List of the Top 5 Development Frameworks for Kotlin in 2025

The Axon Framework is built on architectural concepts like Domain-Driven Design (DDD) and Command-Query Responsibility Segregation (CQRS), offering essential components for implementing CQRS, which aids in developing scalable and adaptable applications while ensuring consistency across distributed systems. Moreover, its design facilitates the handling of complex business logic by dividing responsibilities effectively.

Vert.x empowers users to manage a higher volume of requests while utilizing fewer resources compared to conventional frameworks that depend on blocking I/O operations. It is designed to perform effectively across diverse execution environments, including those with restrictions like virtual machines and containers. Asynchronous programming can often seem overwhelming, but our goal is to simplify the experience of using Vert.x, allowing you to maintain both accuracy and performance without compromise. By adopting Vert.x, you can increase deployment efficiency and lower expenses, avoiding unnecessary resource consumption. The platform provides a range of programming models tailored to your project’s specifications, such as callbacks, promises, futures, reactive extensions, and (Kotlin) coroutines. Unlike traditional frameworks that are rigid, Vert.x serves as a versatile toolkit, enabling easy composability and embeddability. We prioritize giving you the autonomy to create your application architecture according to your vision. You can select the ideal modules and clients, integrating them seamlessly to construct the application you desire. This adaptability empowers developers to create customized solutions that align perfectly with their individual needs while also fostering innovation in their projects.

Koin simplifies the process of dependency injection (DI) and significantly improves the developer experience within the Kotlin framework. It supports the development of a wide range of applications, including those for Android mobile devices and backend Ktor servers. Tailored to accommodate even the most demanding projects, Koin has gained the confidence of developers around the world. As an open-source solution specifically designed for Kotlin, Koin boasts an easy-to-use domain-specific language (DSL) and a lightweight container that streamlines dependency management for any Kotlin application or SDK. With Koin, setting up dependency injection becomes a breeze thanks to its clear API and Kotlin DSL, enabling developers to focus on crafting intricate Android mobile applications without being hindered by cumbersome tools. This framework integrates flawlessly with the wider Kotlin ecosystem, harnessing Kotlin's strengths to provide straightforward dependency injection across various platforms. Having been embraced by countless organizations globally, Koin is adept at managing scaling in production scenarios and continues to adapt to the evolving requirements of developers. By offering a straightforward approach to dependency injection, Koin empowers developers to innovate and produce high-quality applications with greater efficiency, making it a valuable asset in modern software development. Furthermore, the community surrounding Koin is vibrant, ensuring ongoing support and continuous improvements.

In Javalin, classes are rarely extended, and interfaces are seldom implemented, reflecting the framework's minimalist approach. Built upon Jetty, Javalin comprises only a few thousand lines of code, which enables it to achieve performance levels comparable to Jetty's native implementation. Its concise codebase facilitates an easy understanding of the source material for developers. Unlike numerous other web frameworks in Java and Kotlin, which typically offer distinct versions for each language, Javalin is designed for seamless interoperability, allowing developers to create applications in a consistent manner across both Java and Kotlin. Operating on Jetty—one of the most trusted and widely used web servers for the JVM—Javalin provides extensive configuration options, including support for SSL, HTTP/3, and all the features inherent to Jetty. Additionally, while many lightweight web frameworks in Java and Kotlin often lack OpenAPI support, Javalin incorporates this capability, making it a more flexible choice for developers. This unique combination of features positions Javalin as an exceptional option for efficiently building contemporary web applications that can easily adapt to various requirements.

Creating asynchronous client and server applications can be effortless, whether you are developing microservices or cross-platform HTTP client applications, all while embracing an open-source philosophy that prioritizes enjoyment and accessibility! Ktor is meticulously crafted from the ground up using Kotlin and Coroutines, allowing you to leverage a succinct, multiplatform programming language combined with the benefits of asynchronous programming presented in a straightforward imperative manner. With Ktor, you have the freedom to choose only the necessary components and customize your application to fit your unique requirements. Additionally, enhancing Ktor with custom plugins is simple, providing further adaptability. Developed by JetBrains, the creators of IntelliJ IDEA, Kotlin, and other robust tools, Ktor caters to a diverse range of users and is also employed internally at JetBrains itself. Moreover, you will appreciate the outstanding tooling support, which amplifies your development experience, making it not just efficient but also more enjoyable! This remarkable blend of features solidifies Ktor as a top-tier option for contemporary application development, enabling developers to create innovative solutions effortlessly.