When it comes to mobile app development, there are two choices available to you i.e. Android and iOS. The prerequisites and coding needed to build an application for each of these operating systems are different.
The need of maintaining the different codebases for each operating system leads to a lot of complexities and proves to be expensive as well. As a result, we have witnessed an increased inclination towards cross-platform app development.
Cross-platform app development frameworks made it possible for mobile app developers to develop applications in a way that can be run on multiple operating systems with similar codebases.
These benefits resulted in the increased popularity of cross-platform applications.
One of the most popular frameworks for cross-platform application development is flutter. There are a lot of frameworks in the market today, which often leaves people confused as to whether they should stay with Flutter or move on to IONIC, Xamarin, React, etc.
If you’re also driven by similar challenges, then this blog post aims to provide you with the right help. Here we’re going to give you an overview of Flutter for cross-platform apps and what makes it an ideal choice for hybrid app development.
So, let’s get started.
What is Flutter for Cross-Platform App Development?
Flutter is an open-source software development kit that was initially introduced by Google in 2017 to bring ease to cross-platform development.
The framework is built on the foundation of the Dart programming language which is fairly easy to learn.
Mobile app developers used to write code in Dart language, then the flutter compiler converts the source code into the native code of the respective platform on which the application is running. This benefit provides the developers with more control over the application and allows them to integrate the platform-centric features.
Why is Flutter the Right Choice for Cross-Platform App Development?
As an open-source framework Flutter is gaining worldwide fame it offers the complete tool of development tools, widgets, and frameworks needed to build a hybrid application.
Below we have outlined a few of the reasons that mark flutter as the best choice for cross-platform app development companies:
Build Apps for Multiple Screens
The most talked about feature of the flutter is that it can be used to develop applications for multiple platforms with similar codebases. Be it web, mobile, desktop, or embedded devices you can develop applications for all platforms using flutter.
Rapid App Development Process
Quick compilation and dynamic code writing features of the flutter resulted in rapid application development.
The frameworks set the developers free from the constant need of compiling the code again and again for a similar purpose. It allows the developers to perform the testing of the application in the different layouts before the deployment. This reduces the scope for errors that can hinder the functionalities of the mobile application.
Hot Reload
Changing is the process that consumes most of the developer’s time during the development phase. Addressing this flutter introduced the hot reload feature which allows the developers to preview the changes in real time without experiencing any delay.
With these features, developers can make changes to any element of the application in real time and the changes will be visible to you instantly.
Customize UI Creation
This is the feature that sets Flutter apart from other hybrid app development frameworks.
In addition to being powered by back-end development coding and server capabilities, flutter also makes the development of customized UI possible. By offering a range of in-built UI widgets, the process of creating intuitive user interfaces is a lot easier.
This is not where the capabilities of flutter UI design ends. It doesn’t require dependency on third-party libraries to allow developers to create UI elements. With the help of flutter SDK, a full-stack developer can create robust hybrid applications backed by user-friendly interfaces.
Keeping the App Development Cost Under Your Budget
The reason behind the increased popularity of the fame of hybrid app development frameworks is that it helps the developers to keep the development cost under the budget. Offering a single codebase for deploying the application on multiple platforms, reduced the complexity of app development.
If you are a startup and interested in developing applications that target both Android and iOS platforms, then cross-platform app development is the best choice for you. You can develop the application with a lesser development cost without hampering the end quality of the product.
Perfect for Minimum Viable Product
If you are in the initial phase of your idea showcasing to raise investment then MVP is meant to be the right choice for you. MVP can be built in the least time possible for both Android and iOS with lesser investment too.
MVP will help you to present your app to your potential investors to see what your application looks like. If they like your idea, you will be rewarded with the funds to bring your idea into a feasible solution.
Wide Collection of Widgets
This is yet another benefit of using the flutter. It offers a wide collection of widgets that are capable of delivering the natural look for different platforms.
Besides this, flutter widgets can be customized further to enhance the quality of the user interface and make it speak to your business goals.
Moreover, all the flutter frameworks work under the unified object model.
Different Set of Themes
Flutter offers a unique feel to each operating system. Every theme delivers a different look and feels on the Android and iOS operating systems. The differences are not limited to the color and design, it offers more than that.
With the flutter framework, you can even choose two different themes for the Android and iOS operating systems.
Transparent Document
Flutter is a developer-friendly framework. It offers transparent and publicly available documents to help developers get familiar with the features of flutter. Furthermore, it allows the developers to raise questions in the forums. Bringing all these benefits to the table, flutter comes out as the framework that is best suited for novice developers.
Large Community Support
The Flutter community is very supportive of the project. You can approach its large community to seek answers to all your questions in the shortest time frame possible. In addition to the community, it is backed by Google which means your project is in safe hands.
Final Take
Flutter framework offers a huge number of benefits to cross-platform app development companies. In the future, flutter is expected to stand out high in the race which makes it the preferred choice for flutter app development companies to help their clients achieve their development goals.
You can unlock the great benefits of the framework with the help of the right mobile app development companies. All you have to do is give your first preference to the company that has previous experience working with the flutter framework to make sure you receive the results that are desired by you.
In the upcoming days, flutter is expected to roll out new updates for developers to make cross-platform app development more rewarding. So, be active in the flutter community and be counted among the first to get hands-on new flutter features.