[Solved] Module was compiled with an incompatible version of Kotlin: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
If you’re an Android developer, you’ve likely encountered the frustrating error message “Module was compiled with an incompatible version of Kotlin” at some point. This error typically occurs when you’re trying to build or compile a project that uses Kotlin, but the Kotlin version in your module or project is not compatible with the one required by the project or another module. In this article, we’ll delve into the causes and solutions of this error, and provide you with a step-by-step guide to resolve it.
Causes of the Error
The “Module was compiled with an incompatible version of Kotlin” error is usually caused by one of the following reasons:
- Incompatible Kotlin version: The Kotlin version used in the module or project is not compatible with the one required by the project or another module.
- Outdated Kotlin plugin: The Kotlin plugin in your project or module is outdated and doesn’t support the latest Kotlin version.
- Conflicting dependencies: There are conflicting dependencies in your project that are causing the Kotlin version mismatch.
Diagnosing the Problem
To diagnose the problem, follow these steps:
1. Check the Kotlin version used in the module or project:
“`kotlin
val kotlinVersion = org.jetbrains.kotlin.gradle.plugin.Platform.KOTLINV16_0.version
println(kotlinVersion)
“`
2. Check the Kotlin plugin version:
“`groovy
plugins {
id ‘kotlin-android’
id ‘kotlin-android-extensions’
id ‘kotlin-kapt’
}
“`
3. Check for conflicting dependencies: Use the `gradle dependencies` command to list all dependencies in your project.
Solving the Error
To solve the error, follow these steps:
1. Update the Kotlin plugin to the latest version:
“`groovy
id ‘kotlin-android’
id ‘kotlin-android-extensions’
id ‘kotlin-kapt’
“`
2. Change the Kotlin version to a compatible one:
“`groovy
kotlin {
targetPlatform(“android”)
}
“`
3. Migrate to Kotlin 1.6.10 or later:
Follow the official migration guide to update your project to Kotlin 1.6.10 or later.
Code Example
Here’s an example of how to update the Kotlin plugin and change the Kotlin version in your `build.gradle` file:
“`groovy
plugins {
id ‘com.android.application’
id ‘kotlin-android’
}
android {
compileSdk 29
defaultConfig {
applicationId “com.example.app”
minSdk 21
targetSdk 29
versionCode 1
versionName “1.0”
}
buildTypes {
release {
minifyEnabled false
proguardFiles getDefaultProguardFile(‘proguard-android.txt’), ‘proguard-rules.pro’
}
}
}
dependencies {
implementation “org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-stdlib-jdk7:$kotlin_version”
implementation ‘androidx.core:core-ktx:1.3.2’
implementation ‘androidx.appcompat:appcompat:1.2.0’
}
“`
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you resolve the error:
- Make sure you’re using the latest version of Gradle.
- Avoid using conflicting dependencies.
- Use the `gradle dependencies` command to list all dependencies in your project.
- Consider using a Kotlin linter to catch potential issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Module was compiled with an incompatible version of Kotlin” error is a common issue in Android development. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the error. Remember to update the Kotlin plugin, change the Kotlin version, and avoid using conflicting dependencies to ensure a smooth development experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What causes the “Module was compiled with an incompatible version of Kotlin” error?
A: The error is usually caused by an incompatible Kotlin version or an outdated Kotlin plugin.
2. Q: How do I diagnose the problem?
A: Check the Kotlin version used in the module or project, the Kotlin plugin version, and conflicting dependencies.
3. Q: How do I solve the error?
A: Update the Kotlin plugin, change the Kotlin version, migrate to Kotlin 1.6.10 or later, and avoid using conflicting dependencies.
4. Q: What are some additional tips to resolve the error?
A: Make sure you’re using the latest version of Gradle, avoid using conflicting dependencies, and use the `gradle dependencies` command to list all dependencies in your project.
5. Q: Can I use a Kotlin linter to catch potential issues?
A: Yes, using a Kotlin linter can help catch potential issues and prevent this error from occurring.
By following this guide and taking into account the recommendations provided, you should be able to resolve the “Module was compiled with an incompatible version of Kotlin” error and have a smooth development experience.
