Mobile applications are here to stay and so is the debate of which framework is better – Flutter or React Native. As a developer, building an application isn’t the pain point, it’s about how much time it takes to build one is.
Multiple factors affect a developer’s decision like – its performance, its cross-platform functionality, responsiveness, and so on. Both the frameworks possess their own sets of benefits and drawbacks which sometimes make developers make a switch or stay with the platform they currently make use of.
By the end of this article, you will be at least in a position to draw parallels among which one is more feasible for your upcoming project.
Let’s read on!
What is Flutter?
Flutter is a product by Google that helps developers make interactive UI’s for various operating systems we usually use. Ranging from Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, Google Fuchsia, and even web apps, its compatibility is diverse. It is used to develop applications most succinctly with a single codebase.
Highlights Of Flutter
With flutter, you get to enjoy some of the USP’s which are exclusively available on this platform that also helps you leverage it to the fullest.
i) Open-Source Software
Easily accessible and free to use platform for anyone.
ii) Cross-Platform Development
A cost-efficient and subtle way to use codes more than once for multiple projects and platforms.
iii) No Hardcore Coding Needed
Even though Flutter comes with its own set of learning curves, but as far as coding is concerned, more can be achieved with minimal coding. Thanks to dart’s bandwidth that uses JIT and IOT.
iv) Fixture Of Bugs With Hot Reloading
Make edits to your existing codes and reload them to see the revised changes immediately without any lag.
What is React Native?
Straight from the house of Facebook, React Native is an open-source platform that lets you build concrete mobile apps using the widely used programming language JavaScript. Its multi-platform feature lets you leverage a code to be deployed across many platforms like iOS, Android, and the web.
Highlights of React Native?
v) Native Traits
When the components, integration, as well as platform APIs belong to the same ecosystem, it imparts a delightful experience as a developer. It also leads to accessing SDK on both platforms.
vi) Glitch Free Customized Designs
Flutter App Development Companies are leveraging this benefits and easily creating customized designs using widgets which are offered in two variations – Cupertino and Material design widgets.
The prominent features of react-native to build a robust mobile application are as follows:-
- Open-Source Software: It’s for anyone and everyone to use because it’s free and ready to use.
- Cross-Platform Functionality: The sets of code can be re-used to run multiple times anywhere.
- Performance: When you generate a code in React Native, it very well adopts and functions similar to that of a native code as per your preferred operating system.
- Hot Reloading: Real-time changes can be visually portrayed when you choose to make minor or major tweaks to your codes. Reload the screen, and it’s all there for you to view.
- Responsive UI: It prioritizes the way your application looks, feels, and works, all through its responsive design and interactive UI components.
- Third-Party Library Access: React Native makes use of third-party components which are diverse in its collection that makes your app interactive.
- Faster Execution & Development: The over and over usage of already written codes escalates the overall app development process. It saves time and boosts your productivity as a developer.
Key Differences Between Flutter and React Native
| Parameter | Flutter | React Native |
| Initial release & development by | The release was in May 2017 and was developed by Google | The release was in June 2015 and was developed by Facebook |
| Programming language used | It is supported by Dart to create mobile applications | It is supported by JavaScript to create mobile applications |
| User interface | Custom widgets help in building the UI of a particular application | Native UI controllers help in building the UI of a particular application |
| Hot Reloading | Effective hot reloading | Decent hot reloading supported |
| Architectural Overview | Flutter relies on the layout of the Business Logic Component (BLoC) | React native relies on the layout of Redux and Flux |
| Documentation | Flutter maintains a highly organized documentation procedure. | React native is less organized but is user-friendly when it comes to documentation procedures. |
| Preference | Flutter is catching up with the pace as its growth wave continues to increase almost every day. | React native is ahead in the game and the developers are still inclined towards staying loyal to this platform for their mobile app developments. |
| Performance | The performance of flutter is fast and seamless. The C and C++ library makes it look alike, similar to the machine code that leads to better native performance. | The performance of react native is less impactful and slower as developers seem to struggle with its end performance. |
| Testing | Flutter has its own ecosystem to test out the operation that includes integration, unit and widget testing. | React native makes use of third party libraries to get access to the testing of applications. |
| Third-party packages | Flutter is not behind when it comes to providing multiple variations to choose packages. | Being in the business for long, react-native has a larger pool of components and resources when it comes to third-party packages. |
| Reusable code | Freedom to reuse the codes with ease without any restrictions. | Reusability of codes is permitted however with minor restrictions when it comes to using a few components. |
| Community reach | As Flutter is a new entrant in the industry, its community is limited and comparatively small. | React native is in the business for quite some time now, so it has a wider audience and a strong foundation of online support. |
| Development time | The apps get built and developed fast. | The apps get built and developed slower than Flutter. |
| Applications made | Most prominent apps made are – Google Ads, Hamilton | Most prominent apps made are – Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook, Skype, Bloomberg |
| IDE support | IDE support is overlooked by Android support, IntelliJ IDEA, etc. | IDE support is overlooked by the JS support. |
Final Thoughts
Though it’s a little tricky to decide who outshines whom, both the platforms are top-notch in their usability and it ultimately boils down to what suits your requirements the best.
We must admit Flutter, even though it is new in the market, is growing at a rapid speed but we are still unsure if it’s ready to beat the large community of developers who already are comfortable using React Native.
Ultimately, it’s safe to keep the authority of choosing the winner to the end-users of the product, i.e- the developers.
Punit