Optimizing Java applications with advanced functional programming: a comparative Analysis of Java, Scala, and Kotlin

Abstract

In the era of scalable and high-performance software systems, functional programming has emerged as a powerful paradigm for improving code quality, modularity, and runtime efficiency. This study investigates the impact of advanced functional programming on Java application optimization through a comparative analysis of three JVM languages: Java, Scala, and Kotlin. By implementing functional constructs such as higher-order functions, immutability, pure functions, and lazy evaluation across three core application tasks—data processing, reactive systems, and algorithmic computation—this research evaluates execution time, memory usage, code complexity, and maintainability. The findings indicate that Scala consistently outperforms Java and Kotlin in execution speed, memory efficiency, and maintainability index, thanks to its strong native support for functional programming. Kotlin demonstrates a balanced performance, offering concise syntax and functional flexibility while maintaining Java interoperability. Java, despite incorporating functional features since Java 8, lags behind in terms of performance and code conciseness due to its object-oriented foundation. The study concludes that adopting Scala or Kotlin for functional programming can significantly enhance the performance and sustainability of modern JVM applications. These insights serve as a practical guide for developers and organizations aiming to modernize legacy systems or adopt functional practices in enterprise software development.