JetBrains, the company behind the popular Kotlin programming language, has unveiled an updated roadmap that prioritizes enhanced performance, efficient data handling, and increased abstraction. The roadmap, updated in late September, outlines key goals for the language, including faster code completion, highlighting, and search in the K2-based IntelliJ IDEA plugin.

The updated roadmap also highlights plans to improve compiler diagnostics, enable the compiler to generate JVM default methods, and implement a new multiplatform API for the standard library. Additionally, JetBrains aims to support the WebAssembly Component Model in Kotlin/Wasm and enable debugging of inline functions on Android.

Kotlin Multiplatform, which allows developers to share code across mobile, web, or desktop platforms, will also see significant updates. These include a direct Kotlin-to-Swift import, streamlined build setup, and simplified creation of multiplatform libraries. The company plans to drive the iOS target to a stable release, making it easier for developers to build cross-platform applications.

Furthermore, JetBrains is focusing on improving the experience of third-party ecosystem authors, with a simplified development and publication process for Kotlin libraries, tools, and frameworks. This move is expected to boost the adoption of Kotlin and foster a more vibrant ecosystem around the language.

The next update to the Kotlin roadmap is planned for February 2025, and the community is eagerly awaiting the implementation of these priorities. With its focus on performance, efficiency, and abstraction, JetBrains is poised to further establish Kotlin as a leading programming language in the industry.