Kotlin Apply vs. Also: Syntax, Usage, and Best Practices

Welcome to our deep dive into Kotlin's handy scope functions, apply, and also.

Have you ever been stumped about which Kotlin function to use for optimal coding results? Maybe you've come across apply and also but aren't quite sure how to harness their full potential in your projects?

Let's delve into the unique roles and advantages of Kotlin apply vs also, ensuring that you not only recognize their differences but also proficiently apply them to your Kotlin endeavors.

Understanding Scope functions

In Kotlin, scope functions are powerful tools that help you structure your code more concisely and expressively. Essentially, these functions allow you to perform operations on an object within a temporary scope. Among the various scope functions that Kotlin offers, apply and also are frequently used to configure objects and perform additional operations respectively. Understanding the subtleties of these functions in Kotlin can significantly enhance your code readability and efficiency.

The apply and also functions are part of Kotlin's scope functions which include let, run, and with. Each scope function is designed to execute a block of code within the context of an object. When you use apply, the context object is available as a receiver (this), which makes it excellent for initializing or configuring the object. For example:

1val person = Person().apply {
2    name = "John Doe"
3    age = 30
4}

​

In this code snippet, apply is used for object configuration, allowing the initialization of the person object's properties within the same block of code.

On the other hand, also is used when you need to perform additional operations on an object that don't alter the object itself. It provides the context object as a parameter (it) instead of a receiver. This is particularly useful for actions like logging or adding some side-effects:

1val numbers = mutableListOf(1, 2, 3).also {
2    println("The list elements are: $it")
3}

​

Here, also allows for logging the list elements without affecting the list itself, maintaining the original object while allowing inspection or side operations.

Understanding when and how to use these Kotlin scope functions—apply and also—can significantly improve the way you handle object references and blocks of code in your Kotlin applications. Their effective use can lead to more readable and maintainable code, especially in complex applications like those in Android development.

Understanding “apply"

Syntax and Basic Usage of “apply”

The apply function in Kotlin is an extension function that can be called on any type of object. It operates on the receiver object, which refers to the object it is invoked upon, allowing you to perform multiple operations or configurations on that object. The apply function always returns the receiver object itself, enabling a fluent style of chaining method calls or operations.

Here's the basic syntax of apply:

1val object = ObjectClass().apply {
2    // access the object properties or functions using 'this'
3    property1 = value1
4    function1()
5}

​

In this code block, apply modifies the object with whatever is defined in the lambda block. The keyword this, which represents the receiver object, is implicit and can be omitted, making the code inside the apply block directly access the properties and methods of the object.

Practical Examples of Using “apply"

Example 1: Configuring an Object

apply is highly useful for initializing or configuring objects. Here’s how you might configure a data class in Kotlin:

1data class Person(var name: String, var age: Int)
2
3val person = Person(name = "", age = 0).apply {
4    name = "Alice"
5    age = 25
6}

​

This example shows how apply makes it straightforward to set up a person object with specific attributes, all within the same block of code that creates it.

Example 2: Adding Elements to a Collection

apply can also be effective for initializing collections such as lists or maps:

1val numbers = mutableListOf<Int>().apply {
2    add(1)
3    add(2)
4    add(3)
5}

​

In this scenario, apply is used to add elements to the numbers list immediately after its creation, keeping the initialization and configuration in a single coherent block.

Example 3: Setting Up Views in Android Development

In Android development, apply proves particularly beneficial for configuring views without leaving the context of the current setup:

1val textView = TextView(context).apply {
2    text = "Welcome to Kotlin"
3    textSize = 20f
4    setTextColor(Color.BLUE)
5}

​

This code snippet uses apply to configure a TextView by setting various properties like text, text size, and text color. The apply function helps maintain neat and encapsulated code, particularly useful in Android where configurations are abundant.

