Android and Kotlin Multiplatform developer Victoria has reviewed 25 professional books on Kotlin, Android development, mobile architecture, and KMP. The selection focuses on foundational knowledge, including language capabilities, concurrency, and architecture, which remain relevant despite the growing influence of AI in coding.
The review highlights 'Kotlin in Action' (KiA) as a classic for those transitioning from Java, noting its detailed coverage of language internals. For beginners, the author recommends 'Kotlin. An Illustrated Guide' over 'Kotlin Head First' due to its superior structure and depth in explaining core concepts like coroutines.
Advanced developers are directed toward specialized resources. Marcin Moskala’s work on coroutines is recommended for understanding internals, including state machines and Flow. Additionally, 'Kotlin Essentials' by skydoves is noted for its Q&A format, which is useful for Middle+ developers preparing for interviews.
The author cautions against outdated titles. Books published around 2020, such as 'Android Head First', are considered largely obsolete due to the industry shift from XML to Jetpack Compose. Similarly, 'Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide' is criticized for its lack of focus on modern architecture and DI.
For those interested in functional programming, the author suggests specific literature, though notes it is not a general-purpose guide for everyday Android tasks. Meanwhile, 'Atomic Kotlin' is highlighted as a strong option for beginners, offering a unique structure with small information blocks and integrated exercises.
