Flutter is a well-renowned cross-platform tool for mobile app development in community. Its intuitive widgets have made the user interface seamless and stunning. Now developers and businesses are convinced that no platform could provide such scalable application development.
With Flutter, you can quickly develop native applications for iOS, desktop, and Android with no difficulty. If you still need convincing by the wonders of Flutter in mobile app development, read this article and know what makes Flutter so famous in the mobile developing world and its potential cons. Let’s first begin with what this flutter framework is.
What Is Flutter?
Flutter is an open-source Google UI toolkit enabling developers to create applications from single codebases. Unlike conventional application frameworks like C/Swift and Java/Cotlin, where application development has been a cost-utilizing choice, Flutter presents an economical and completed SDK feature.
This portable UI toolkit utilizes Dart programming language and incorporates material and Cupertino widgets.
Flutter Components
Two components make up the whole flutter infrastructure:
SDK (software development kit) | Framework |
Consists of necessary tools that help developers construct an application | Consisting of reusable UI widgets |
Tools that convert simple code to native machine code | Other UI components like buttons, text inputs, and sliders |
Flutter Architecture
Generally, the flutter framework constitutes three architectural layers which include:
- Framework Layer: This layer comprises Dart programming language and provides developers with rich libraries for application development. It is the most evident part of the flutter layer. Furthermore, this layer forms the widget and rendering layers.
- Engine Layer: This layer offers the APIs, graphics, text layout, and plugins. It is written in C++. It also provides accessibility support.
- Embedded Layer: This layer enables flutter-made applications to run on variant operating systems. It also helps launch the flutter engine and provides the necessary resources to run UI.
11 Application Developed by Flutter
Flutter has been able to nail its features in a vast vairety of industries, helping them out to reach their potential customers by interactive, stunning and fast reload mobile applications.
- Google Ads
- Alibaba
- Tencent now
- Hookle
- Realtor.com
- Nubank
- Reflect
- eBay motors
- Glints
- My BMW
- Groupon
Pros And Cons – Flutter for Application Development
Since Google launched this UI toolkit, flutter has attracted many developers’ interest. One of the key features that makes it so attractive is its simplicity. This framework empowers beginners even since its design assist in every little step that even a naive could interpret its dream idea of application into reality.
Let’s get started with the Pros and Cons of this UI toolkit
Pros of Flutter
- Cross-platform solutions
With its SDK, you can run the applications on multiple platforms, such as desktop, iOS, and Android, with a single codebase. This feature turns to flutter into a cost-effective and more compatible framework.
- Free and open source
Flutter is a publicly accessible toolkit. It means you are given open access to the original code to hint at what is happening in the development process. This feature empowers our clients to build a collaborative approach with the developers.
- Single codebase
With the previous codebase, we have to build separate codebases for one application to enable them to run on cross-platforms. But flutter is different. You just need a single codebase, and you are good to go
- Rich widgets-customizable and pre-built
Flutter provides a wide range of stateful and stateless, customizable widgets. These widgets make the core of UI building blocks, which enhances UI to other levels. These widgets can be reused, which makes the user interface look more dynamic and appealing.
- Better performance
Flutter has been the most highly efficient mobile application framework compared to native programming languages. furthermore, since it is written in Dart, it further enhances scalability by managing all the lags while working on desktop and mobile.
- Hot reload
The hot reload features greatly enhance the speed of application development. This feature empowered developers with easy testing, bug fixing, and UI building.
- Fast
Flutter offers a unified object model, which makes it one of the fastest mobile app development frameworks. Its SDK makes the development process short and quick.
- Global community
Due to its open source, anyone worldwide could communicate its assistance in the developmental process. You can hire a Flutter developer, get flutter tutorials, or other services for flutter from all across the globe.
Cons of Flutter
- Large file size
Compared to react native, the maximum file size that can be installed with Flutter is substantially larger. Due to this, consumers’ devices eventually run out of storage. This might be accomplished only if the developer compresses the photos or stays away from animations.
- Dart’s low popularity
Despite Dart’s remarkable performance, it still lacks behind other programming languages such as native or Java.
- Lack of third-party libraries
Initially, there were enough libraries available, but with increasing advancement, they still need to be added. In addition, flutter also lacks third-party libraries that play a significant role in application development and save the instance of creating an application from scratch.
- Lack of experienced developers
It has not been long enough since it was discovered; it is still considered a young framework. Developers are still not that confident with its optimized usage. Flutter developer’s tool isn’t enough compared to native programming languages. Developers still hope they will be able to harness all the true potential of flutter sooner.
Will Flutter Replace React Native and Xamarin?
The simple answer is no, since flutter framework on those possibilities for mobile app development which are not possible with react native and xamarin.
It is already made to the developers interest now due to its enhanced performance and developing capabilities. Features like single codebase, customizable and rich UI widgets, cross platform compatibility have interested the developers and businesses alike. Plus flutter also has uninterrupted integration with Javascript libraries and frameworks, making it a best option for Java dependent projects. But it is still dependent on individuals and projects specifications that decides which frameworks suits best for mobile application.
Reasons Why Startups Should Consider Flutter
There are several reasons which make flutter the best choice for startups and newly established businesses. Out of many, the following are the most applicable reasons:
- Flutter can help startups save money while developing mobile applications. Developers no longer need to build and maintain separate apps for each platform because they can create apps for both the Android and iOS platforms using a single codebase.
- Because Flutter has a single codebase, the development team can collaborate and communicate more easily.
- Startups may reach a larger audience on the Android and iOS platforms by utilising the cross-platform features of Flutter. The startup’s mobile application has more options to grow its user base and market thanks to this wider reach.
- Flutter offers the ability to seamlessly incorporate new features, services, and APIs as firms grow and diversify their offerings.
- Startups may design aesthetically pleasing and branded user interfaces with Flutter’s extensive collection of customisable UI widgets. Startups can draw and keep more people by offering a clean and simple user experience, which will enhance engagement and customer satisfaction.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App with Flutter?
The application development cost with flutter is determined and influenced by various factors such as developers fees, application features and the complexity of application. Most of the people go for using an in-house developer team which saves the cost. But it still costs depending on UI design and the number of interactive application features. The UI and UX graphic animation usually cost a much to the startups.
However, it is always best to first align your application demands, devise your budget and then wisely allocate the resources. This approach works best for long-term success.
Plus beware of the loopholes, like bug fixes or cache since they utilize the resources thus adding up to the expense.
Is Flutter a Good Option for Mobile App Developers?
Flutter is undoubtedly a great option for those who design mobile applications. A single codebase may be used to create apps for both the Android and iOS platforms because to its cross-platform development features. Because it is open-source, Flutter benefits from a vibrant community that provides resources and support. Developers may design aesthetically pleasing interfaces thanks to the framework’s extensive collection of widgets that are fully customisable. Using a single team of developers for both platforms also results in cost savings. As Flutter has grown in popularity among developers, it has been easier to access a larger talent pool and resources. It also interacts smoothly with existing native code. Overall, Flutter gives mobile app developers the tools they need to quickly produce cross-platform apps with top-notch usability and performance.