Technology

Flutter - everything you should know

Author

Kamil Zawadzki Managing Partner

2 min read 2019-12-03

Flutter, a recent solution introduced by Google, enables the creation of native iOS and Android apps from a single source code base. These mobile apps are built using the Dart programming language and exhibit nearly identical appearance and behavior across both platforms. The Flutter ecosystem is highly advanced, significantly reducing the time needed to develop a mobile app. Flutter consists of two components: framework that is necessary for the application to work SDK, which is required to create and build them. Both have earned considerable user enthusiasm and are steadily evolving with new features. The technology boasts a stateful hot reload feature, enabling real-time changes without rebuilding the code with each iteration.

Flutter technology

Developing a mobile app in Flutter closely resembles native programming, offering advantages over other competing options for building hybrid apps across multiple platforms. Key features such as stateful hot reload, interface composition with well-designed widgets, and support for reactive programming styles are particularly appealing to and encourage developers.

Flutter stands out from its competitors by offering the flexibility to incorporate Kotlin, Java, or Swift code alongside its native Dart language. This versatility empowers developers to tap into the full potential of the iOS or Android platforms, extending beyond the confines of the Flutter SDK ecosystem alone.

The Dart language

The Dart programming language is valued for its simplicity and consistency, intuitive operation, and effective meeting of expectations. Developed by Google, Dart ensures a closed ecosystem where language and framework complement each other seamlessly. This synergy results in a high-quality tool ideal for various applications, including business software. With one company overseeing the language and its associated library, updates and improvements are closely aligned with the framework's requirements, driving continuous enhancements tailored to developers' needs.

User interface

Flutter, powered by its proprietary Skia rendering engine, manages all visual elements users encounter in their dedicated applications. The interface encompasses everything from buttons and switches to forms and displayed text. The technology governs the presentation of elements and animations, guaranteeing smooth responsiveness to user interactions.

An investment in the future

While Dart serves as one of the core programming languages for the platform, it may not be as widely adopted as others, posing challenges in finding specialists proficient in it.

For developers transitioning from Java, Kotlin, or Swift to Dart, it might initially feel like stepping back in time. However, Dart is continually evolving and has the potential to catch up with its younger competitors. Therefore, investing in Flutter technology represents an investment in the future. As Flutter progresses toward maturity, it will undoubtedly become a valuable asset, significantly expediting the development of mobile solutions. Even in its current version, Flutter offers a plethora of benefits.

Kamil Zawadzki

Managing Partner

A dynamic leader with a strong technical background in software development. He advocates for SOLID architecture and KISS solutions, always aligning his approach with business needs.