How to Run Kotlin in VS Code Effectively: A Quick Guide

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a lightweight and versatile editor that supports various programming languages, including Kotlin. Whether you're a beginner in Kotlin development or an experienced programmer looking for an efficient environment, using VS Code for Kotlin can be a great choice.

This blog will take you step-by-step through how to run Kotlin in VS Code effectively, ensuring you maximize your productivity while coding.

Why Use VS Code for Kotlin?

VS Code is a popular editor for its speed, extensive extensions, and customization options. While it’s not a full IDE like IntelliJ IDEA, it provides a lightweight environment with essential features like syntax highlighting, debugging, and code completion. With the right extensions, you can tailor it for Kotlin development, bypassing vendor lock-in while keeping your workflow streamlined.

Step 1: Set Up Kotlin in VS Code

Install Visual Studio Code

First, make sure you have VS Code installed on your operating system. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for any developer's personal preference. If you don’t already have VS Code installed:

1. Visit the official VS Code website .

2. Download the version compatible with your operating system.

3. Follow the installation process to set it up.

Install Kotlin Support Extensions

Extensions are the backbone of making VS Code a capable environment for Kotlin development. The main extension you’ll need is "Kotlin" by Mathias Fröhlich, which adds Kotlin support, including syntax highlighting and basic debugging features.

1. Open VS Code.

2. Go to the Extensions view by clicking the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar or pressing Ctrl+Shift+X.

3. In the search bar, type “Kotlin Language” and select the Kotlin extension by Mathias Fröhlich.

4. Click "Install" to add Kotlin support to your editor.

For running Kotlin code seamlessly, you’ll also need the Code Runner extension:

1. Search for "Code Runner" in the Extensions view.

2. Install it by clicking the "Install" button.

Step 2: Configure Kotlin Compiler

Kotlin code is compiled using the Kotlin compiler. To ensure you can execute Kotlin files directly, you’ll need to set up the compiler on your system.

1. Download the Kotlin Compiler: Visit the official Kotlin website to download the Kotlin compiler.

2. Install the Kotlin Compiler: Follow the installation steps for your operating system. Ensure that the compiler is added to your system's PATH so it can be accessed from the terminal.

3. Verify Installation: Open a terminal in VS Code or your operating system and type:

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kotlinc -version

You should see the installed version of the Kotlin compiler.

Step 3: Creating and Running Kotlin Code in VS Code

Create a Kotlin Project and File

To start Kotlin development, you’ll need a project structure. Here’s how:

1. Open VS Code and create a new folder for your Kotlin project.

2. Inside the folder, create a new Kotlin file:

   • Click on "File" > "New File" or press Ctrl+N.

   • Save it with a .kt extension, e.g., Main.kt.

Write Kotlin Code

Here’s an example of simple Kotlin code for a "Hello, World!" program:

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fun main() {
    println("Hello, World!")
}

Save the file by pressing Ctrl+S.

Run the Kotlin Code

There are two main ways to execute Kotlin files in VS Code:

Using Code Runner Extension

1. Open the Kotlin file in VS Code.

2. Click the "Run Code" button at the top-right corner of the editor or press Ctrl+Alt+N.

3. The terminal will display the output of your program.

Using the Terminal

1. Open the terminal in VS Code (`Ctrl+``).

2. Compile the Kotlin file using:

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kotlinc Main.kt -include-runtime -d Main.jar

3. Run the compiled file using:

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java -jar Main.jar

Step 4: Enhancing Your Kotlin Development Workflow

Use IntelliJ IDEA for Complex Projects

While VS Code is great for lightweight tasks, IntelliJ IDEA, one of JetBrains development tools, offers robust features for Kotlin projects. If you’re working on larger Kotlin projects, like mobile apps or backend services, IntelliJ IDEA might be more suited to your needs.

Debugging Kotlin Code

VS Code provides debugging capabilities through extensions. You can set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect variables to make the debugging process smoother.

Leverage Syntax Highlighting and Code Completion

The Kotlin extension supports syntax highlighting, making your code easier to read. It also includes basic code completion, which can speed up the coding process significantly.

The Bottom Line!

Running Kotlin in VS Code effectively combines the flexibility of a lightweight editor with the power of Kotlin’s robust features. With the right extensions, such as Code Runner and Kotlin support, you can write, compile, and execute Kotlin files seamlessly. Whether you’re working on a new project or exploring Kotlin for personal preference, VS Code provides a customizable environment that encourages people to dive into Kotlin development without the overhead of a full IDE.

So why wait? Set up your environment today and enjoy the simplicity and efficiency of Kotlin in Visual Studio Code!