JetBrains updates Kotlin roadmap

JetBrains has updated its Kotlin language roadmap, with key priorities that include more efficient data handling, increased abstraction, and enhanced performance. The company also promised faster code completion, highlighting, and search, along with more stable code analysis, in the K2-based IntelliJ IDEA plugin.

The Kotlin roadmap was updated in late-September, and the next update is planned for February 2025. Other goals for Kotlin call for improving compiler diagnostics, enabling the compiler to generate JVM default methods, implementing a new multiplatform API for the standard library, and implementing a new Dokka Gradle plugin based on Dokkatoo. Support for the WebAssembly Component Model in Kotlin/Wasm and support for debugging inline functions on Android also are on the agenda.

The K2-based IntelliJ Idea plugin, meanwhile, is set to offer faster code completion along with highlighting, search, and more stable code analysis. And Kotlin Multiplatform, for sharing code across mobile, web, or desktop platforms, will offer a direct Kotlin-to-Swift import, streamlined build setup, and simplified creation of multiplatform libraries. Plans for Kotlin Multiplatform also include driving the iOS target to a stable release.

Another key priority for Kotlin is improving the experience of third-party ecosystem authors, with a simplified development and publication process for Kotlin libraries, tools, and frameworks.