.
• Verbose language requires more lines of code.
• Not a native Android language, requiring NDK for integration.

5. C#

C# is used for Android app development through Xamarin, a framework supported by Microsoft Visual Studio. It allows developers to build applications without requiring the Android Native Development Kit (NDK), except for performance-intensive applications.

Key features of C# include a managed memory system, strong type safety, automatic garbage collection, and full integration with Xamarin for cross-platform mobile development.

C# is best for building cross-platform Android applications, offering efficient memory management, rapid development, and strong integration with Microsoft's ecosystem.

Pros:

• Fully supported by Xamarin, enabling cross-platform mobile development.
• Automatic garbage collection reduces memory leaks.
• Object-oriented programming (OOP) improves code organization and maintainability.
• Microsoft Visual Studio debugging tools streamline development.

Cons:

• Not optimized for native Android development without Xamarin.
• Slightly slower execution compared to C++ for high-performance apps.
• Requires Microsoft ecosystem, limiting flexibility outside of Xamarin development.

6. JavaScript

JavaScript is used for cross-platform mobile development, allowing developers to create Android applications using frameworks like React Native. It supports asynchronous processing and an event-driven architecture, making it suitable for interactive and real-time applications across multiple platforms.

Key features of JavaScript include dynamic typing, event-driven programming, non-blocking I/O, and easy integration with React Native for mobile applications.

JavaScript is best for developing cross-platform Android applications that require real-time updates, dynamic user interfaces, and web-based integrations.

Pros:

• Fully supported by React Native for cross-platform app development.
• Asynchronous programming improves performance in real-time applications.
• Extensive ecosystem with third-party libraries and frameworks.
• Lightweight execution for web and mobile applications.

Cons:

• Not optimized for native Android development without additional frameworks.
• Performance limitations compared to compiled languages like Java or C++.
• Security concerns due to browser-based vulnerabilities.

7. Python

Python is used in Android app development for prototyping, backend development, and AI-powered applications. Frameworks like Kivy and BeeWare enable developers to build cross-platform mobile applications. Its extensive libraries support data processing, automation, and AI integration, though its interpreted nature results in slower execution compared to compiled languages.

Key features of Python include a simple syntax for faster development, an extensive standard library for handling databases and networking, dynamic typing for flexible coding, and integration with Kivy and BeeWare for cross-platform mobile development.

Python is best for developing AI-powered Android applications, data-driven mobile apps, and quick prototyping due to its flexibility and extensive machine learning libraries.

Pros:

• Easy-to-read syntax reduces development time.
• Extensive libraries for AI, machine learning, and automation.
• Cross-platform support with Kivy and BeeWare frameworks.
• Strong backend development capabilities for mobile apps.

Cons:

• Slower execution speed compared to compiled languages like Java or C++.
• Not natively supported in Android development; requires additional frameworks.
• Higher memory usage, making it less efficient for resource-intensive applications.

8. React Native

React Native is used for cross-platform mobile development, allowing developers to build Android applications with a single codebase. It uses native components instead of WebView-based rendering, improving performance over traditional hybrid frameworks. Features like hot reloading enable real-time code updates without the need for full recompilation.

Key features of React Native include reusable UI components for faster development, native module integration for accessing device-specific features, asynchronous rendering for improved performance, and compatibility with JavaScript and TypeScript for flexible development.

React Native is best for developing cross-platform Android applications, enabling fast development cycles, native-like performance, and smooth UI updates.

Pros:

• Single codebase for Android and iOS applications.
• Hot reloading allows real-time updates during development.
• Performance optimization with native module integration.
• Large ecosystem with extensive third-party libraries.

Cons:

• Not as fast as fully native development for high-performance apps.
• Requires bridging with native code for complex functionalities.
• Larger app size compared to pure native applications.

9. Swift

Swift is a compiled, statically typed programming language developed by Apple for building iOS applications, but it can also be used for Android app development through cross-platform frameworks like Swift for TensorFlow and Swift Android Toolchain. It offers high-performance execution, strong type safety, and a modern syntax designed for efficient coding.

Key features of Swift include memory safety to prevent runtime errors, automatic reference counting (ARC) for optimized memory management, type inference to reduce redundant code, and compatibility with Objective-C for smooth integration with existing projects.

Swift is best for developing cross-platform Android applications that require high execution speed, safe memory management, and modern syntax for better maintainability.

Pros:

• Fast execution due to its compiled nature.
• Memory safety features reduce crashes and improve app stability.
• Interoperable with Objective-C for integrating existing iOS code.
• Modern syntax improves readability and reduces boilerplate code.

Cons:

• Limited support for native Android development without third-party tools.
• Smaller developer community compared to Java or Kotlin for Android.
• Requires additional configurations to compile for Android.

10. Xamarin

Xamarin is used for cross-platform mobile development, allowing developers to build Android applications with C# while maintaining access to native Android APIs. It integrates with Microsoft Visual Studio, providing debugging tools and streamlined code management to enhance development efficiency.

Key features of Xamarin include shared codebase support for Android and iOS, direct access to native device APIs, integration with .NET libraries, and Xamarin.Forms for UI development.

Xamarin is best for developing cross-platform Android applications that require native API access, strong integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, and a single codebase for multiple platforms.

Pros:

• Single codebase for Android and iOS applications.
• Direct access to native APIs ensures better performance.
• Fully integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio for development and debugging.
• Supports .NET libraries for extended functionality.

