React Native or Flutter? A Brief Guide to Choose the Best Framework! – Part II

Posted by Parija Rangnekar On Filed under Flutter No Comments
React Native or Flutter? A Brief Guide to Choose the Best Framework! – Part II
React Native app development or Flutter app development
In Part I of this blog, we had compared the frameworks- React Native and Flutter based on numerous vital parameters. You may have a glimpse at Part I here.
This blog is an extension of Part I and here too, we will be focusing on a few more significant parameters to do a more detailed comparative analysis of both technologies.
We presume that by the end of this read, you will have better clarity on which framework is the best pick for your project development requirements. You will easily be able to decide whether to go with React Native app development or Flutter app development. So let’s quickly get started.

Comparative Analysis: React Native App Development Or Flutter App Development

React Native framework or Flutter framework
Learning Curve
React Native:
The learning curve of React Native is quite easier especially for those who are familiar with JavaScript. But working with React Native may get a bit difficult when it comes to mobile app development, though the framework has released several libraries, tutorials, documents, etc. to make the learning of this framework easier. 
Flutter:
Flutter too is not much difficult to learn. To understand this framework, developers need to learn the Dart language, which is pretty simple along with some basic knowledge of native iOS and Android development. However, this language is rarely opted by developers due to its low popularity. 
The Installation Process
React Native:
Node Package Manager (NPM) is required to install the RN framework. NPM can install the packages globally as well as locally. For this, it is essential for the React Native App developers to have knowledge of the location of the binary.
Also, the Homebrew package manager is required while installing React Native on macOS. The developers need to run the desired code for installing React Native on macOS and then access it from the command line.
Flutter:
For installing Flutter, one should download the binary for a particular platform from GitHub. For macOS, the developers should download the file- flutter.zip and add it as a PATH variable and then run the desired code.
The installation method of Flutter is a bit tedious and can be enhanced by supporting package managers like MacPorts, Homebrew, APT, YUM, etc. so that users can get rid of performing the extra steps while installing.
Architecture Supported by Each
React Native:
The latest architecture of React Native is based on 3 important threads namely: Native thread (where native code is placed and executed), JavaScript thread (where complete JavaScript code is kept and compiled), and Shadow thread (where the app’s layout is calculated).
React Native has a bridge between JavaScript and Native threads. According to this feature, the JavaScript code communicates with the Native API and the platform. Also, when it comes to iOS, RN makes use of JavaScriptCore separately for running all codes, whereas in the case of Android, it bundles the JavaScriptCore within the app. This will result in the increase of native functionality, however, it also increases the size of the app and that results in device lag or performance issues.
Flutter:
Flutter has a layered architecture. Developing a basic app in Flutter starts with platform-specific widgets or top-level root functions. Next, it is followed by basic widgets that communicate with rendering layers and the platform. Animation gestures exist just beyond the rendering layer, and this animation gesture transfers API calls to the foundation of the mobile app; also called Scaffold. It is run by a platform-specific embedder and a C/C++ engine. For separating the presentation layer from business logic, the Flutter app developers can utilize Flutter BLoC. Such an architecture eases the creation of complex apps with the use of simple and small components.
Development API and UI Components
React Native:
There are very few features and functionalities available in core React Native. The RN framework comes with just device access APIs and UI rendering. But using third-party libraries, this shortcoming can be overcome. For accessing native modules, RN makes use of several third-party libraries. You can find the list of the best-known UI component libraries here.
Flutter:
On the other hand, the Flutter framework comes with device API access, UI rendering components, testing, navigation, stateful management, and a plethora of libraries. In Flutter, you will have access to everything required for architecting mobile apps and, there is no need to use third-party libraries in Flutter. It also comes with widgets for Cupertino and Material Design that enable the developers to render the UI on both Android and iOS platforms with ease.
Convenience of Maintaining Code
React Native:
It is a bit difficult to upgrade and maintain code in React Native. One of the reasons behind this is the dependency on third-party libraries. Usually, the libraries are old and outdated and cannot be properly maintained, thus, affecting the code maintainability. Besides, there are chances that when the developers fork the code to suit the app requirement, it may interfere with the framework’s logic and slow down the overall development process.
Flutter:
On the contrary, code maintenance in Flutter is quite easier. It has simple code which allows the Flutter app developers to easily find issues, support third-party libraries, and even source external tools. Also, the hot-reloading property in Flutter is comparatively better than that in React Native and it helps to resolve several issues quickly.
Modularity
Note: Modularity refers to the ability of a framework to enable different professionals with diverse experiences and technical skillsets to work under a single project.
React Native:
React Native offers less modularity support. At times, ReactJS developers, iOS developers, Android developers, etc. working on a project, may find it tough to match-up with each other.
Flutter:
Comparatively, Flutter provides better modularity for team diversity and also supports well while dividing the project codes into separate modules with its pub package system. The teams can easily add/change a code-base or construct various modules with the plug-in ability.
Testability of Code
React Native:
In React Native, there is no official support available for integration testing and UI-level testing. It offers just a few unit-level testing frameworks. Tools like Jest can be utilized for snapshot testing. Also, there are some third-party tools like Detox and Appium that can be used for testing the React Native apps even these aren’t supported officially by React Native.
Flutter:
Since Flutter functions with Dart, it provides excellent support for automated testing. Also, it offers a rich set of features for testing the applications at integration level, unit level, widget level, etc. Furthermore, it offers detailed documentation on testing the Flutter apps.

