Flutter versus Native: Selecting the Best Approach for Your Mobile Application
One of the key architectural decisions for mobile app development is whether to develop native applications or cross-platform applications. Developing native application involves developing different code bases for iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin). Cross-platform development uses frameworks like Flutter that allow developing one code base that works across platforms. Both types of development have their own merits and selection depends on your budget, time constraints and product requirements.
What is Native Mobile App Development?
Developing native application means coding for a particular platform. Since native application is developed with respect to specific platform and uses device specific APIs, such type of application offers best performance, smooth animations and ability to utilize device hardware.
- Benefits: Best speed, looks-and-feel of native platform and immediate availability to updates to iOS/Android OS.
- Downsides: Expensive due to hiring of separate developers for two different code bases.
What is Flutter Cross-Platform Development?
Developed by Google, Flutter is an extensively used open-source software development kit for developing the User Interface. This platform enables developers to develop a high-performance application on iOS, Android, web, and desktop platforms using one codebase only. Flutter utilizes its unique rendering engine to paint every single pixel on the screen.
Advantages: Faster time to market, cost-saving, and consistent User Interface on both Android and iOS devices.
Disadvantages: File size is larger, slower access to new features introduced in the operating system, and possible restrictions in terms of performance for very graphics-intensive apps.
Decision Matrix: Which One Is Better For You?
There are several situations where one may be better than the other:
Use Flutter When: You create MVPs (Minimum Viable Products), have a small budget, want to launch on both Android and iOS at once, and your application mostly does data fetching, forms, and user interaction stuff.
Use Native When: You create a game which should perform as fast as possible, background heavy app, or any product which uses advanced device features.
Conclusion
A single solution does not exist in mobile development. In dotsServices, we conduct an analysis of your functional requirements and business goals to give you an appropriate and scalable mobile solution for your brand.