Cross-platform development is growing increasingly important as target markets are no longer tied to specific technology ecosystems like iOS or Android. People are increasingly using whichever device or system works best for them and combining ecosystems as they see fit.
For companies, this means reaching their target audience requires the ability to exist on different platforms efficiently. Cross-platform frameworks, like React Native and Flutter, make this possible. Here is what you need to know about choosing one of these cross-platform frameworks for your next development project.
What is React Native?
React Native is a framework that makes it easy to write apps for Android and iOS using JavaScript. It is the answer to a long-standing problem that developers faced because of the differences between the two ecosystems. Anything written for iOS needed to be entirely rewritten for Android and vice-versa. React Native makes it possible to write one codebase using JavaScript that works on both Android and iOS devices without needing to be rewritten.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of using React Native is that it makes managing apps much easier. There is only one source of code that needs to be managed to update an app no matter what system it is used on. This cuts production and maintenance times and costs down significantly, which is why companies choose React Native over other options.
With React Native, developers can also access native app features such as camera access, push notifications, and navigation. They don't have to write special code to access them either since React Works across multiple environments. This makes apps more powerful without making them harder to maintain.
Javascript is also easy to develop with and is widely used since it is one of the earliest development languages to see widespread acceptance in every ecosystem.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit designed to provide the same benefits as React Native. It lets developers create cross-platform apps that work in nearly any ecosystem from a single codebase. It was developed by Google as a means of solving the same cross-platform problem that developers were facing.
What sets Flutter apart is that it can use widgets, small pre-made programs or functions, to build larger programs. For example, developers can get widgets for basic features like displaying a clock. Piecing these widgets together speeds up production and makes the code that is developed reusable.
With Flutter, developers can rapidly prototype and develop apps for different platforms, reducing the time and effort required for app development.
Which is Easier to Learn: Flutter or React Native?
When it comes to comparing the ease of learning between Flutter and React Native, both frameworks have their own learning curves. Flutter, developed by Google, utilizes the Dart programming language, which may seem unfamiliar to developers who are more accustomed to JavaScript.
On the other hand, React Native, created by Facebook, uses JavaScript, a language widely used in web development. Some might argue that React Native is easier to learn due to its familiarity and larger community support.
However, Flutter offers a simpler implementation process and provides a more streamlined development experience. Ultimately, the choice between Flutter and React Native depends on individual preferences and project requirements.
Key Differences Between Flutter and React Native
Flutter and React do, essentially, the same job, but they handle it a bit differently. Flutter has a few extra features that set it apart from React Native.
One of its widely used features is hot reloading, which lets developers test new code without having to go through a lengthy process of shutting down the system, loading new files, restarting the system, and resetting the conditions that they were testing. It makes the development process smooth and faster for everyone.
Another feature that developers like is the widget system. It lets developers switch in and out segments of reusable code to do basic functions and add basic features. This not only makes development faster, but it also stops developers from having to redo a lot of work on every project.
Which Companies Use Flutter?
Flutter is gaining popularity among developers due to its flexibility and fast development cycle. Flutter caters to the business needs of developers by enabling them to create visually appealing and interactive user interfaces at a rapid pace. This allows for faster prototyping and full development
Moreover, Flutter supports both mobile app and mobile game development, making it a versatile framework for developers looking to create innovative products.
Essentially, companies that need to move quickly in development and build high-quality apps that exceed the usual development standards are moving toward Flutter over other options.
Which Companies Use React Native?
React Native is being used by companies that are trying to develop enterprise-level apps or need to scale consistently. React Native is an effective method of producing apps quickly and at scale. It is perfect for companies wanting to create quality apps without a lot of overhead and additional issues to contend with. It is also seen as the more traditional option between it and Flutter, which makes larger and more established businesses flock to it.
Should You Use Flutter or React Native?
When choosing a framework for mobile app development, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
One compelling reason to use Flutter is its ability to create apps for both iOS and Android platforms with a single codebase. This can save time and resources during the development process.
By comparison, React Native has a larger community and ecosystem, making it easier to find resources and support. It tends to offer better performance and stability compared to Flutter.
In most use cases, the choice between Flutter or React Native will depend on the specific requirements of the project and the preferences of the development team.
Get Help Putting Either Framework to Use
Whether you need to use Flutter or React Native, you can benefit from getting help from experts. At KitelyTech, we help companies find the right technologies for their needs and put them to use. Call us at (800) 274-2908 to discuss how we can help you with app development.
