Comparison Between Flutter Vs React Native [Complete Guide 2021]

React Native vs Flutter is a burning question for every app owner. There is always the temptation to jump on the latest technology trends, especially when new frameworks launch with preprogrammed modules and promises of lightning-fast performance. Being a leading mobile app development company, people often ask us which cross-platform framework should choose for the next project between React Native vs Flutter.

Since frameworks like Java for Android or Swift for iOS have become available, it has been possible to build native apps without using Java or Swift. Developers are increasingly turning to Flutter and React Native frameworks to develop cross-platform mobile applications. However, many developers are in a quandary as to which one to choose?

Cross-platform app development is popular because of its cost-effective and fast app development quality. Developers can create a similar application on other platforms using existing codes in cross-platform technology.

Top Cross-Platform Framework In 2021:

What is React Native?

React Native is a mobile application development framework created by Facebook, which is open-source. Mobile and web applications can be built with React Native, which was released in March 2015. Using it, developers can utilize both React Native as well as native platform functionality.

Android, iOS, and Web can use React Native. The developers are empowered by React Native by combining its functionality with different features of other platforms. It also enables them to incorporate all the desired features without any hassle. Moreover, with React Native, developers can create native-like user interfaces across all platforms. Additionally, Android and iOS apps can be built with React Native with just one codebase.

What is Flutter?

Flutter uses a language developed by Google called Dart. The Flutter framework also targets web platforms, mobile platforms, and desktops. Dart is essential for any developer working on Flutter. Despite not being as popular as JavaScript, Dart is still a good programming language for beginners. Java or C++ developers tend to connect with Dart better than JavaScript developers.

A significant benefit of Flutter over other UI toolkits is that it allows multi-platform applications with only one codebase. Developers can use it to build more expressive UIs with native performance and flexibility. In addition, the entire Flutter and Google developer teams contributed to it.

The ultimate comparison: Flutter vs React Native

1. USER INTERFACE

Flutter:

Flutter apps run on both old and new versions of operating systems. As a result of having a single codebase, they behave and appear the same on both devices – but thanks to Material Design and Cupertino widgets, they can mimic the platform’s appearance as well.

The widgets in Flutter follow two different design languages: Material Design implements Google’s design language of the same name, and Cupertino mimics Apple’s iOS design. You’ll be able to create Flutter apps that look and behave like native apps on each platform.

React Native:

On iOS and Android devices, components look like native ones (e.g., a button looks like a native iOS button). React Native uses native elements to ensure that your app’s features will automatically update when your OS UI changes. In rare cases, such UI issues might affect the app’s performance.

When developing your app, think about using third-party libraries to have a near-identical look across platforms. In place of native components, you can use Material Design components.

2. PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

Flutter Framework:

This framework’s programming language was developed by Google in 2011. Programs are written in Dart often run faster than those written in React Native. Dart has an elegant syntax that can’t be faulted. However, it is challenging to learn the object-oriented concepts of the program. This means that fewer developers have known about it. As a result, Dart fell short in this round in comparing Flutter and React Native’s ease of programming language use.

React Native Framework:

As one of the easiest languages to program in, JavaScript is widely used by everyone from website designers to software companies. Due to the enormous developer community using  JavaScript, tutorials abound. Combined with the pre-built modules, this framework is a great way to save time and money.

3. INSTALLATION

Flutter:

It is necessary to download the binary files for the platform you select from GitHub to install this framework. Adding the PATH variable is an additional step when installing macOS; the additional.zip file must be downloaded and added. The installation process for Flutter is also trickier and slower than that of React Native.

React Native:

The framework is easy to use when it comes to installation. If you have experience with JavaScript, Node package management will make installation seamless.

Both of these frameworks do not feature one-line installations or native package managers. Both frameworks are flawed in this regard. There is, however, one additional step to Flutter installation. As a result, we’ll always go with React Native over Flutter.

4. DEVELOPMENT PERIOD

Flutter:

What’s faster, Flutter or React Native? In this case, Flutter’s framework loses. Developers do not use or understand Dart as widely. Most people love the capabilities of this framework, but it does not support many text editors or IDEs, which leads to a longer development process.

React Native:

In a nutshell, Flutter and React Native differ primarily in their use of JavaScript. Several web developers and web designers find JavaScript to be easy and accessible. When it comes to development speed, there really is no comparison. React Native is clearly superior.

Conclusion

The mobile development industry is experiencing a transition period as we shift fast away from native applications and move towards developing cross-platform mobile applications. Cross-platform frameworks such as React Native and Flutter are rapidly becoming more popular. Flutter has slowly surpassed React Native in terms of early adoption as it came sooner.

You need to consider the project, the requirements, and your developers’ experience to choose between the two frameworks.

Auxano Global Services is a leading cross-platform app development company in the USA, having immense expertise in React Native and Flutter framework. Our dedicated app developers are inquisitive about the latest technological advancement to create futuristic mobile applications. Let’s hire dedicated offshore developers from our team and experience the faster development methodology.