Flutter Alternatives for Cross-Platform Development

Cross-platform is one of the top trends in the software development field. This is due to the wide range of benefits cross-platform development offers developers and businesses at large. In fact, most organizations are adopting cross-platform development practices to cut costs, reach a wider audience, and accelerate the development speed to gain a competitive advantage.

We have tools and frameworks that make cross-platform development a smooth and quick process, with Flutter being among the top lists of the most preferred cross-platform frameworks. The question is, are there any other good cross-platform frameworks apart from Flutter? And why would a developer opt for the Flutter alternative when developing cross-platform apps? This guide covers the best Flutter alternatives that will equally simplify the development process and cut the overall costs.

Cross-platform overview

Cross-platform development is the process of building an app or software solution that can run seamlessly on different operating systems. Users with different devices can access and enjoy the features and functionalities of solutions built through cross-platform development.

Flutter as a cross-platform development framework

Created by Google, Flutter is an open-source framework used by developers to create software solutions for applications that can run on different platforms using a single codebase.

Why use Flutter for cross-platform development? Top benefits of Flutter

When compared to other cross-platform frameworks, Flutter has unique features that make it stand out. Some of the top reasons why Flutter is the best framework for cross-platform development, benefiting both businesses and development teams, include:

• Seamless development process

Flutter gives developers an easy time throughout the development process. Developers use the same codebase when creating an app for different operating systems, thus simplifying the process and creating a smooth working environment. What’s more, Flutter has hot restart and hot reload functionalities, which allow developers to implement real-time updates without restarting the app. As a result, it accelerates the development process while simplifying most of the complex tasks for developers.

• Better performance

Performance is a key aspect of app development. While users keep on searching for speedy-performing apps, developers are searching for tech solutions that enhance the development of high-performing applications, and Flutter is one framework that enhances the development of high-performing apps.

This is because Flutter is a mobile SDK without a webview or JavaScript bridge required for connecting apps and platforms. That is why developers using Flutter can produce apps that perform better with intuitive features.

• Widgets & compatibility

Widgets are the building blocks that make up the entire app. We have widgets that can be customized and the ones that are ready made. In Flutter development, developers can customize different functionalities from widgets. Widgets, being part of the entire app and not platform-specific, make the end product to be compatible with different operating systems and platforms.

• Open source with a supportive community

Flutter, being an open-source framework makes it free to use. Although it is still a growing framework, it has a supportive community that is growing day by day. Its remarkable documentation makes it easy for developers to troubleshoot issues during the development process.

Above all, there are Flutter learning resources including YouTube videos and extensive blogs for Flutter beginners and for developers who want to polish their Flutter development skills.

• More than just mobile

With Flutter, developers can produce apps that can work seamlessly not only on mobile but also on TV, desktop, and web apps. However, some of these features and functionalities are still in the advancement stages but will transform the Flutter framework significantly. With most companies embracing IoT, Flutter is the best framework in such instances.

• Faster Time-to-Market

Another reason making Flutter stands out as the best cross-platform framework is the faster time-to-market process.

Flutter boasts a wide range of features that accelerate the development process, making it easy to release the product to the market faster in a timely manner.

Again, since Flutter uses a single codebase for different platforms, it reduces the overall development period. By using the same code base for different platforms, Flutter enables developers to focus on finalizing the development process instead of writing different codes for different platforms, which can be a technical process that takes more time.

• Reduced Testing Process

As a leading cross-platform framework, Flutter has a streamlined testing process. With a single codebase for iOS and Android platforms, Flutter eliminates the need to test different platforms separately, thus speeding up the testing process.

This is contrary to the traditional development strategies where testing is performed for each platform. While Flutter reduces the testing time significantly, it also reduces the chances of platform-specific issues arising once the product is released.

By embracing Flutter testing approaches, developers can release features and functionalities faster at reduced costs while ensuring better user experience across different platforms.

• Brand consistency

For developers or business owners who want to maintain app consistency across different devices, Flutter is the ideal framework here. Flutter has a consistent UI and the same business logic for all platforms. This is because Flutter uses a single codebase to leverage all the functionalities of different operating systems.

This makes the whole development process smooth while ensuring the user experience is the same across different platforms.

• Hot Reload Feature

The hot reload feature is one notable benefit of Flutter in the development process. The feature allows developers to review and update changes in real time without having to start the whole process again.

As a result, hot reload speeds up the development process by enabling developers to iterate, perform testing, and tailor the code to align with business goals and user needs.

This, in turn, enhances productivity by allowing developers to identify & address issues in a timely manner.

Why use another cross-platform framework and not Flutter? Top challenges of using Flutter

While Flutter offers many benefits both business-wise and development process, it has a set of challenges that could make a developer search for a Flutter alternative. Below are some of the disadvantages of using Flutter for cross-platform development:

• No native widgets

Although it is an advantage for Flutter not to use native widgets, it is also a drawback to some extent. Here is the reason:

If you are creating an app with Flutter and then it happens that a new version of Android or iOS is launched, you cannot upgrade the app to the new UI elements.

