Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Flutter
When it comes to mobile development and mobile platforms, Android and iOS are the go-to platforms for developers. Although these mobile platforms are similar in many ways, their development codes are completely different. However, with the introduction of cross-platform development and flutter, many developers are now able to extend their expertise from one operating system to another.
Why Does Cross-Platform Development Matter?
What’s the big deal about cross-platform development? One primary benefit of cross-platform development is reusable code. Previously, developers would have to create new code for each different platform, but with cross-platform development, developers can recycle or reuse the same code with different platforms.
Another perk of cross-platform mobile development is cost control. The creation of cross-platform development for mobile apps enables companies to invest time across a variety of platforms. Companies no longer have to worry about spending money on mobile app development for different platforms.
In the business world, time is money. Cross-platform mobile app development saves companies time because only one script needs to be deployed instead of multiple scripts. Quicker development time is a benefit for consumers, developers, and marketers.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is Google software that was initially released in May 2017. The first stable release of Flutter was December 2018. This free and open-source mobile framework develops different applications for iOS and Android operating systems. Flutter has only been growing in popularity. In 2015 Flutter averaged 2500 stars on GitHub but in early 2018 this jumped to 10,000. By the end of the year, it had exceeded 25,000 which is a massive upswing in a very short period of time.
The most recent stable version for Flutter was September 9, 2019. Flutter uses the C++ rendering engine and based on the Dart programming language. This Flutter programming language is the language fast apps use across different programs. This programming language is developed by Google and used to build applications for a variety of solutions.
There are Flutter widgets available that are customizable. The four major components of the Flutter framework are the Dart platform, foundation library, flutter engine, and design-specific widgets. Flutter.io has an architecture that builds upon reactive programming. With the different features and benefits Flutter offers, it’s one of the most popular Google software types available, but Flutter, like all programs, has both pros and cons.
What Are the Advantages of Using Flutter?
One of the most noticeable advantages of Flutter development is hot reload. This feature allows you to see the changes you make in the app. Hot reloading enables teams to add new features and correct and make changes to current features.
Getting the Support You Need
Users of Flutter have optimal support from its material design team and more than 1,000 developers in the dedicated community. These developers contribute to the expansion of the Flutter framework. Flutter supports 24 different languages ensuring that it has a large base of users.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Flutter is perfect for helping you put your best foot forward. You can create and develop a mobile application that’s native to both iOS and Android operating systems to showcase your products to potential investors. Showcasing your products and ideas using Flutter means more business for you. When investors have a clear vision of your ideas and concepts, they can better understand your business mission and goals you have for your business.
Flutter widgets are required for an excellent app interface and its appearance. Widgets are more complicated than many people realize. Widgets must look and feel natural no matter the screen size. In addition to these requirements, widgets must also be customizable, fast, reliable, and extensible. The excellent news is Flutter masters widgets by taking a unique approach. Flutter widgets are consistent and have extensive capabilities. Widgets are assets to app development because they can define buttons, menus, and other structural elements, color schemes, fonts, and a variety of different stylistic elements.
Ease of Use
Flutter is easy to set up and use. You can use Flutter on low cost operating systems and high-functioning systems, so powerful machines are not needed for the proper operation of Flutter. In addition, Flutter does not require a significant amount of coding knowledge. With access to Udemy and Udacity courses, even new developers can learn how to best use Flutter.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using Flutter?
Flutter, in all its glory, does have a few downfalls. The Flutter framework is still in its early stages, which means it still has a lot of room to grow, expand, and get better.
Flutter is supported by Google, which means there are many different beneficial libraries available. Since the framework is still in its newborn phase, you may not find every feature you need. There are a lot of various features available, but you may not find every single feature you need at the moment, for now. You’ll be happy to know Flutter features native apps, which means more of a variety for you, including Twilio, UStream, Stripe, and other apps.
Large File Sizes
One big deficiency that cannot be discounted is the large file size of apps developed in Flutter. Now in some cases and for some situations, these file sizes could be a significant issue causing potential users to choose to use an alternative. While phones and hardware in developed countries often have sufficient capacity to store the app this is not the case everywhere in the world. Many older devices are unable to store additional apps without users being forced to pick and choose between an app or photos/music on their device. However, this file size offers improved runtime and performance so it is critical to understand the audience you’re appealing to.
While Flutter is easy to use it does still require some knowledge of programming and Dart which is used for Flutter is simply not as popular as C, C++, Java and other older languages. As such developers need to spend time learning Dart first which adds to the cost of any deployment.
Tips for Getting Started with Flutter
Flutter is a great option for businesses looking to offer apps on both iOS and Android. It’s critical to ensure that your preferred software development partner has the right skills in place to help you achieve your goals. Here at United Perfectum we know and understand the importance of business success, especially with mobile apps.
We can help with web and mobile development, AI and data science, and provide a wide range of software solutions. We’re all about helping your business reach the next level. Contact Us today to find out more about our services and how you can become a leader in your industry.