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Kover

kotlin.github.io

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Spec score 7.4 #19 of 27 in Test Coverage Tools

What it is

Kover is a free, Apache-2.0-licensed toolkit maintained by Kotlin for measuring test coverage in Kotlin and Java code compiled for JVM and Android targets. It provides Gradle and Maven plugins, a command-line interface, offline instrumentation, a JVM agent, and a features artifact. The Gradle plugin creates HTML and XML reports, supports IC output, and can enforce coverage gates using line, instruction, and branch measurements. It integrates with Kotlin JVM, Kotlin Android, Kotlin Multiplatform, and the com.android.kotlin.multiplatform.library plugins, including mixed Kotlin and Java sources. JaCoCo can replace Kover for measurement and report generation. Android build variants and Android host tests are supported, but instrumented tests on devices are not collected. JavaScript and native targets are outside the Gradle plugin’s support. Requirements include Gradle 6.8.3 or later, JVM 1.7 or later for tests, and Android Gradle Plugin 7.0.0 or later. Class instrumentation during JVM test loading may affect performance or concurrent tests.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Kover is a set of tools for collecting test coverage of Kotlin code compiled for JVM and Android platforms.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
The Gradle plugin works with Kotlin JVM, Kotlin Android, Kotlin Multiplatform, and com.android.kotlin.multiplatform.library plugins.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The repository links to contributing guidelines and a code of conduct.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project repository identifies its license as Apache-2.0.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Android test limit
Kover does not collect coverage from instrumented tests running on an Android device.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kotlin.github.io
Android variants
Kover supports Android build variants and collects coverage from Android host tests.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Instrumentation
The Gradle plugin instruments classes as they are loaded into the JVM during tests, which may reduce performance or affect concurrent tests.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Language support
The Gradle plugin supports mixed Kotlin and Java sources and can use JaCoCo as an alternative for coverage measurement and report generation.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kotlin.github.io
Limit
JavaScript and native targets are not supported by the Gradle plugin.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kotlin.github.io
Maintainer
The official documentation says kotlinx-kover is maintained by Kotlin.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kotlin.github.io
Minimum versions
The Gradle plugin requires Gradle 6.8.3 or later, JVM 1.7 or later for tests, and Android Gradle Plugin 7.0.0 or later.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Prototype limitation
The Kover Aggregated Plugin is described as an early prototype recommended only for test or pet projects.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Reports
The Gradle plugin generates HTML and XML coverage reports and supports coverage verification rules.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kotlin.github.io
Toolset
The toolset includes Gradle and Maven plugins, a command-line interface, offline instrumentation, a JVM agent, and a features artifact.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Kover Free Apache-2.0 licensed open-source project Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Kover plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free Apache-2.0-licensed project
  • HTML, XML, and IC report formats
  • Line, instruction, and branch coverage
  • Coverage verification gates
  • Gradle and Maven integrations

Limits

  • No JavaScript or native Gradle targets
  • No coverage from Android device tests
  • Requires specified Gradle, JVM, and Android plugin versions
  • Instrumentation may affect test performance

Who it suits

Kover suits Kotlin or Java teams targeting JVM and Android that need report generation and enforceable coverage rules. It is also relevant to Android projects using host tests and build variants.

Verdict

Kover covers common Kotlin/JVM and Android testing workflows with multiple plugins, report formats, and coverage gates. Check its target limitations and instrumentation effects before adopting it for broader multiplatform or device-test coverage.

Where Specifiction places it

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