The web development landscape is changing every day. Flutter is gaining a lot of popularity among the developer community, when a developer recommends app owners use Flutter for their website, they come with the question Is Flutter good for web development? so I’ll shed some light on this framework.
Flutter was introduced by Google in 2017, and is an open-source UI software development kit. It enables developers to build natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase.
The framework employs Dart, a statically typed programming language, and features a rich set of customizable widgets for crafting immersive user interfaces. Flutter's "hot reload" functionality allows for real-time code changes and instant updates, streamlining the development process and facilitating rapid iteration
According to Statista, Almost 46% of software developers used Flutter, according to a 2022 survey.
Flutter is an open-source framework, backed by Google. Most front-end and full-stack developers are using Flutter, to build app UI, for multiple platforms, with a single code base. Launched back in 2018, initially, it was created for mobile app development. Today, Flutter supports app development work on platforms such as iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
Today, Flutter has extended its features to cover the web, as well. This is a part of Flutter’s expansion strategy, to provide a unified framework for building apps across different platforms. Let us study the core features of Flutter, which makes it suitable for the development of web apps.
Flutter for Web allows developers to use a single codebase to create multiple applications for both mobile and web platforms. This reduces the complex nature of operations and development time, as well.
It has a widget-centric approach, which enables the creation of visually appealing and interactive web apps.
You can expect a smooth performance while using Flutter for the web. It provides a responsive user experience while making use of technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Flutter is a cross-platform UI toolkit, which facilitates code reuse. You can use the same codes, once generated across multiple platforms like iOS and Android. This helps developers to deliver unique and high-quality apps that look natural on all sorts of platforms.
It has successfully covered the gap between mobile apps and web apps. When you utilize the power of Flutter for the web, you get a unified and efficient workflow system, which is more realistic than others.
To understand why Flutter can be a good option against other web app frameworks available in the market, you must read through the features.
When you use Flutter for any sort of development, you only invest in a single code base. Thus, it makes it convenient for you to share it across different browsers and platforms. It helps in faster processes and releases in the market.
There are different kinds of features that facilitate swift upgrades and faster development. The outcomes are quicker when you use Flutter for the web.
You can easily access device-dependent features, when you use Flutter for the web. You can also extend the functionality of the application, with the app plugins. It also allows you to streamline the functionality of the device hardware components like the camera, mic, geolocation sensors, and so on.
There is a huge ecosystem with tools available easily online. The libraries are brimming with such offerings that makes working with Flutter, a dream for developers. The ecosystem supports all your developmental needs.
This is another positive aspect of Flutter. There is a strong community backing it. So, whenever you need answers to your queries, you can fall back on this ever-expanding community.
You can get access to pre-built widgets, and other support tools for the UI creation. Thus, delivering an aesthetic quality to the app.
With Flutter on the web, you can create three different apps with one code base. Thus, as a client using Flutter, you do not have to look for three different vendors and then allow them to collaborate. You also do not need to duplicate. In this manner, Flutter reduces development costs.
If you are thinking about both the cost and time, then Flutter is the best choice. You can develop an operational web app in a few weeks. After the app business you were aiming for is settled, you can also go for further expansion. One such example is Airbnb, which has used Flutter.
It is easy to maintain the app on Flutter, just like its ease of development. You do not need three separate teams to work on it.
Flutter is perfect for all those, who are looking for embedded interactive experiences. It is a UI framework that can provide app-like services on websites. There it is the apt solution for progressive web apps, single-page apps, and also enhanced Flutter mobile apps.
You can showcase your MVP to investors, by using Flutter. These are basically the first versions of an app with the most basic features. This provides the ideal foundation for tests and also helps collect feedback. Additionally, the developers do not need separate backends for simple MVPs, due to their compatibility features.
If you are looking to build a mobile app and a web app at the same time, then Flutter can be the best option for you. Its single codebase saves both time and money.
Challenge: Flutter for web is still relatively new and evolving, meaning the ecosystem of available libraries and packages might be limited compared to established web frameworks. This can restrict functionalities and require workarounds.
Solution: Carefully evaluate existing libraries to see if they meet your needs. Consider using well-maintained and frequently updated packages. If a crucial package is missing, explore alternative approaches or potentially contribute to the package's development.
Challenge: Not all native Flutter functionalities translate seamlessly to the web. Features like SEO (Search Engine Optimization), progressive web apps (PWAs), and server-side rendering might require additional effort or external libraries.
Solution: Utilize libraries like url_launcher for handling deep links and universal_platform for platform detection. Thoroughly research and implement necessary workarounds or external plugins to achieve web-specific functionalities.
Challenge: As a relatively new technology, Flutter for web might encounter compatibility issues with older browsers or specific devices. This can lead to unexpected behavior and hinder user experience.
Solution: Rigorously test your web app across various browsers and devices to identify and address compatibility problems. Utilize browser developer tools and adapt your code to ensure smooth functionality across different platforms.
Challenge: Debugging a Flutter web app can be more challenging than its mobile counterparts. Flutter's built-in debugging tools might not fully translate to the web environment, making it difficult to pinpoint and fix issues.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with web-specific debugging techniques and utilize browser developer tools effectively. Conduct thorough testing across different browsers and devices to catch and resolve bugs before deployment.
Challenge: Adapting a mobile-centric UI and user interactions to the web can be complex. Touchscreen-oriented design elements and animations might need adjustments for mouse and keyboard interactions on desktops.
Solution: Employ conditional code or platform-specific widgets to tailor the UI and user experience for web users. Follow web design best practices and consider using platform-agnostic UI components whenever possible.
There are many companies that are utilizing the advantages of flutter, some of the famous companies using it are:BMW, Dream11,Kijiji, Google Play and others.
Several renowned companies have embraced Flutter for their web projects, leveraging its benefits to deliver exceptional user experiences. Among them are BMW, Dream11, Kijiji, Google Play and others. These industry leaders have recognized Flutter's capabilities in creating visually stunning and responsive web applications, enhancing their brand presence and engagement with users. With its cross-platform compatibility and efficient development workflow, Flutter continues to empower businesses to innovate and thrive in the digital landscape.
Absolutely! When considering whether to use Flutter for web development, it's essential to evaluate your unique needs and goals. Flutter presents a myriad of opportunities, particularly for startups and businesses in the early stages of development. Its ease of use makes it ideal for quickly bringing minimum viable products (MVPs) to market, enabling you to test your ideas efficiently.
The flexibility of the Dart programming language enhances the quality of your digital products, while Flutter's cross-platform capabilities streamline app development across various platforms.
This not only accelerates time-to-market but also increases the visibility of your products and services. However, it's crucial to note that Flutter may not be suitable for text-heavy or static websites. Therefore, thorough research and consultation with industry experts are imperative before making a decision. Ultimately, Flutter can be a powerful tool for realizing your vision and achieving success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
If you're developing an app with Flutter but lack in-house expertise, hiring developers for your project is a prudent option. Remote hiring allows access to skilled developers globally, and outsourcing to a development team can streamline project management. This approach ensures your project benefits from specialized expertise while maintaining flexibility and scalability. Whether for short-term tasks or long-term collaboration, leveraging external talent can expedite development and enhance the quality of your Flutter application.
Thus, you can say that Flutter is competent enough in multiple scenarios. It does make a strong option for web development. It offers a unique blend of efficiency, flexibility, and innovativeness. For businesses that are looking for a web development project, you are on the right track with Flutter.
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