Customers are everywhere. And not everyone uses the same device for their day-to-day activities. Yet, somehow, businesses like Google and HeadSpace manage to reach their customers effortlessly!
If you’ve observed their user experience closely, you’ll notice that it’s nearly identical for iOS, Android, tablets, and even the web. Wonder how they do it?
The answer might surprise you. They use Flutter! Flutter plays an important role in creating cross platform mobile applications. Meaning, you can use a single codebase to create an application for a native app feel.
Developed by Google, Flutter offers a unified toolkit for building a visually engaging, and high-performance applications.
In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of using Flutter and why should consider it for your mobile app development.
6 Advantages of Flutter
What else does Flutter have to offer? Check out the top 6 reasons why businesses rely on Flutter:
1) Single Codebase for Multiple Platforms
Flutter’s standout features is its ability to build applications for iOS, Android, Web, macOS, Windows, and Linux using a single codebase. This eliminates the need for separate teams to maintain different versions of the app for each platform.
2) Excellent Performance and User Experience
Another reason why Google and HeadSpace used Flutter is because of its direct compilation into native code by using Dart. This approach helps you in creating smooth animations and responsive user interfaces.
3) Rapid Development and Developer Efficiency
The “Hot Reload” functionality allows developers to instantly preview changes and speed up debugging processes. With pre-built and customizable widgets, you can implement features effectively.
4) Strong Community Support
Flutter has a growing community, where developers give solutions to common challenges and resources. You’ll also get to collaborate with other developers and get, troubleshooting support.
5) Cost-Effectiveness
Flutter’s unified codebase and reusable components have reduced costs for businesses. Therefore, products can be deployed to the market faster, which gives you an advantage.
6) Scalability
Flutter’s robust architecture makes it a reliable choice for big projects. With Flutter, you’re ensuring your apps have a consistent performance even as user bases grow.
4 Companies Who Used Flutter for Cross Platform Development
Flutter’s versatility is admired by many businesses in different domains. Check out these 4 companies who did –
1) Google
It’s no surprise to see Google on the list. Being a creator of Flutter, they’ve used it extensively for their own applications such as Google Ads and GPay (India). They needed a unified framework to deliver high performing and visually consistent apps for iOS, Android, web, and desktop.
Thanks to Flutter, they were able to rapidly prototype, test, and deploy apps before launching it in the market.
2) HeadSpace
Headspace faced the challenge of maintaining feature parity and a consistent user experience across both iOS and Android. Flutter helped Headspace to unify its codebase, accelerate feature rollouts, and ensure a consistent user experience across platforms.
3) Toyota
Toyota wanted to deliver a premium user experience in their embedded infotainment systems, which lagged in performance and design. Flutter’s high-performing rendering engine compilation delivered a smooth responsive interface and allowed their developers to preview changes in real time.
4) Kotak Mahindra Bank
Kotak used Flutter to build different parts of their mobile applications. They needed an app for Android and iOS devices, while minimizing development costs. Flutter’s single codebase helped Kotak deliver a consistent user experience in different devices.
If you’re feeling inspired and want to build an app like them, get in touch with a company that offers Flutter app development services.
5 Common Concerns of Flutter for Cross Platform Development
While Flutter boasts numerous advantages, potential concerns are often raised. Here are top 5 concerns you should be aware of:
1) Large App Size
Flutter apps take time to download due it’s libraries and usage of Flutter engine. They tend to have larger installation files than regular apps.
2) Limited Access to Platform Specific Apps
Developers may need to write code for these apps. Not all platform-specific APIs are directly available in Flutter.
3) Library Maturity
Flutter has a smaller library as compared to React Native or other cross platform frameworks. Developers may struggle to find certain plugins.
4) Dart Language Adoption
Flutter uses Dart, which can pose as a learning curve for novice developers. Other cross platform frameworks like React and Kotlin don’t use Dart.
5) Platform-Specific Performance and Look
Your developer team may struggle to maintain the look and feel with iOS devices. Some UI elements may not feel native to Apple devices.
Flutter in Comparison to Other Cross-Platform Frameworks
There are other cross platform frameworks available such as React Native, .NET MAUI, and Kotlin. Each has their own pros and cons. To get a better understanding, check out the table below:
| Comparison | Flutter | React Native | .NET MAUI | Kotlin |
| Developed By | Facebook (Meta) | Microsoft | JetBrains | |
| UI Approach | Custom rendering (widgets) | Native components | Native UI controls | Native UI controls |
| Performance | High | Improved | High | High |
| Hot Reload | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Platform Support | iOS, Android, Web, Desktop, Embedded | iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS | iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS | iOS, Android, Web, Desktop |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Easy | Medium | Medium |
| UI Customization | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Documentation | Excellent, Detailed | Good, but relies on third party tools | Good | Improving |
| Best Use Cases | Animation heavy apps | Apps relying on web or React | Apps in .NET ecosystem, enterprise apps | Shared business logic, multiplatform |
| IDE Support | Good | Excellent | Good | Good |
Conclusion: Flutter as a Strategic Advantage for Your Projects
Undeniably, Flutter has its strengths. From its unified codebase to its ability to deliver excellent performance, it’s become a preferred choice for cross-platform projects. Tech giants like Google, HeadSpace, BMW, Kotak, LG Electronics, and Zerodha have relied on Flutter.
Its single codebase serves as an advantage, as it enhances the user experience of apps on all devices. However, you need to be aware of the challenges it brings with it. Large app size can be an issue for customers who don’t have much storage space on their device.
Customer demands may change with time. Given the fact that Flutter has strong support from Google, it’ll be always remaining a preferred choice for cross platform development.
This continued support ensures that your app will fulfil all expectations your customers have and be the smartest choice you’ll make.
