JetBrains launches search portal for Kotlin Multiplatform libraries

JetBrains has introduced klibs.io, a web service intended to make it easier to find libraries for Kotlin Multiplatform, a project that allows developers to build cross-platform mobile, desktop, and web apps from the same code base.

Now in an alpha state and billed as an experimental search platform for KMP (Kotlin Multiplatform) libraries, klibs.io was introduced December 17. The service enables developers to locate a Kotlin Multiplatform library for a specific purpose that supports selected platforms including the JVM, the Android JVM, WebAssembly, JavaScript, and Kotlin/Native. The website indexes data from Maven Central and GitHub, using AI-generated metadata to enhance search results.

A goal of klibs.io is making it easier to evaluate libraries by offering KMP-related information. Libraries range from the Coil image-loading library for Android to Arrow typed functional programming interfaces to the Kodein dependency retrieval container and even PeopleInSpace, a Kotlin Multiplatform sample project that lists people currently in space. A search engine attached to klibs.io cites more than 1,400 libraries available. Developers will spend less time searching while library authors benefit from increased visibility for their work, JetBrains said. Instructions for adding a library to kilbs.io are available in an FAQ.

Developers can participate in Slack to improve klibs.io. They also can sign up for Kotlin Slack via an application form. The klibs.io website was created by Kotlin developer advocate Ignat Beresnev and the Kotlin web team. Plans call for adding Java/JVM-only libraries at some point. Also eyed for kilbs.io is indexing of Gradle plugins as well as GitLab and Bitbucket support.