Flutter vs. React Native: 2022’s best option!?
When it comes to choosing a cross-platform mobile development framework, there are two clear frontrunners: Flutter and React Native. Both frameworks have pros and cons, but which is the better choice for your project?
To help you make an informed decision, I’ve comprehensively compared Flutter vs React Native. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which framework is the right fit for your project requirements.
Sections to be covered:
- What is Flutter?
- What is React Native?
- Flutter Pros and Cons
- React Native Pros and Cons
- Conclusion( biased and unbiased opinion)
What is Flutter?
Flutter is a cross-platform mobile development framework created by Google. It allows developers to create native-looking Android and iOS apps from a single codebase.
Flutter is based on Dart, a relatively unknown programming language created by Google. While Dart syntax may take some time to get used to, it’s not a deal-breaker since most developers are already familiar with other C-style languages such as Java or JavaScript.
What is React Native?
React Native is a cross-platform mobile development framework created by Facebook. It allows developers to create native-looking Android and iOS apps from a single codebase.
React Native is based on React, a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. If you’re already familiar with React, then you’ll have no trouble picking up React Native.
Flutter VS React Native: The Pros and Cons
Now that you know a little bit about each framework, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of Flutter vs. React Native.
Flutter Pros
1. Hot Reload
One of the best features of Flutter is hot reload. This allows you to make changes to your code and see the results immediately, without having to recompile the entire app.
2. Widgets
Flutter comes with a wide range of built-in widgets, which makes it easy to create a beautiful, responsive UI.
3. Fast Development
With Flutter’s hot reload and widget support, you can develop apps quickly and efficiently.
4. Dart
Dart is a very powerful programming language. It’s easy to learn for developers who are already familiar with other C-style languages.
5. Open Source
Flutter is an open-source project, which means that you can use it for free.
Flutter Cons
1. Limited Libraries
Flutter is still a new framework, which means that there are not as many libraries available compared to React Native.
2. Dart
While Dart is a powerful language, it’s still not as popular as JavaScript. This means that there is a smaller pool of Dart developers to choose from.
3. Smaller Community
Since Flutter is still relatively new, the community is not as large as React Native’s. This can make it difficult to find answers to your questions or get help when you’re stuck.
React Native Pros
1. JavaScript
JavaScript is the most popular programming language, which means that there is a large pool of developers to choose from.
2. React
React is a very popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces. If you’re already familiar with React, then you’ll have no trouble picking up React Native.
3. Large Community
React Native has a large and active community. This means that you can find answers to your questions and get help when you’re stuck.
4. Open Source
React Native is an open-source project, which means that you can use it for free.
React Native Cons
1. Limited Customization
React Native does not allow for as much customization as Flutter. This can be a problem if you need to create a unique UI for your app.
2. Navigation
React Native’s navigation can be a bit tricky to learn. If you’re not familiar with React, then you may find it difficult to understand how to navigate between screens.
3. JavaScript
JavaScript can be a difficult language to learn for developers who are not familiar with it.
So, which one should you choose?
Conclusion: I developed the same application with both React Native and Flutter, however I use Flutter more frequently. I was more intrigued with flutter than by react native. In addition, this may be a biased opinion due to the fact that I have used flutter for a longer amount of time than React native, even though I have just created one application using react native in order to compare the two.
Flutter or React Native? The answer to this question depends on your project requirements. Flutter is the better choice if you need to create a unique UI or need more customization options with better code reusability. If you’re looking for a fast development cycle and better community support plus an already established framework, then React Native is a good option.
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