Flutter or React Native: What should you choose for your next app?
Every business dreams of releasing an app on both Android and iOS. But the catch is that you must select a tech stack before releasing a mobile application. Flutter or React Native, which one will you choose?
React Native and Flutter have been the most popular and frequently utilized cross-platform application development tools for the past couple of years, as per Statista. Despite being two similar aspects of cross-platform app development, they are always regarded as rivals. Even so, which is worth your time, effort, and money? Lucky for you, I’m discussing the same today.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is a UI Software Development Kit (SDK) for building mobile applications. It is an open-source technology developed by Google in 2017 with which you can create fast and high-performance Android and iOS applications. Built on Google’s Dart, Flutter uses fewer commands but more options and is thought to be easier to understand than JS and other programming languages.
What is React Native?
React Native is a popular JavaScript-based open-source framework. It is slightly older than Flutter, having been released in 2015 and backed by the social media giant Facebook. It allows you to build cross-platform applications that run on mobile phones, desktop computers, and the web.
In an attempt to help you pick the right tech stack, I’ll walk through the differences between Flutter and React Native with you.
Flutter vs. React Native
Programming Language
The first and foremost difference is of the programming language. React Native has a more familiarity edge among developers as it’s based on JavaScript. On the contrary, Flutter uses Googles’ in-house language Dart, which is ideal for developers new to the mobile app development world.
Architecture
React Native enables the communication between the JavaScript and Native language via the JavaScript thread. The two threads communicate by sending asynchronous JSON messages. In iOS, React Native separately runs all codes from JavaScriptCore, whereas in Android, it bundles JavaScriptCore with the application. While this improves native function, it also expands the app’s size, which can cause performance issues or device delays.
Flutter, in comparison, doesn’t require a bridge to communicate with the native threads. It comes packed with everything including frameworks. Thereby, both junior and experienced developers can build complex applications with simple tools. Apps built using Flutter are more stable and reliable across platforms than React Native apps.
Performance
Next comes the most arguable difference between the two mobile app developers, the performance. Hybrid apps in React Native have performance difficulties, while native apps do not. It provides consistent results in all common scenarios and is quite dependable. However, React Native uses a JavaScript bridge to communicate between modules, it has often received criticism on its overall performance.
When comparing Flutter VS React Native, Flutter comes out on top as its applications are more performant. Flutter offers the benefit of Dart, and because there is no JavaScript bridge for initiating interactions with device native components, development and runtime are substantially accelerated. Finally, because Flutter is built into native ARM code for Android and iOS, performance will never be an issue.
Design and Graphics
When it comes to the design and graphics, both offer outstanding features. Developers may use React Native or Flutter to create flawless animations and perfect graphics for their mobile applications.
React Native possesses visual elements and appearance such as a menu, navigations, and more. These aspects appear to be organic to the user and give a seamless and personalized experience. Take note, however, that the app will seem slightly different on iOS and Android devices, as well as in different firmware versions.
But with Flutter, the app will look the same despite the device model or version being used. Developers can achieve a personalized look for Android and iOS devices separately. However, implementing a single neutral style across all devices and reducing project scope is more straightforward.
Reliability
Flutter was developed by Google and React Native by Facebook. Even so, they are open-source and come with permission-free licenses. Google and Facebook have also built some of their apps including Instagram, Facebook, Google Pay app, etc., showing they are concerned about the development and reliability.
Flutter is simpler and more adaptable to changes brought about by operating system updates. React Native relies on device native features, which entails additional adaption efforts for iOS and Android apps in the event of system changes. This is not a flaw in React Native; rather, it is a trade-off that must be made in exchange for the app’s native experience.
Time to Market
The most critical component in mobile app development is time-to-market. Both Flutter and React Native, thanks to their cross-platform origins, allow code reuse rather than building distinct independent apps, which usually necessitates hiring more programmers with diverse talents and expanding the project’s scope. They let engineers reuse up to 80% of code across iOS, Android, web, and desktop platforms.
However, expanding the Flutter team is difficult, whereas React Native developers are easier to train or hire. It has a significant impact on the time to market for a mobile application.
React Native or Flutter: Which one to opt for?
Choose React Native, if:
· You are familiar with JavaScript
- You want to create native lightweight apps
- You want to scale your current apps across multiple platforms
- You want to invest your money and time in the project
Besides, choose Flutter, if:
- Stability, performance, and collaborative ambiance is your top priority
- You don’t want complete native functionality
- Delivery time and budget is limited
- You want to customize UI with fewer widgets and testing
The Final Verdict
There are no losers or winners in the React Native VS Flutter clash. Instead, each has its pros and cons. And each offers a solution but to a different problem. The right pick depends on your requirements, experience, and goals of the project.
For more such tips and advice, keep an eye on this space.