What is Kotlin written in?
The Kotlin compiler is written in Java and Kotlin (documented). Its runtime is implemented in Java (well-documented). Kotlin is self-hosting.
Relationship Graph
All directly connected languages. Click any node to navigate to its page.
Compiler Implementation
| Language | Confidence | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java | 90% | Early Kotlin compiler written in Java before self-hosting | Source |
| Kotlin | 95% | Kotlin compiler became self-hosting; K2 frontend in 2024 | Source |
Runtime Implementation
| Language | Confidence | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Java | 97% | Kotlin runs on JVM | Source |
Influenced By
- Java — Kotlin designed to interoperate with Java
- Scala — Kotlin influenced by Scala's features on JVM
- Groovy — Kotlin influenced by Groovy's scripting capabilities
- Haskell — Kotlin's functional features influenced by Haskell
Frequently Asked Questions
What language is Kotlin written in?
Kotlin is primarily implemented in Java and Kotlin. See the implementation section above for details and source references.
What languages influenced Kotlin?
Kotlin was influenced by Java, Scala, Groovy among others. See the influence section above for the full list.
Is Kotlin self-hosting?
Yes, Kotlin is self-hosting — its compiler can compile itself.
Evidence Sources
- https://kotlinlang.org/docs/faq.html
- https://github.com/JetBrains/kotlin
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotlin_(programming_language)