App development with Flutter? Since December 2018 the cross-platform-framework has become one of the most important technology trends. With the latter, companies can develop cross-platform applications – for desktop, web and mobile. As of now, companies had to decide between developing a single app or different applications instead. Herewith, they ensure that they work perfectly with Android, iOS and the internet. Yet, this requires developing a responsive web-app or three different applications. In the latter case, it would entail that three development teams would have to work on the development of the previously mentioned apps, and the process would also go hand in hand with higher development costs. Furthermore, each application requires updates that need to be released regularly in order to stay at eye level with competitors’ products. This entails further costs that can be quite heavy on the company’s budget.
Most companies solved the problem by going for a responsive web-app. Yet, the latter does not provide an excellent user experience – which is why programmers have developed a new technology that solves this dilemma: Flutter. It is a cross-platform-framework that enables an app development for several different platforms.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is an innovative technology developed and published by Google. As of now, applications could only be displayed via the native UI-library of operating systems like NativeScript or similar ones – or via their web-view. With Flutter, apps can be developed with a single code base. This results in enormous time savings since developers don’t have to write a new code for every single platform. Instead, they can use the same code for multiple platforms.
With the so-called software development kit (SDK), companies can choose from numerous program libraries and tools as well as widgets that facilitate successful software development. Herewith, applications can be developed for several platforms – for instance Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web applications or Windows. The programming language is Dart: it has been created by Google in order to market an optimized alternative to JavaScript – of course without its weaknesses. Since it is quite an easy task to learn Dart, even programmers switching from other programming languages can familiarize themselves with it pretty fast.
Flutter for successful app development: short facts
- Flutter offers numerous UI elements and widgets to choose from.
- Flutter’s programming language is Dart.
- Flutter uses the C++ Rendering Engine.
- Developers get support from the community when it comes to fixing bugs or new developments.
App development with Flutter: 4 advantages
Flutter differs from other technologies since it involves widgets. The latter are created by the rendering engine Skia, whilst other technologies use OEM widgets (Original Equipment Manufacturer widgets), which refer to UI components. By reproducing these UI components and integrating them with Flutter, it gives the impression that the application at hand is a native one. Widgets or app components play a big role. From the navigation bar to the button to the tabs – every element of any Flutter app is referred to as a widget. Flutter offers a big range of different widgets that can be implemented when developing a new app. They can also be personalized or completely new widgets can be created – therewith your new application becomes a unique specimen that offers your clients a unique user experience. In the following sections we will introduce some other advantages that Flutter has to offer.
1. Shorter development time with only one code: Thanks to the development tools created by Google, bugs can be fixed way faster with Flutter and the development time can be shortened tremendously. After all, app development with Flutter only requires one code base and numerous app components are made available. This results in a shorter time-to-market which is why users can test the app and feedback can be collected early on. Based on this, changes can be made and the user experience can be optimized quickly. Since the app development process with Flutter only requires one code and no OEM widgets are being implemented, programmers have to perform way less tests – another factor that enables a short time-to-market.
If developers discover a bug or want to modify the code in any other way, there is no need for a reboot. Instead, the code can be modified using the ‘Hot Reload’ function. This option facilitates adding new features as well as fixing bugs. And: this process occurs in the matter of a few seconds. App designers and developers can view updates and bug fixes immediately as well as test to see if they really worked.
2. Consistent user experience across all platforms: Since using Flutter entails drawing an own UI, your application will look the same on every platform. The consistent user interface is another argument pro Flutter. One single code base ensures that the applications do not have to be developed separately, but that they only have to be adapted to some platform-specific details. This results in aesthetic consistency as well as native functionality across platforms. Since Flutter apps function like native apps on devices, they can also access their smartphone camera and GPS function. Developing with Flutter also impresses with the fact that apps can be programmed in different languages, making them available to a much bigger audience.
3. Really good performance: Applications that have been developed with Flutter impress users with their excellent performance. These apps are characterized by their reaction time and high speed, which are not guaranteed when using other cross platform applications. This advantage results from the fact that other software development kits require a so-called bridge in order to communicate with the platform. This does not apply to Flutter apps – instead, they offer an image sequence with 120 pictures per second.
4. Open-source approach and numerous design options: Google has developed Flutter as an open-source framework and thereby offers a variety of new widgets and components. Programmers are being supported by Google, other companies and a big community. In public forums, developers can share their challenges and exchange ideas with experienced community members. This way, the development costs are being reduced by a significant amount.
App development with Flutter – and Dinnova
You would like to reach your highest potential and existing clients with your own app, market your products and services and deepen your customer relationship? At the same time though, you do not want to spend exorbitant amounts of money for app development and risk a long time-to-market?
Then you should definitely consider the app development process using Flutter. Our team of professional app developers and designers has years of experience and is just as excited about the new cross-platform-solution as you are.
Reach out today and get your free, non-binding consultation call with one of our experts. We will discuss all the functionalities, designs and the perfect digital product that fits your business and time schedule best.