Concluding Views:

In this fast-paced digital era, having a high-quality, user-friendly, and responsive mobile app for your business is crucial. For developing such outstanding mobile apps, both React Native framework and Flutter framework have proved to be apt technologies. But which of these is the best pick for your project?
We have tried to explain that through this blog and its Part I. We hope we have imparted you an in-depth understanding of the good and the bad of both technologies. Also, these blogs will help you make an informed decision on whether to partner with a Flutter App Development Company or go for React Native App Development Company.
Here ends our blog!
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Ionic vs Flutter: A useful guide to app creators!

Posted by Parija Rangnekar On Filed under Flutter, Ionic 4 Comments
Ionic vs Flutter: A useful guide to app creators!
Ionic and Flutter app development frameworks
The digital revolution has gifted the software industry with a plethora of outstanding app development frameworks. As a consequence, choosing the right framework for app development has become a herculean task for app creators. Ionic and Flutter are two such frameworks that utterly confuse the app creators striving hard to pick a framework for architecting cross-platform applications. Picking one out of these frameworks becomes all the more intriguing since they appear quite similar, but are in reality way different from each other. However, both Flutter and Ionic app development come with novel offerings and cater to specific project requirements. Hence, you need to be well versed in their similarities as well as differences to pick the right one.
This blog compares Ionic and Flutter based on certain parameters, to provide the entrepreneurs with clear visibility about their strengths as well as drawbacks and help them decide the perfect pick for their project.
Before we move on to compare Ionic and Flutter, let me provide you a brief introduction to these frameworks.

Introducing the Ionic Framework

The Ionic framework was coined by Ben Sperry, Adam Bradley, and Max Lynch of the Drifty Co. in the year 2013 and its first stable version was launched in March 2014. Ionic is an open-sourced UI toolkit that uses web technologies like JavaScript, CSS and HTML; to architect top-notch desktop, mobile and progressive web applications. Ionic primarily focuses on the front-end UX and UI interaction and hence plays a vital role in handling the look and feel of an app. Not only is it capable of easily integrating with other frameworks and libraries like Cordova, Angular, etc. but also can be used independently without the support of a front-end framework.

Introducing the Flutter Framework

Flutter, Google’s brainchild, is a relatively newer framework as compared to Ionic and is still evolving. It was created in May 2017 and is currently managed by Google with the help of an ECMA standard. Flutter is a UI toolkit that employs Dart programming languages to build swift, attractive and natively compiled cross-platform apps. Flutter was introduced as a Software Development Kit (SDK) intended to build modern apps for Android and iOS. In the case of Android Studio, integration is done with inbuilt Java, while Swift and Objective C integration is done in the case of iOS.

