Intro

Are you planning on developing an application soon and unsure about which framework to choose to do so? This is a predicament that all developers find themselves in at the start of the process.

Two of the most sought-after UI software development kits on the market today are React Native and Flutter. One was created by Facebook and the other by Google. Both of which are prominent innovators in the game.

In this post, we're going to break down both of the development kits and give you a better idea of which one is right for you. From what they are and how they operate, to the pros and cons of each.

What Is React Native?

In simple terms, React Native is a mobile application framework that is based on JavaScript. It gives users the power to create apps for devices that operate on platforms such as iOS and Android using native UI elements.

React Native was first made available in 2015 by Facebook and has since been the first port of call for many developers when choosing a framework to create their applications. Some of the most popular are Uber Eats, Discord, Skype, and many more.

What’s React Native’s Performance Like?

When choosing a cross-platform mobile framework like React Native, you need to know the key aspects of its performance so you know what you're getting from it.

All in all, React Native's performance is superb. The framework is super fast, gives you a place to be creative when developing, and allows you to have the chance to include native code, which effectively improves the apps' performance.

There are some negative aspects to React Native's performance, the first being that it's formulated in two languages JavaScript and the second being Native. This can be a bit of a hindrance to those developing because if they want it to operate properly, they have to add some more interactions along with the native ones. Along with that, the app sizes that React Native develops are huge, which results in the developer having to be a bit more cautious when adding things like large images, as they can slow down the application.

Advantages Of Using React Native

• Cross platform - The code made with React Native can be used across both platforms: iOS and Android. This means that if you decide to create an app for iOS with a certain code, it can then be used on Android with little work. It makes the developer's life easier.
• Cost effective - When you develop code for your application with React Native, it can be reused, which saves you a lot of money since you don't have to develop two codes for the different platforms.
• Easy access - When using a team of developers, React Native gives users the option to save the work they've done and allows another creator to hop on and continue the work.
• App updates - React Native allows creators to update apps on both platforms at the same time and at lightning speed.

Disadvantages Of Using React Native

• Restrictive in terms of design - Unfortunately, React Native is limited when it comes to advanced designs on applications, so if you're planning on getting creative, it's probably best you look elsewhere.

• Known for debugging issues - Any app built with Java Script is known to be a little more difficult to debug. Unless you have extensive knowledge of how to do so, it may be a risk to get involved.

What Is Flutter?

Flutter is a UI framework that can be accessed by anybody for free. The software works with one code base, and with that, users can create fully functional mobile applications on both iOS and Android.

Flutter, which was released by Google in 2017, is based on the DART language, which is an object programming language that must be typed.Some well-known companies that use Flutter include Amazon, Toyota, Stream and much more.

What’s Flutter’s Performance Like?

The vast majority of developers who use Flutter rave about its performance. Its software is pretty easy to get used to, and when you do use it, you'll find it very hard to change over to something like React Native's.

From our research about Flutter's performance, we've found that any problems that arise are easily spotted by users because of the single code that Flutter operates on. Along with that, third parties are easily supported with the feature. Besides that, you have the DART, which is how the mobile apps are written. The code has a powerful base from a static analyzer to DART code metrics. They are highly beneficial when trying to maximise your applications' performance.

The downside to Flutter's performance is that they recommend users relax on using elements and widgets unless they need them. This may result in you having either a slow application if you avoid the advice, or an app that you don't really like the look of.

Advantages Of Using Flutter

• Hot reload - Flutter has a hot reload option that skips having to wait for code to compile and instead lets developers see the effects of the changes they've made.
• There’s no need collaborate with a native application - You can create the visuals you want for your app without the need to adjust the code to be platform specific.
• It’s rare you’ll experience any compatibility issues - Developers shouldn't have an issue with using widgets because they are a part of the application. As a result, any compatibility problems are a rarity.
• Easy to use for new developers - For anybody who has just entered the application development game, Flutter is the ideal option for them. There are tonnes of step-by-step files that you are given access to once you sign up that are available to show you how to get your app on the road.

Disadvantages Of Using Flutter

• DART isn’t well known - DART is one of the lesser known languages on the development scene. If you're not comfortable using it, you may have to outsource, and because it's not widely known, you'll have to pay more to get somebody to work for you.
• iOS support isn’t great - As we already spoke about, Flutter is a Google application, which means for issues with iOS, the support isn't that great.

So, Which Framework Should You Go For, React Native Or Flutter?

The two open source frameworks are two of the most popular out there. Choosing one will depend on your needs as a developer.

Flutter is easier to use for first-time developers because of the ability to outline any problems that may arise through the single code that the framework uses. DART also has a massive impact on how the applications are designed to perform. Tools like the DART code metrics can be useful for developers who aren't as familiar with application development.

React Native, on the other hand, is a game changer for those who are already familiar with JavaScript and are fully capable of using the NPM registry. With that, you need to factor in that a lot more people know JavaScript than DART, so if you need help with anything, you'll be able to find somebody within the click of a finger.

Summary

To conclude, both platforms are brilliant and have changed how apps will be developed forever. You'll come to a decision based on your needs as a developer and what you want to serve your users.