• Larger App Size

Applications built with Flutter are always large. This is a disadvantage to users who want to use the app, but have limited storage capacity in their devices.

• Learning Curve

To use Flutter, a developer must have a deeper understanding of the Dart programming language. This limits developers who aren’t proficient with the Dart programming language used by Flutter.

In essence, many developers are experts on Swift/Objective-C used for iOS and Java/Kotlin for Android. Therefore, learning and adopting the Dart programming language becomes a challenge and requires a lot of time in such a scenario.

• Community and talent pool

Flutter is a relatively new framework but growing. However, it has a smaller support community compared to other frameworks in the same category.

As a client looking for an expert Flutter developer, it can be a challenge and time consuming finding an expert Flutter developer. Again, flutter developers also find it a challenge, especially when troubleshooting common issues during development. This is because of the limited resources and access to an active, supportive, and professional community.

• Limited third-party libraries

When compared to its counterpart, React Native, Flutter is not as extensive. As a result, developers may be forced to build specific features and functionalities from scratch to achieve some processes. The process can be complex and take a lot of time.

Flutter alternatives for cross-platform development

With the above set of challenges, developers and even business owners may have to opt for another cross-platform framework. Below are some of the best Flutter alternatives for cross-platform development:

• NativeScript

NativeScript is a reliable cross-platform framework that helps developers develop apps for Vision Pro, Android, iOS, and Web using a single codebase. Therefore, a web developer using Vue.js or Angular will find NativeScript the ideal framework.

When it comes to performance, NativeScript performs just like Flutter. They offer seamless speed without any issues arising. However, the difference between Flutter and NativeScript is that NativeScript supports MCC or MVVM architecture patterns, while Flutter goes with a layered architecture with individual libraries for modularization.

Compared to community support, Flutter benefits a lot from its supportive community, however small it is as it grows. In any case, NativeScript takes the NativeScript-Vue plugin advantage to get benefits from the community.

Features of NativeScript

Hot module replacement: This allows you to update your app code during development without restarting the entire app. It also applies the changes dynamically, making developers’ lives easier.

• MVC or MVVM architectural pattern – NativeScript supports both MVVM or MVC architectural patterns which makes it easy to organize, maintain, and test the code.
• Typescript development experience – NativeScript framework offers direct API access to JavaScript runtime with solid types for seamless cross-platform development.
• Flavors – NativeScript is compatible with different JavaScript frameworks called Flavors, including Svelte, React, Vue, Angular, and plain JavaScript or TypeScript.

Advantages of NativeScript

• Offers a direct connection to native APIs, which enhances performance
• Promotes consistency across different platforms by leveraging UI components
• Easy to learn and master
• Gives developers the flexibility of using their framework of choice since NativeScript supports Vue.js and Angular.
• Allows tech stack flexibility. Developers can use Vue.js, Angular, TypeScript, or JavaScript. This flexibility allows the teams to use the existing skills to accelerate the development process.
• NativeScript is an open-source framework and a part of the OpenJS foundation, which ensures projects are completed successfully.

NativeScript disadvantages

• Limited third-party plugins
• A small, supportive community
• Only limited to projects that allow native performance and access to device features because developers rely on NativeScript libraries.

• ASP.NET Core

ASP.NET Core is another reliable Flutter alternative. Developed by Microsoft, ASP.NET is an open-source framework that helps developers develop cloud-based and modern apps for Linux, Mac, and Windows. Web developers with a better understanding of C# programming language will find ASP.NET a reliable cross-platform framework option.

One thing about this ASP.NET framework is that it supports different programming languages, unlike Flutter, which relies only on the Dart programming language.

While Flutter tops in cross-platform development of mobile apps, ASP.NET leads in APIs and web development.

When it comes to performance, both Flutter and ASP.NET perform well. Flutter offers an unmatched speed, thanks to its AOT – Ahead of Time and Dart VM. ASP.NET, on the other hand, performs well thanks to its reliable Kestrel web server and lightweight nature.

Features of ASP.NET framework

• Offers better data protection API for safeguarding confidential information like cookies, tokens, and user details.
• Its modular design enables developers to include only relevant packages for an app, thus enhancing performance and cutting down on costs.
• It is a lightweight cross-platform framework that enhances high-performance thanks to its Kestrel Web Server.
• Easy to build web server interface using an organized code

Benefits of ASP.NET framework

• Wider audience reach since the framework allows native integration with Azure. As a result, many users can access the app without changing the code.
• Has a wide and solid ecosystem, giving developers access to NuGet packages and .NET libraries.
• Offers better IDE experience which enhances the design and programming processes, thanks to its Visual Studio feature.

