Kotlin Multiplatform Newsletter #11
We look at how Room 3.0 signals the end of the "Android-First" era by embracing true cross-platform persistence, and explore raw lessons from a senior dev shipping KMP to production. We also cover building custom image plugins with Landscapist, distributing Compose Desktop apps with Gradle, and using RikkaUI for zero-Material dependency components. Plus, new tools like WiretapKMP for network interception and KMP job openings at EXANTE and Tonsser.
The Log
The only Kotlin Multiplatform and Compose Multiplatform news you actually need to know.
The Main Thread
Community's most insightful threads, curated from social media platforms and websites.
This is not merely an incremental update. It is a fundamental shift in architecture that moves Room away from its Android-centric roots and into a future where it stands as a peer to the most powerful cross-platform libraries in the ecosystem.
You’re a senior Android dev. Kotlin is your home. So when you hear “Kotlin Multiplatform,” you think: easy. Just share some code with iOS, right? That’s what I thought too. Then I actually shipped it.
Expect Actual
Technical deep dives, or solving the "how-the-hell-do-I-test-this" problems.
Practical Kotlin Deep Dive (Jaewoong Eum) takes you beneath the surface of Kotlin, exploring not just what the language does, but how it works and why it was built that way.
From foundational concepts through coroutines, compiler architecture, and Kotlin Multiplatform, this book connects everyday coding patterns to their underlying mechanisms.
Landscapist provides a composable image loading library for Jetpack Compose and Kotlin Multiplatform. Among its image composables,
LandscapistImage stands out as the recommended choice: it uses Landscapist's own standalone loading engine built from scratch for Jetpack Compose and Kotlin Multiplatform, with no dependency on platform-specific loaders like Glide or Coil.In the world of mobile engineering, “cross-platform” is often discussed as a modern trend, a product of the Kotlin Multiplatform (KMP). However, for those of us who have spent over a decade in the trenches of SQLite, the quest for a unified data layer is a much older story.
Learn how to build, package, and ship a Compose Desktop application using Gradle, with OS-specific runtimes and a reliable distribution pipeline for Windows and Linux.
LazyColumn
Compose Multiplatform tips, tricks, and code snippets.
A shadn/ui-inspired component library and design system for Compose Multiplatform. Copy-paste components you own, zero Material dependency.
Convert SVG and Android Vector Drawables (XML) into Jetpack Compose ImageVector code. CLI, Gradle plugin, and online playground. Kotlin Multiplatform supported.
The Dependency Graph
Curated libraries, tools and plugins that won't break your Gradle build.
- FuzzyKot
Fuzzy string matching for Kotlin Multiplatform. - WiretapKMP
Kotlin Multiplatform network inspection and mocking SDK. Intercept HTTP and WebSocket traffic, mock API responses, and throttle requests — no proxy server needed. - Blue-Falcon
A Bluetooth BLE "Cross Platform" Kotlin Multiplatform library for iOS, Android, MacOS, Raspberry Pi, Windows and Javascript.
Target: Production
Showcase of real-world apps proving KMP is ready for prime time.
Ship your next iOS & Android app in days with Kotlin Multiplatform
Skip the boring setup. KMPShip is a KMP boilerplate with Firebase auth, RevenueCat, push notifications, CI/CD, and more already wired up. Go from idea to App Store & Google Play in days, not weeks.
Splodgebox
→ SimuFlow Reddit thread
Careers
Kotlin Multiplatform job postings and opportunities.
wellfound • Where startups and job seekers connect.
🤝 Connect directly with founders at top startups - no third party recruiters allowed.
💸 Everything you need to know, all upfront. View salary, stock options, and more before applying.
✌️ Say goodbye to cover letters - your profile is all you need. One click to apply and you're done.
✨ Unique jobs at startups and tech companies you can’t find anywhere else.
We are looking for a talented and passionate Mobile Multiplatform Developer to join our team. In this role you will be responsible for developing and maintaining our cross-platform mobile applications using Kotlin Multiplatform and Jetpack Compose.
You'll join a small, focused team building a best-in-class companion app for the next generation of athletes. This starts as a 6-month freelance engagement with the clear intention of moving into a full-time position.
🚀 Get Featured!
Got something interesting to share with the Kotlin Multiplatform community? Submit your link for a chance to get featured in the next issue of commonMain.dev.
🤝 Support the Build
commonMain.dev is made possible by our partners. If you have a tool or service that helps KMP developers ship to production faster, we’d love to help you reach our community. Collaborate with us.
✍ Code Review
This newsletter is curated and written by a real human being. I’m always looking for ways to optimize the build. Was there something you liked or disliked in particular? Or did you find a bug in this issue? Simply reply to this email - I read every comment from the community and take your feedback into account for the next release.
Until next time,
Stay platform-independent!
Bogdan • Founder of commonMain.dev