Similarities between Flutter and Ionic app development services

Flutter and Ionic may be way different from each other but share certain similarities too. They are as follows:
  • Both build cross-platform applications that run on desktops, mobiles as well as the web.
  • Both employ a single codebase to create interactive and high-performing apps.
  • Both impart an incredible native look and feel as their primary focus lies in creating UI frameworks for native platforms.
  • Both frameworks have a well-organized documentation for developers.

Differences between Ionic and Flutter app development services

Ionic and Flutter app development services
Now let’s explore the differences between Ionic and Flutter based on the following parameters.
Skillset: Market value
The skillset required to use Ionic involves learning JavaScript and other general web technologies that are needed for any web app development project regardless of the framework used. But, learning Dart for using Flutter will not prove useful for projects involving other frameworks. Moreover, Flutter posseses a highly-custom environment. Hence, a Flutter app developer needs to master certain unique methodologies that are time-consuming and applicable to Flutter app development only. Furthermore, the requirement for Dart developers in the coming years largely depends on whether the newbie Flutter, will succeed as a viable solution in the future.
Hence, acquiring an Ionic skillset proves to be a safer bet for a developer. Besides, its more convenient to hire Ionic app developers as this kind of skillset is easier to find.
Portability of the code
Let’s have a look at how the codes of Flutter and Ionic behave in various eco-systems, OS and processors. Flutter development leads to the creation of visually appealing Android and iOS apps. It is a great choice for mobile apps but encounters limitations when deployed on the web. Ionic, on the other hand, creates fairly good mobile apps and exceptionally good web apps. Therefore, if you are planning to build PWAs or web apps, picking Ionic is advisable.
User Interface
Flutter has attractive user interface in comparison to Ionic because Ionic uses HTML and CSS for rendering. Flutter has widgets as part of UI elements whereas Ionic has Web Components.
Performance
Flutter fares well if your application requires exclusive animation whereas Ionic serves better if you intend to architect an app that is more consumer-facing. Ionic employs primitives and the runtimes of the standard browser, hence the bundle size is 2991 bytes whereas Flutter requires a heavy code for building even a basic application.
Flutter uses Dart language and since it does require JavaScript Bridge for interactions between the app, the performance is far better. Ionic uses Web technologies for rendering, and hence the performance is much lower.
Mobile performance is better in Flutter in comparison to Ionic. Web performance is poorer in Flutter than Ionic.
Free usage of libraries
The Flutter app developers can use Flutter’s libraries and system technologies free of cost. In Ionic, several libraries are free but a paid Pro Development Environment is needed for speeding up the developmental cycle.
Community support
As far as community support is concerned, Ionic surpasses Flutter. Flutter being a newbie lacks strong community support while Ionic enjoys the support from a dynamic global community that assists Ionic app developers to solve problems. However, owing to Google’s continual effort, Flutter also may develop a vibrant community in the years to come.
Future-friendliness
Now let’s discuss these frameworks from the perspective of the flexibility and freedom offered once the app matures. Flutter app development may turn out to be a bit risky. The reason is, if by any chance Google shuns Flutter, a Flutter app Development Company will be left with a code base and skillset that are homeless, though such a situation is least likely. Ionic mobile app development on the other hand is based on open web standards and relies on web components. So, it can be used with any existing JS framework or compatible future framework if the app creators choose to create apps for other platforms or use the code for other projects.

Conclusion

I hope this blog has enlightened you about how the custom-based approach of Flutter differs from the web-based approach of Ionic. Both of these cross-platform app development frameworks are distinctive in their way. Therefore, whether to opt for an Ionic mobile app development company or a Flutter app development company solely depends on your project requirement.
Please do let us know in the comments section below if you have any further queries. We would be glad to assist you!