Getting Started with Kotlin Multiplatform and Kotlin Compose: A Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine this: You’re developing an app that works flawlessly on both Android and iOS. You’ve written the code once, but it runs everywhere — no need to manage separate codebases, no more duplicated efforts. This is the promise of Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP) and Kotlin Compose. It’s a developer’s dream come true, and today, I’m going to show you how to make that dream a reality.

Prerequisites

Before we dive in, make sure your development environment is set up with the following:

• Kotlin: Our primary language.
• IntelliJ IDEA or Android Studio: Your go-to IDE.
• Kotlin Multiplatform Project Template: Available from JetBrains, this template will kickstart our journey.

Step 1: Download the KMP Project Template

Head over to the Kotlin Multiplatform website and grab the project template. This isn’t just any template — it’s your launchpad to building apps that bridge the gap between platforms.

Step 2: Open the Project in Your IDE

Once you’ve got the template, extract the zip file and fire up your IDE. Opening the project should be a breeze, revealing a pre-configured structure that’s ready to go. This is where the magic begins.

Step 3: Explore the Project Structure

At this point, you might be wondering, “What makes KMP so special?” The answer lies in the project structure. You’ll find three core modules:

• common: The beating heart of your app, where the shared logic lives.
• androidApp: All things Android, from UI to platform-specific implementations.
• iosApp: The counterpart to your Android module, tailored for iOS.

Here’s an interesting insight: In traditional app development, you’d be writing separate code for each platform. But with KMP, you’re cutting that work in half — maybe even more. It’s like discovering a secret shortcut that saves you hours of work.

Step 4: Run the App

The real test comes when you run the app. Fire it up on an emulator or device, and watch as the same codebase powers both Android and iOS apps. It’s a satisfying moment, seeing your efforts come to life across platforms with minimal effort.

Step 5: Start Building Your App

Now, the canvas is yours. With the project set up, you’re free to dive into Kotlin Compose and start crafting your app’s UI. The possibilities are endless — what will you build? As you modify the sample code and add your own features, you’ll see just how powerful and flexible KMP and Kotlin Compose truly are.

Conclusion

As you wrap up this guide and start your journey into Kotlin Multiplatform and Kotlin Compose, ask yourself: What could you achieve if you could focus on innovation rather than maintenance? By embracing these tools, you’re not just writing code — you’re shaping the future of app development. The only question left is: What will you create next?

Bio: Laksamana Akbar Dzulfikar,

Senior Android Engineer.

Currently, I’m open to work.

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