After finalizing your app idea the next step is to select a platform and programming language. Then you would hire a development team and start the process. When going for a mobile app there are two options, either to develop a native mobile app or cross-platform application.
Both, React Native and Flutter are languages for cross-platform app development. Obviously, both have their advantages and downsides. In this article, we will help you decide a clear winner in the Flutter vs React Native debate! .
What is Flutter?
Flutter is a cross-platform framework developed in the Dart language. It is increasing in popularity for cross-platform app development. Flutter is created and managed by Google, it was first released in 2017. The purpose was to cover and create a language that is better than other native app development processes.
Flutter development uses one codebase for multiple platforms including web, desktop, and mobile development. And in mobile, it can support both Android and iOS.
Pros of Flutter
Have a look at the pros of the Flutter framework below.
1. Hot Reload = Smooth Experience
Through hot reload, making changes to the source code and managing changes is super simple, done through the Dart Virtual Machine. This does not affect the live code, so you can create a newer version without stopping and reloading the app. This gives faster and smooth apps.
2. 1 Codebase & Many Platforms
Using Flutter you can develop both iOS and Android apps with near-native experience. The biggest benefit of using 1 codebase is easy code maintenance, quick and easy development, and spending less money.
3. Testing is Easy
Testing and QA is an integral part of software development. Running tests and making changes can become a real hassle with separate code bases. In addition, providing a similar experience across platforms is hard. With Flutter testing time and reduced to half.
4. Native Graphics Library
Flutter has its own native graphics library, so react native developers for hire no longer have to rely on third-party libraries. Skia, its native library takes complete GPU benefits and delivers smooth apps.
6. Same UI Across All Versions
Having different user interfaces across different platforms is not aesthetically pleasing. Developers never know how their app will look on different platforms and different OS versions. However, Flutter makes sure of the same UI across.
7. Suitability for MVPs
Flutter supports fast development and deployment. It is great for creating MVP, i.e. minimum viable product, products.
Cons of Flutter
Here are some cons of Flutter you should be aware of:
1. Development Community
In React Native vs Flutter for the development community, the will clearly goes in favor of React Native. Because RN is higher in popularity and has a bigger and more active community. Another reason for its non-popularity is, it is based on Dart rather than JavaScript.
2. Supporting Libraries
Progress is ongoing in creating libraries and full support for Flutter. But to date, it does not have as much library support and frameworks as React Native.
3. No CI/CD Support
Flutter does not natively support continuous integration and deployment development methodology. This means developers have to spend more time testing and on changes.
4. Dependent on its platform
Flutter is dependent on its platform so if Google abandons the project, there will be no more flutter. Meaning no support, no more development and releases which means the end of a language. However, the chances of this happening are close to 0 at this time. We hope you now know which one is better in Flutter vs React Native face off with regards to the dependency factor!
What Is React Native?
React Native is another framework or language which is used for native mobile app development. It is based on JavaScript, its open-source, and has highly scalable features. This framework was released by Meta in 2015 and is maintained by Meta and its community.
Using React Native you can develop apps for iOS, Android, and Windows, as well as the Web. The biggest benefit to JavaScript developers is, having knowledge of JS means you can easily transition to any JS-based framework easily.
Pros of React Native
Following are the pros of React Native. If you are looking for something similar for your upcoming mobile application then this is the right choice.
1. Fast Refresh
React Native’s fast refresh and flutters hot reload is similar. Using this feature developers can edit the code and view the changes instantly.
2. Single Codebase
React Native vs Flutter, they are again similar in the way that they share the same codebase across platforms. Thus, it is easy to maintain the app and create web-based applications as well.
3. JavaScript and Compatibility
JavaScript is the most used and popular programming language worldwide. React Native has the advantage of being based on JS. So, when we compare Flutter vs react native the winner is clearly RN because of its wide compatibility with a variety of tools, frameworks, and libraries.
5. Mature Framework
One deciding difference between Flutter and react native is, RN is older than Flutter. While this might not seem much it means a lot, like community.
6. Strong Community
The benefit of having a strong, large, and active community means problems and issues get solved faster.
8. Half the Testing
Just like Flutter, using React Native means your testing is reduced to half and a single test can quickly identify problems, then making changes is easy with fast refresh.
Cons of React Native
1. Native Feel vs Native
Giving a near-native feel is different from being native. Although React Native gives a near-native experience, it is not like the original one. Differences in speed and processing are visible.
2. Necessity for Customization
For customization React Native only gives limited and basic elements, the rest is on you.
4. Too Many Outdated Resources
Over the years React Native has produced many libraries and support for many others. The downside here is you will face many outdated libraries and packages which is frustrating.
5. Unstable UI
With OS update, app components reload and cause breakage in React Native components. This makes the app unusable, but this does not happen to Flutter because of its native platform i.e. Google.
6. Native vs React Native App Size
React Native cross-platform mobile apps run on JVM, while native apps run Javascript directly. This increases the size of React native apps and performance is affected.
Concluding
To sum it up, we must know the answer to the question ‘which is better flutter or react native?’. Both frameworks have some similarities and some differences. Both have their strong suits and some downfalls. Finding relative developers is not hard for both languages. Your final decision should be based on the benefits. The framework or language you choose should support the features of your upcoming mobile application. The decision to choose in Flutter vs React Native is solely your own!