Exploring “also"

Syntax and Basic Usage of “also"

The also function in Kotlin is another extension function that is part of the scope functions. Unlike apply, which uses the receiver (this), also provides access to the context object through a lambda parameter (it). This distinction can make also preferable when you need explicit reference to the object for clarity or to avoid shadowing.

Here’s the basic syntax of also:

1val result = object.also {
2    // operate on the object using 'it'
3    it.performOperation()
4}

​

In this syntax, it refers to the object that also is invoked on. also is particularly useful for performing additional operations that don’t alter the object itself, such as logging or applying side effects. The function returns the original object, making it useful for chaining other operations or methods.

Practical Examples of Using “also"

Example 1: Logging Object State

also is commonly used for logging the state of an object without modifying it. Here’s how you might log the properties of an object:

1val person = Person("Alice", 25).also {
2    println("Created person with name: ${it.name} and age: ${it.age}")
3}

​

This example demonstrates how also can be used to output the state of the person object right after its creation. It’s particularly useful for debugging or when you want to keep track of object state changes without disturbing the object’s integrity.

Example 2: Adding Side Effects

You can use also to add side effects to a sequence of operations. For instance, you might want to send a notification or update a UI component:

1val updatedList = listItems.also {
2    it.add("New Item")
3    notifyItemInserted(it.size - 1)
4}

​

Here, also is used to add a new item to listItems and then perform a UI operation to notify that a new item has been inserted. This keeps the addition of the item and the UI update together in one block, enhancing code coherence.

Example 3: Validating Object State

also can be helpful to perform checks or validations on objects:

1val processedData = processData().also {
2    check(it.isValid) { "Data must be valid!" }
3}

​

In this example, also is utilized to validate the processed data. If the data is not valid, a check throws an exception. This use of also for validation ensures that your program does not proceed with invalid data, thereby improving reliability.

Example 4: Configuring Android Views

Like “apply”, also can be used in Android development for operations that should occur after setting up a view, especially when logging or debugging:

1val button = Button(context).also {
2    it.text = "Submit"
3    it.isEnabled = true
4    Log.d("ViewSetup", "Button text is set to '${it.text}'")
5}

​

This snippet uses also to set properties on a button and logs a debug message. This is useful for tracing how views are configured at runtime without modifying the initial setup logic.

also provides a flexible way to add operations that maintain object integrity, making it an indispensable tool for Kotlin developers who need to ensure code clarity and maintain a logical flow in their operations.

Key Differences Between “apply” and “also"

Functionality and Return Values

The key differences between apply and also in Kotlin lie in their functionality and the values they return, which dictate how and when they should be used in coding scenarios.

Functionality

• apply: This scope function is typically used for configuring objects. It allows direct access to the object’s members without specifying the object name, using this as the context. apply modifies the receiver object's properties and executes any block of code within its context, making it ideal for initializing or configuring objects.

• also: In contrast, also is generally used for performing additional operations that do not modify the object but may involve it, such as logging or applying external effects. It uses it to refer to the context object, maintaining clarity especially when the object name is required explicitly or when this would be ambiguous.

Return Values

• apply: Returns the context object itself after executing the block. This is beneficial for chaining other initialization operations or when the object requires multiple steps of configuration.

• also: Also returns the context object itself, but it is primarily used when the operations within the block are meant to leave the object unchanged, serving instead to perform tasks that complement or use the object without altering it.

Suitable Use Cases for Each

“apply” Use Cases

• Object Initialization and Configuration: apply is perfect when you’re setting up a new instance of an object. For example, setting various properties of a Person object immediately after its creation.

1val person = Person().apply {
2    name = "John"
3    age = 30
4}

​

• Setting up Android UI Components: In Android development, apply can be used to set multiple properties of a view, such as in setting up a TextView or configuring a RecyclerView adapter.

“also” Use Cases

• Logging and Debugging: Use also for logging object states without interfering with the object’s own operations or data. It’s great for inserting quick print statements to check variable values.

