val in kotlin

The val keyword in Kotlin is used to declare a read-only property or a local variable. Here are the explanations for each step:

1. Syntax: The val keyword is followed by the name of the property or variable, an optional type annotation, and the assignment operator (=) followed by the initial value.

2. Declaration: When val is used to declare a property, it creates a getter method but not a setter method. This means that the value of the property cannot be changed once it is assigned.

3. Initialization: The initial value assigned to the val property or variable can be a literal value, a reference to another variable or object, or the result of an expression.

4. Usage: Once a val property or variable is declared and initialized, its value can be accessed throughout the scope where it is defined. It can be used in expressions, passed as arguments to functions, or assigned to other variables.

5. Immutability: Since val properties and variables are read-only, their values cannot be modified after initialization. This makes them immutable and ensures that their values remain constant.

It's worth noting that val is not restricted to primitive types and can be used with any type in Kotlin, including custom classes and data structures.