The market for mobile apps is highly dynamic and full of different software development kits (SDKs), interfaces, and languages. But the idea of cross-platform app development has taken off in a big way in the past few years because it allows programmers to build apps that can perform seamlessly on both Android and iOS devices.
Considering this popularity, there are several tools for building such apps. But Flutter is the one that has become the apple of the eye. Want to know the real reason behind it? Let’s explore in detail.
What Is Flutter & How It’s Born?
Earlier, the market had three popular cross-platform app development frameworks named PhoneGap by Adobe, React Native by Facebook, and Xamarin by Microsoft. Apache Cordova and Ionic are two others in the same category.
It’s not like these platforms weren’t enough powerful or efficient to create high-end cross-platform apps. But in the effort to create something better programmers built Flutter which is now the first choice for building such apps.
It’s basically a software development kit (SDK) introduced in 2018 by Google and considered as one of the best tools to build quality apps quickly. Also, these apps have the potential to perform consistently on different platforms such as Android and iOS. Flutter is praised by developers as it provides them with features which were missing in previous tools. Some of the core features of this tool are as follows:
- Enhanced skill sets and more job opportunities for the engineering teams.
- Support multiple languages and has its own range of tools for app development.
- Seamless fixing of bugs and superior engine performance.
- Availability of features such as inline videos, ads, charts, and to even create AI apps, etc.
- Capability to support windows development and more APIs.
What Makes Flutter Unique From Rest Of The Cross-Platform App Development Toolkits?
The popularity of this open source app development framework is equally high among entrepreneurs and app developers. Flutter is known to simplify and streamline the entire app development process, aiding right from the beginning strategic road mapping phase to launch. Also, it’s a cost-efficient alternative for building cross-platform apps. Let’s take a look at eight such reasons. But before that, do take a look at our Flutter vs React Native guide.
- Same Code Can Be Used For Multiple Platforms
Flutter require programmers to write code only once and employ it on both iOS and Android platforms. It’s possible because this tool has specific widgets and unique design which make it capable to develop the same app to cater to two different platforms.
In addition, this tool lays the foundation for the development of Google’s Fuchsia which is an all-new operating system under construction. This system has the potential to replace Android in the near future.
- Blessed With Immaculate Documentation
The comprehensive documentation of Flutter makes it a favorite platform among programmers. It’s extremely simple in nature which doesn’t require developers to put extra effort into learning the language. Also, the documentation is well-organized and encompass exclusive information and tools for cross-platform app development.
III. Ideal For Creating MVPs Quickly
With Flutter, it’s extremely easy to create Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) in order to showcase them in front of the stakeholders. Native looking apps can be quickly built for both Android and iOS platforms by incorporating key features which are discovered through extensive market research.
- Facilitate Rapid App Development
Hot reload is another feather in the cap of Flutter. This feature allows developers to see the modifications made to the app instantly. And by reviewing what’s not fitting into the app they can make immediate changes. Also, it’s a way to establish seamless coordination between developers and designers.
With the help of hot reloading, programmers get a chance to create UIs, fix bugs, and incorporate new features quickly. In a nutshell, this framework helps developers in accelerating the entire app development process to a great extent.
In addition, hot reloading feature prevents developers from making modifications right from scratch every time they introduce a change. This is also because Flutter works on the principles of Dart which is an object-oriented programming language.
- A Wide Range Of Impressive Widgets Are Available
Flutter comprises a comprehensive library full of a variety of natural looking widgets. These widgets are fast and can be customized in accordance with clients’ specific requirements. Also, these widgets can be seamlessly incorporated into multiple platforms and layouts to build highly portable and responsive mobile apps.
- Compatibility With Different Operating Systems
Cross-platform apps built with Flutter experience less or no issues related to their compatibility with different operating systems. This ultimately saves a lot of precious time for the programmers which they would have to otherwise spend on debugging.
VII. Relevant Themes For Different Platforms
Even in the case of the same app, its theme is different for both Android and iOS. This diversity isn’t only in colour or design. But it’s much more deeply rooted. Flutter also has the feature which let developers incorporate different themes while coding for Android or iOS platforms.
VIII. Receptive Framework
Flutter is known to build complex APIs of UI in a simple manner due to its advanced receptive system. Also, its establishment widgets and rich format allow developers to create 2D, UI animations, and gestures in a hassle-free manner.
Flutter is a futuristic cross-platform app development tool which is specifically built to create high-end mobile apps for iOS and Android tailored to suit specific business needs. Definitely, it’s worth considering this framework for your next mobile app development project.
Anubhuti Shrivastava is a content crafter at Arkenea and Benchpoint. She is passionate about writing articles on topics related to design and the software development industry.