Many developers are apathetic when it comes to choosing a cross-platform mobile application framework. That’s because the initial objective is frequently merely to select the most practical, efficient app developer and launch the product as soon as possible.
Consequently, a person with a low-tech or non-tech background would consider software frameworks and software development kits (SDKs) for mobile apps to be interchangeable. Making a decision without giving it at least some thought is not a good idea.
This is particularly true when choosing between React Native and Flutter, the two most well-liked cross-platform mobile frameworks for software developers. Most entrepreneurs would agree that they both exhibit comparable performance. But these disparities could result in significant expenses in the future.
But first, a quick history.
What is React Native?
Facebook’s open-source UI software framework for creating applications, React Native, was first introduced in 2015. The fact that it uses Javascript and is generally well-liked by developers has helped it become a free app creator that is rather well-established.
Even if your app is written in Javascript, native code is used to render it on the app platforms of your users without compromising on any of their individual user experiences.
What is Flutter?
Google’s response to React Native is Flutter, an open-source UI software development kit that was originally introduced in 2017. It provides users with a comparatively improved selection of widgets and tools, which are desired by app developers because to their capacity to produce bright, beautiful apps.
Flutter is made using Dart, a 2011-designed programming language, as opposed to Javascript.
React Native and Flutter may appear to be quite comparable to many companies. Let’s examine some of the factors that could distinguish them.
1. User Interface and Speed
Flutter was developed with user interfaces in mind and is renowned for its capacity to produce apps with eye-catching visuals and fluid transitions. Additionally, Flutter’s Dart code may be immediately built, which typically makes it quicker than React Native because React Native needs a bridge to convert Javascript to native platform code.
According to online benchmark statistics for Dart vs. Javascript, Dart is also a more compact programming language than Javascript, and as a result, it tends to compile a little bit faster.
For these factors, some people have viewed Flutter as being superior than React Native, which at first was clumsy and had issues with slower animations.
Flutter has gained popularity recently as a result. Over the previous several years, the percentage of cross-platform mobile developers utilising Flutter has progressively risen, from 30% in 2019 to 39% in 2020, and now to 42% for 2023. React Native was used by 42% of cross-platform mobile developers in 2019 and 2020, although that number fell to 38% in 2023.
People frequently assume that Flutter is always the quickest and least costly option for app development because of these factors. However, doing that might prove to be a very costly error for individuals looking for a free app creator or developing Android apps online without coding.
2. Community Platforms and Talent Pools
Considering that Javascript was first developed in 1995, programmers have been utilising it to solve issues for close to 25 years.
Dart, in comparison, has only been existing for a decade, and for the majority of that time, Google and Google engineers have been the only ones who use it and are familiar with it.
As a result, the Flutter community is much smaller. The fact that it might be challenging for developers to find particular answers to issues can lengthen the time to market. In the future, as you expand your mobile app and need to recruit developers, it also generates the ideal storm.
There is a talent gap in the globe for software engineers right now. In fact, according to analysts, there would be 85.2 million people lacking in aptitude by 2030.
React Native and Flutter both employ different programming languages, thus your choice may restrict the skill pool available to work on your project. Additionally, because the Flutter community platforms are less developed than their more capable React Native counterparts, solutions are more difficult to get, necessitating a larger requirement for highly qualified Dart programmers.
Yes, it’s possible that Flutter’s SDK is quicker than React Native’s framework. Flutter might not be your best option, though, if you take into account the potential for wasted time spent attempting to fix issues and the extra expenses associated with potentially hiring a more experienced Dart programmer to make up for issues that can’t be resolved through its community platforms. It carries risk, and some chances just don’t pay off.
3. Time
It’s also crucial to keep in mind that software for creating apps is always evolving and getting better. React Native initially had problems with stability and sluggish visuals, among other things, but there have been significant advancements since then, and it is now a real rival to Flutter in terms of UI.
Similarly, the Flutter community is expanding. Its community platforms will develop into important resources for app developers over time, maybe even rivalling those of React Native. Flutter is still very new, though, and its community isn’t quite as developed yet.
