Cross-platform app development trends are slowly gaining popularity. However, developers have conflicting views about the much-debated topic Flutter Vs React Native. While making a decision on the right framework, lots of questions can come up- Which one better fits my app development projects? Which one ensures faster time-to-market? Will I have a user-friendly and stable app? Which framework is better for a perfect app design? The best app development company always focuses on a comparative analysis of these two frameworks.
Flutter Vs React Native- An overview of the frameworks
React Native is a JavaScript-based open-source framework focusing on the native application rendering process. You can build iOS and Android apps with React Native.
The open-source framework, Flutter, deals with the Google-developed language, Dart. It works as the UI toolkit intended to develop cross-platform applications with a codebase.
Flutter Vs React Native- Know the use cases
React Native is useful for developing-
- Apps with streamlined UI
- Prototype applications
- Applications having reusable components
- Apps that native look and responsive UX
- Cross-platform apps
- Apps working with synchronous APIs
Flutter is best for developing-
- OS plugins
- High-performance apps
- MVP mobile apps
- Apps having a material design
- Apps working with OS-level features
- A versatile UI
- Reactivate apps
Comparison of performance
Cross-platform technologies target multiple platforms, and thus, it is important to assess performance for mobiles, desktops, and web apps. The programming language for Flutter is Dart, while JavaScript is the language for React Native.
When you need web development solutions, React Native is the better choice to ensure superb performance. However, JavaScript is a basic language with CSS and HTML.
Using the Flutter mobile app codes, developers can create a fast-performance website. React Native is effective in creating a bridge between the JavaScript code and the native environment of the chosen device.
Time-to-market- Another factor to choose app development framework
One of the relevant factors for mobile app development projects is time-to-market. Both React Native and Flutter enable developers to reuse codes. They do not need to write codes separately for apps. In fact, engineers can reuse and share 80% of codes. Moreover, every framework covers different applications engineering layers, including UX/UI, app integrations, and business logic.
A React Native app developer can find a bigger community with larger libraries and ready-to-use packages. On the contrary, Flutter’s community comprises Google engineers. You can find better documentation with Flutter and pre-set widgets.
Both Flutter and React Native are popular among software developers. We think that more developers will be interested in them in future years.
Reliability of the frameworks
Both are open-source frameworks with permission-free licenses. Facebook developed React Native, whereas Google developed Flutter.
These tech giants designed their own apps with SDKs. For instance, Flutter is used for Google Ads, and React Native is for Facebook.
Flutter is highly resistant to your device’s OS updates. On the contrary, React Native relies on the device’s native elements, which need additional adaptation steps for Android and iOS apps. It is not the demerit React Native. However, in a true sense, it is a compromise made for creating a native look of your app.
Size of the application- Flutter versus React Native
The size of your app codes is one of the factors for choosing the mobile framework. The app size needs to control the framework size in a large project.
The standard Flutter app size can be 7.5 MB, while for React Native it is 13.4 MB. The Virtual Machine of Dart will influence the app size. But, Flutter contains all assets and codes to prevent size concerns. The special tag usage also minimizes the code size.
Comparing the learning curve
Those who are familiar with JavaScript can easily learn React Native. However, mobile app development differs from web application development. Mobile app developers have not found it easier to learn the framework. In due course, React Native has launched different documents, libraries, and tutorials for a better learning curve.
Flutter does not have a steep learning curve. Beginners may feel odd writing code with Dart. Still, they will find it easier to learn. To learn the framework, developers should have the best knowledge of native iOS and Android development projects. Furthermore, a Flutter app developer can claim that Flutter documentation is smoother compared to React Native.
App features, compatibility, and other details
Flutter can work with different devices (iOS 8+ and Android 4.1+) and varying resolutions. React Native is also compatible with iOS 10+ and Android 4.1+. However, to integrate complicated features, you may need additional native parts for both React Native and Flutter.
Developers can address challenges while composing native parts. However, they will need different resources for minor modifications.
Furthermore, Flutter’s widgets and React Native’s readymade libraries have native code injections. It will result in native-like performance with complicated communications and features.
You can add different features to your Flutter and React Native app
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Geolocation–
Flutter has different official plugins created by Google, and developers can use them to integrate the tracking capabilities into the app. The React Native framework is best for location tracking solutions. But, there may be some problems with the consistent tracking process. The React Native app development company solves them by creating native parts.
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Video streaming and chats–
Flutter lets you add plugins for custom video-based chats. Nevertheless, developers need to be careful while choosing the plugin. On the contrary, React Native developers can implement the plugin natively.
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Camera usage–
Some React Native apps show issues while using the device’s camera. Developers need resources and time to ensure the best performance.
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Security features–
Security is not an issue with both Flutter and React Native apps. These are highly secure technologies complying with regulatory needs. Still, it is better and safer to store limited data on the client-side. Moreover, developers have to limit the use of third-party libraries for higher security.
Authentication tokens need to be deleted when the user has left the app and locked the screen. A secure app also asks for additional login verification details.
Multi-factor authentication is a way to confirm the app user’s identity by implementing at least two steps.
Another security solution is to encrypt the client data saved on mobiles.
Ease of maintaining codes–
It is a pain to upgrade and debug the React Native app. While managing the code for the application, it affects the framework’s logic. Thus, it can slow down the app development process. Native components also rely on the third-party library that may be outdated.
In contrast, the Flutter application maintenance is easy. The code’s simplicity helps programmers and developers in identifying issues. Likewise, the Hot Reloading option resolves problems easily. A shorter time is needed to release a quality update.
To conclude, it can be said that React Native is a better choice to scale up your ads with cross-platform modules. On the contrary, Flutter is good to create MVP applications and different iterations. When you think of developing lightweight native applications, you can rely on React Native.
A Flutter app development company is the correct option for those who have a short delivery timeline and tight budget. Developers do not take much time to write codes for the Flutter application. Moreover, when you think of reducing the development costs by composing a single codebase, you can choose Flutter developers.