1val list = mutableListOf(1, 2, 3).also {
2    println("Current list values: $it")
3}

​

• Applying Side Effects: If you need to execute additional actions like sending a broadcast or updating a UI component based on an object state without modifying the object, also is the appropriate choice.

• Safe Calls on Nullable Objects: When working with nullable objects, also can be effectively used for operations that should only occur if the object is not null.

1val data = nullableData?.also {
2    logData(it)
3}

​

Understanding these differences and use cases can significantly help in deciding which Kotlin scope function to use in various coding scenarios, enhancing both code clarity and effectiveness.

Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

When to Use “apply” Over “also"

Use “apply” When:

• Initializing or Configuring Objects: “apply” is best used when you need to initialize or configure an object. Since it allows for direct access to the object's properties and methods without repeatedly referencing the object itself, it keeps code concise and focused on the object configuration.

1val person = Person().apply {
2    name = "John"
3    age = 30
4}

​

• Setting Up Multiple Properties: If you have an object that requires multiple properties to be set at once, “apply” provides a neat way to handle this within a single block, enhancing readability.

• Chaining Object Configurations: Due to “apply” returning the object itself, it's useful for chaining multiple configuration methods that would otherwise require separate statements.

Use “also" When:

• Performing Additional Operations: Use also for actions that do not inherently modify the object but are used to perform operations based on the object's state, like logging or applying validations.

1val numbers = mutableListOf(1, 2, 3).also {
2    println("Added numbers: $it")
3}

​

• Increasing Code Clarity: When the operation involves the object but needs clear distinction of the object's usage (to avoid shadowing or when using multiple nested scope functions), also makes it clear that the operation is performed on an unmodified original object.

• Debugging or Adding Side Effects: Since also returns the original object, it's ideal for inserting debugging statements or additional effects without affecting the object’s main operations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Scope Functions

1. Overusing Scope Functions:

• Confusion and Readability: Overuse of scope functions, particularly nesting them, can lead to code that is hard to read and maintain. It's important to use them judicially and avoid deep nesting that might obscure the logic of the code.

1// Potentially confusing nested scope functions
2person.apply {
3    address.apply {
4        street = "Main"
5        city = "Metropolis"
6    }
7}

​

2. Misusing “apply” and “also":

• Using “apply” for Logging: Misusing apply for operations like logging (where also is more appropriate) can lead to confusion about the function’s purpose, as apply is typically for configuration.

• Ignoring Return Values: Ignoring the return values of these functions or misunderstanding what they return (object vs result of the lambda) can lead to bugs, especially if the operations within the functions have side effects or depend on specific execution order.

3. Confusing “this" and “it":

• Context Confusion: Failing to differentiate between "this" (used in apply) and "it" (used in also) can result in mistakes when accessing the correct object or variable. This is especially true in nested scopes where "this" might refer to an outer object.

1val name = "initial"
2person.apply {
3    println(this.name)  // Refers to the name property of 'person', not the outer 'name' variable
4}
5
6person.also {
7    println(it.name)  // Refers to the name property of 'person'
8}

​

4. Using Scope Functions Unnecessarily:

• Simple Operations: For simple operations or when there is no clear benefit to using a scope function, it's often better to use regular object access or method calls. Scope functions add a layer of abstraction that might not always be beneficial.

5. Not Considering Scope Function Alternatives:

• Alternative Functions: Sometimes other scope functions like let or run might be more appropriate depending on the specific needs of the code, such as needing to transform an object or handle a nullable object explicitly.

By adhering to these best practices and being mindful of common pitfalls, developers can leverage Kotlin’s scope functions effectively to write cleaner, more maintainable code.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of Kotlin apply vs also scope functions is essential for writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code. While apply is ideal for object initialization and configuration, offering a fluent interface by returning the receiver object, also serves well for additional operations that do not modify the object, enhancing clarity by passing the context object as a parameter.

By choosing the right tool for the right job and avoiding common pitfalls such as overuse and context confusion, you can harness the full power of Kotlin's scope functions to simplify your development process and improve code readability.

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