Have you imagined how much time could be saved if you could develop applications natively compiled for multiple platforms like mobile, desktop and web? This is possible with Flutter.
Before, when developing an app, one had to choose if it would be mobile or desktop, universal or native. And of course, native apps were expected to perform better, as they were written using separate coding for each platform.
Consequently, they were more expensive, took more time to be developed and required a specialized team of developers for each platform. However, this Dart based language developed by Google in 2017 changed this scenario.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is a free, open-code SDK for mobile devices. It can be used to create Android and iOS applications and interfaces with native looks, using the same code base. This results in quicker and easier process for app development.
Besides being multiplatform, Flutter is also a native application. It is developed based on the operational system it will run and uses resources from the device itself, like camera and GPS.
Using widgets on Flutter
The main idea is built on widgets. Meaning the entire user interface is composed of different widgets. Each widget defines a structural element (like a button or menu), a style element (like the fount or colour scheme), a layout aspect and other details.
However, Flutter does not use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) widgets, produced by others. They supply their own widgets with native appearance for Android or iOS. Users can also create their own personalized widgets, which allows a unique, tailored experience to the end-user.
Advantages of Flutter and native applications
Besides all advantages listed below, it is important to remember that Flutter also help when developing versions for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and all other operational systems. It uses Dart, a programming language very similar to JavaScript, which makes it simpler for Java developers to learn it.
Native applications run quicker and more smoothly, as they require less processing to work on each platform. Plus, due to its characteristics, one can expect more quality on development and, therefore, less problems and bugs.
As it is personalized for each platform, it is expected to improve user experience, as it uses software and hardware from the mobile device itself. In addition, it is safer as it does not require intermediates, resulting in a more stable application.
How did Flutter change app development
It takes less time to develop
Time is always an issue when hiring an app development team. Everybody wants more quality in less time. Flutter allows a more Agile development as developers can visualize changes done in code instantaneously while programming. They can quickly optimize and change anything.
Identifying and fixing problems during development saves a huge amount of time as teams don’t lose time going back and forth with project managers and clients.
It is cheaper
By not needing a specialized team for each platform, Flutter becomes cheaper when compared to other frameworks. Its low costs make it a perfect option to test MVPs, as it allows quick tests and great quality. In general, apps developed on Flutter have an excellent cost-benefit.
It has Google community support
Flutter is a creation of Google. Having the support of this giant organization guarantees higher quality in application, constantly updated documentation, and reassurance that this framework will not be disused anytime soon.
What do you think of Flutter? If you wish to develop a modern app, talk to one of our consultants and get your development team ready today!