Cons:

• Requires Microsoft ecosystem, limiting flexibility outside .NET.
• App size is larger compared to native Android applications.
• Performance may be lower than fully native development.

11. HTML and CSS

HTML and CSS are markup and styling languages used in Android app development through progressive web apps (PWAs) and hybrid frameworks like Apache Cordova and Ionic. HTML structures web-based content, while CSS handles styling and layout, enabling developers to create mobile-friendly interfaces that function across platforms.

Key features of HTML and CSS include lightweight structure for fast rendering, responsive design support for adaptable layouts, smooth integration with JavaScript for interactive elements, and compatibility with web-based frameworks like Ionic and Cordova.

HTML and CSS are best for developing hybrid Android applications that require web-based functionality, cross-platform compatibility, and minimal resource consumption.

Pros:

• Lightweight and fast-loading for web-based applications.
• Cross-platform compatibility with hybrid frameworks.
• Easy integration with JavaScript for dynamic content.
• Responsive design support for mobile adaptability.

Cons:

• Limited access to native Android features without additional frameworks.
• Lower performance compared to fully native development.
• Requires JavaScript or third-party frameworks for interactive functionality.

12. Corona

Corona is a cross-platform development framework used for Android app development, particularly in 2D game development. It utilizes the Lua programming language, offering a lightweight and efficient coding environment. Corona's real-time preview feature allows developers to see changes instantly, improving development speed.

Key features of Corona include lightweight scripting with Lua, built-in physics engine for game mechanics, real-time preview for faster iteration, and cross-platform support for Android and iOS.

Corona is best for developing 2D Android games that require fast performance, simple scripting, and built-in physics-based interactions.

Pros:

• Lightweight framework ensures fast execution.
• Built-in physics engine for game mechanics.
• Real-time preview speeds up development.
• Cross-platform compatibility for Android and iOS.

Cons:

• Limited to 2D game development.
• Fewer third-party libraries compared to other frameworks.
• Less active community support after transitioning to open-source.

13. Flutter

Flutter is a UI framework developed by Google for cross-platform mobile development, enabling developers to build Android applications using the Dart programming language. It allows for single codebase development, ensuring consistency across platforms. Flutter's widget-based architecture provides customizable UI components, and its hot reload feature enables real-time code updates without recompilation.

Key features of Flutter include a widget-based UI system for customizable design, hot reload for faster development, native performance using Dart's ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation, and cross-platform support for Android and iOS applications.

Flutter is best for developing cross-platform Android applications that require custom UI, high performance, and faster iteration cycles.

Pros:

• Single codebase for Android and iOS development.
• Hot reload feature speeds up debugging.
• Highly customizable UI with widget-based architecture.
• Native performance using AOT compilation.

Cons:

• Larger app size compared to native Android apps.
• Limited third-party libraries compared to Java or Kotlin.
• Requires learning Dart, which is less common than JavaScript or Python.

What is Android App Development?

Android app development is the process of creating applications for Android devices using languages like Java, Kotlin, and Dart. It involves coding, UI design, API integration, testing, and optimization to ensure functionality across different screen sizes and Android versions.

Apps are either native, built specifically for Android, or cross-platform, using frameworks like Flutter and React Native to run on multiple operating systems. Developers use Android Studio, SDKs, and other tools to build, test, and deploy applications for smartphones, tablets, and smart devices.

What Programming Languages Are Used to Develop iOS Apps?

The common programming languages used for iOS app development are listed below:

• Swift – A modern, fast, and safe language developed by Apple, designed for building iOS applications with improved performance and concise syntax.
• Objective-C – A legacy language used for iOS development, known for its stability and compatibility with older Apple frameworks.
• C++ – Used in performance-intensive applications, such as game engines and system-level software, requiring efficient memory management.
• Python – Utilised for backend development, machine learning, and automation in iOS apps through frameworks like Kivy.
• JavaScript – Used in cross-platform development with frameworks like React Native, enabling iOS apps to share code with Android.

These iOS app development languages offer different capabilities, allowing developers to choose based on project requirements, performance needs, and development efficiency.

What Programming Languages Are Used for Cross-Platform App Development?

The common programming languages used for cross-platform app development are listed below:

• JavaScript – Used with frameworks like React Native, allowing developers to build apps that run on both Android and iOS from a single codebase.
• Dart – The primary language for Flutter, offering fast execution, a reactive UI framework, and support for multiple platforms.
• C# – Works with Xamarin to create cross-platform apps while maintaining access to native APIs and performance optimization.
• Python – Used with frameworks like Kivy and BeeWare, enabling code reuse for mobile applications across different operating systems.
• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – Combined for hybrid app development with tools like Apache Cordova and Ionic, allowing web-based apps to function on mobile devices.

These cross-platform app development languages enable developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple operating systems, reducing development time and effort.

What Programming Languages Does Android Studio Support?

Android Studio supports Java, Kotlin, C++, and Dart for Android app development.

• Java is a widely used object-oriented programming language that provides strong compatibility with Android's SDK and is suitable for building native Android applications.
• Kotlin is a modern alternative to Java, offering concise syntax, improved safety features, and full interoperability with Java for Android development.
• C++ is used with the Android Native Development Kit (NDK) to develop performance-intensive applications, such as games and system-level software.
• Dart is supported through the Flutter framework, allowing developers to create cross-platform mobile applications with a single codebase.

These programming languages enable developers to build native and cross-platform applications using Android Studio and its development tools.