Mastering the Kotlin Command-Line: A Comprehensive Guide to Compilers, Targets, and Scripting
1. Introduction: The Power of the Standalone Kotlin CLI The Kotlin Command-Line Interface (CLI) is the foundational engine powering compilation across the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), JavaScript (JS), and Native platforms. While most developers interact with Kotlin through the high-level abstractions of IntelliJ IDEA or Gradle, the CLI provides the “under-the-hood” access required for direct artifact generation, low-level debugging, and sophisticated system automation. For the Senior Developer, the CLI is not merely a fallback for when an IDE is unavailable; it is a surgical tool for generating specific IR (Intermediate Representation) artifacts, testing compiler plugins, and constructing lightweight CI/CD pipelines. This guide provides a deep dive into the compiler’s architecture, helping you choose the right tool based on project scale and target environment. ...