Kotlin and AI: Your Insights Can Shape the Future

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how developers write, review, learn, and maintain code. From intelligent code completion to autonomous coding agents, new AI-powered tools emerge almost monthly. However, a key question remains: how well do these tools actually work with Kotlin? JetBrains wants to understand the real experiences, challenges, and aspirations of Kotlin developers in the age of AI. To that end, they've launched a short community survey focused on AI-assisted development with Kotlin. By participating, you can directly influence the evolution of Kotlin's ecosystem and ensure that the voice of the community is heard. Below, we answer the most pressing questions about this survey and its impact.

1. Why is JetBrains launching this survey about Kotlin and AI?

JetBrains recognizes that AI-assisted development is transforming the software industry at an unprecedented pace. While many AI tools claim to support Kotlin, the real-world experience of developers may vary. This survey seeks to gather concrete data on how Kotlin developers currently use AI — including code completion, chat assistants, and autonomous agents — and identify where these tools excel or fall short. The goal is to pinpoint friction points, uncover opportunities, and ensure that future AI features align with the actual needs of the Kotlin community. By understanding real usage patterns, JetBrains can prioritize improvements that make AI more effective and seamless for Kotlin developers. The survey is a proactive step to keep Kotlin at the forefront of modern development practices.

Kotlin and AI: Your Insights Can Shape the Future — Source: blog.jetbrains.com

2. What specific AI tools are Kotlin developers using today?

The survey covers a broad spectrum of AI-driven technologies that Kotlin developers may be integrating into their workflows. These include code completion tools (like those built into IntelliJ IDEA or third-party plugins), AI chat assistants that help with debugging or refactoring, and autonomous coding agents that can generate entire code blocks or suggest architecture patterns. Other tools might include AI-powered code review systems, documentation generators, or testing frameworks that leverage machine learning. JetBrains wants to capture both the popular tools and niche solutions to understand the full landscape. The survey also asks about the frequency of use, satisfaction levels, and specific features that developers find most valuable or frustrating.

3. What are the main pain points when using AI with Kotlin?

Early feedback and industry observations suggest several common friction points. One major issue is that generic AI models may not understand Kotlin's unique syntax, idioms, or type system as well as they do with languages like Python or JavaScript. This can lead to incorrect completions or suggestions that don't compile. Another pain point is the integration of AI tools with Kotlin-specific frameworks like Ktor, Jetpack Compose, or multiplatform projects. Developers also report that AI assistants often struggle with coroutine-based code, missing context about suspend functions or flow operations. Additionally, privacy concerns about sending proprietary code to cloud AI services can hinder adoption. The survey aims to quantify these issues and reveal surprising obstacles that JetBrains might not have anticipated.

4. How will the survey results influence Kotlin's development?

The insights gathered will directly inform JetBrains' product roadmap for Kotlin and its associated tools. For example, if a significant number of respondents highlight poor AI support for Kotlin multiplatform, JetBrains might invest in training specialized models or improving IDE plugins. The feedback can also shape the development of first-party AI features within IntelliJ IDEA, ensuring they are optimized for Kotlin's paradigms. Moreover, the survey results will be shared with the broader Kotlin community, sparking discussions that drive ecosystem improvements. Ultimately, every participant's voice contributes to making Kotlin more AI-friendly, closing the gap between raw AI capabilities and the day-to-day reality of Kotlin developers.

5. What incentives are offered for completing the survey?

As a token of appreciation, participants who complete the survey can enter a drawing to win one of two prizes. The first option is a USD 50 Amazon Gift Card, perfect for treating yourself or buying development resources. The second prize is a six-month JetBrains All Products Pack subscription, which gives you access to all JetBrains desktop tools, including IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate, ReSharper, and more. This subscription is especially valuable for Kotlin developers who use multiple IDEs or tools. The survey itself takes only a few minutes to complete, making it a quick way to contribute to the future of Kotlin while having a chance to win a useful reward. Winners will be notified via email after the survey closes.

6. Is there any special opportunity for KotlinConf 2026 attendees?

Yes! If you are attending KotlinConf 2026, completing the survey unlocks an extra perk. After filling out the survey, simply visit the registration counter at the conference venue. There, you can chat with the JetBrains team in person and receive a small thank-you gift as a token of their appreciation. The gift is a way to connect with the community face-to-face and create a more personal dialogue. It's also an excellent chance to ask follow-up questions about the survey or share additional insights. Even if you don't attend the conference, you can still participate online. This extra touch highlights JetBrains' commitment to engaging directly with Kotlin developers at major events.

7. How can my feedback as a Kotlin developer make a difference?

Your individual perspective is crucial because AI tools are still evolving, and their effectiveness varies widely across different projects and coding styles. By sharing your experiences — whether they are positive or negative — you help JetBrains understand the diverse scenarios in which Kotlin is used. For example, a developer working on Android apps may face different AI challenges than one building server-side services with Ktor. Your feedback can highlight gaps that affect your specific niche. Moreover, aggregated responses provide statistical power to advocate for changes that benefit the whole community. In short, your voice ensures that the future of AI-assisted Kotlin development is shaped by real-world practice, not just theoretical possibilities. Learn more about the survey's purpose.