Hello, I'm new to native, is it possible to use a ...

# kotlin-native

[Alexandre Brown]

Hello, I'm new to native, is it possible to use a c++ library from kotlin ?
Use case : Multiplatform kotlin library that targets native would be able to use existing c++ library in its native code definition (since most Kotlin Multiplatform library are JVM or JS only)

[Big Chungus]

Only via C. Direct cpp interop is postponed

[Alexandre Brown]

In general is it the recommended approach (to use C interop and try to call c libs)? Or is it better to look for ways the users of your kotlin multiplatform lib could call the JS target instead of native ? Native seems to be still relatively new in the ecosystem, not a lot of KMP seem to offer it

[Alexandre Brown]

From my understanding this means that if you want to call a c++ lib then trying to adapt your lib users to use the JS target might be your only option.

[Big Chungus]

Not sure how cpp relates to js, sorry 😀

[Alexandre Brown]

What I'm saying is maybe if your library users are c++ apps, then maybe it's better to ditch native and target JS (Assuming c++ can call JS).
Would have to double check but pretty sure c++ can call JS

[Big Chungus]

But kotlin really cares only about the headers. Some cpp issues provide c headers so see if your lib has that

[Alexandre Brown]

Ok thanks

[Big Chungus]

Even if cpp can call js, that would be a significant performance hit and as such I'd personally try to avoid it.

[Alexandre Brown]

Yes for sure, but at least that'd be a solution to start off with.

[Big Chungus]

I think writing your own C layer to interop between the two would be a better way to go

[Alexandre Brown]

Interesting idea, I would need to define C headers for the kotlin lib and call my c++ lib from .c files?

[Big Chungus]

Something like that. I've never actually done it myself, just an idea.