How to Fix the 'Cannot Import-On-Demand from Object' Error in Kotlin

What does the error 'Cannot import-on-demand from object' mean in Kotlin, and how can it be resolved?

The error 'Cannot import-on-demand from object' in Kotlin typically occurs when trying to use wildcard imports (e.g., `import packageName.*`) with an object that does not expose its members for import. This results in a compilation error, as Kotlin does not allow importing from an object in this manner.

// Example of valid import and usage of an object in Kotlin

// MyObject.kt
package com.example

object MyObject {
    val greeting: String = "Hello, World!"
}

// Main.kt
import com.example.MyObject.greeting // Explicit import

fun main() {
    println(greeting) // Correct usage of imported member.
}

Causes

• Attempting to perform a wildcard import from an object declaration.
• The object does not have public members to import.
• Issues with the visibility modifier of the object or its members.

Solutions

• Use explicit imports instead of wildcard imports, for example: `import packageName.ObjectName.propertyName` instead of `import packageName.*`.
• Ensure that the members of the object are public if you intend to access them.
• If wildcard imports are necessary, consider refactoring the object to a class or companion object with accessible members.

Mistake: Using wildcard import with an object without public members.

Solution: Switch to explicit imports to only reference the members you need.

Mistake: Forgetting to check visibility modifiers of object members.

Solution: Ensure that all members you wish to import are publicly accessible.