Challenges of ASP.NET

• It is limited only to web apps.

Note: if developing an app that requires cloud services integration, ASP.NET is the ideal framework.

• React Native

Again, if Flutter is not an option, React Native can be a great alternative. Developed by Facebook, React Native is an open-source, cross-platform framework that uses the same codebase in JavaScript development.

With the same code, developers using React Native can seamlessly build apps for Android and iOS platforms.

Features of React Native

• Cross-Platform development – Developers can use React Native to create applications that operate on both iOS and Android devices using a single codebase without issues.
• Reusable Components – React Native’s modular mode allows the breaking down of bigger components into smaller reusable ones. This creates an organized and easy-to-maintain codebase.
• Declarative Syntax – this feature allows developers to determine the overview of UI according to the current state of an app. This creates a simplified development environment which enhances code reading.
• Hot Reloading – just like Flutter, React Native allows developers to review and make real-time updates without restarting the entire process.
• Access to Native Modules – React Native allows custom native modules integration when the functionality isn’t available in JavaScript. This allows developers to connect native code with JavaScript.

Benefits of React Native

• Native rendering helps developers create a native-like UI using an extensive library of ready-made components. This gives React Native apps a look and feel native.
• The reliable and large community support helps developers determine reliable solutions when troubleshooting issues during development.
• React Native delivers excellent performance, thanks to its native components, which accelerates the development process and overall performance of an app.
• Consistent User Experience – just like Flutter, React Native enhances UI consistency across different devices, thus enhancing user satisfaction and overall experience.
• One more thing: React Native, just like Flutter, cuts down on overall development costs by using a single codebase for different platforms.

Disadvantages of React Native

• Compatibility and debugging issues
• Requires developers with native development skills
• Poor memory management
• Not ideal for complex interfaces

In a nutshell, React Native is a reliable Flutter alternative thanks to its impressive performance, professional community support, native rendering capabilities, and popularity. Many developers use React Native for Android and iOS development due to its versatility.

Ionic Framework

Ionic is another remarkable Flutter alternative. With CSS, HTML, and JavaScript web technologies and a reliable toolset, Ionic allows developers to create hybrid mobile apps thanks to its cross-platform compatibility and code-sharing features that allow seamless development of high-performing apps. Apps built with Ionic can run perfectly on web, Android, and iOS apps.

Features of Ionic

• Cross-Platform Compatibility – this is the obvious feature. Just like Flutter, Ionic enables developers to use the same codebase to create apps that can perform seamlessly across different platforms.
• Intuitive User Interface – Ionic comes packed with pre-designed UI components, including navigation patterns, forms, lists, and buttons. These ready-made components not only simplify developer’s work but also enable developers to customize them and produce impressive interfaces.
• Extensive Plugin Ecosystem – Ionic framework boasts an extensive plugins and extensions ecosystem. This helps developers access valuable native features, which improves the app’s features and functionalities.
• Angular compatibility – Ionic integrates seamlessly with Angular, a JavaScript framework, to enable developers to create rich-in-feature apps. What’s more, Angular integration with Ionic makes the development process smooth while giving the development team ultimate flexibility.
• Live Reload & Debugging – This Ionic feature helps developers review and implement code changes in real-time without restarting the entire process. This is advantageous because the teams can identify and fix issues in real-time while speeding up the development process.

Benefits of Ionic

• Accelerated development process, thanks to the pre-designed UI components and code sharing
• Easy to learn and use. A developer with the popular JavaScript, CSS, and HTML technologies can easily adapt to Ionic.
• TypeScript and Angular compatibility give developers flexibility in integrating features into an app.
• Access to native plugins
• PWA – progressive web app support
• Easy to maintain and update

Ionic challenges or drawbacks

• Unclear error messages make debugging complex
• Instability with native plugins can lead to compatibility issues
• Apps built with Ionic are prone to crashes

• Xamarin

Finally, we couldn’t close the list of Flutter alternatives without mentioning Xamarin. Developers with C# knowledge and skills searching for Flutter alternatives can use Xamarin without a doubt.

Xamarin is a cross-platform framework developed by Microsoft to enable developers to create apps for Windows, Android, and iOS devices, of course using a single codebase with C# programming language.

One unique element about Xamarin is the easy integration with APIs and .NET libraries, which accelerates and simplifies the development process.

Features of Xamarin

• Forms – This includes the UI toolkit that makes it possible to create a single codebase for cross-platform apps
• Single Codebase – Developers can use the code across Windows, Android, and iOS platforms
• Native APIs access – With Xamarin, developers can access native features and APIs for respective platforms.
• Native Performance – Xamarin allows developers to create apps that are similar to those apps developed via platform-specific languages.
• Visual Studio integration, which simplifies the development, testing, and debugging processes.
• Code reusability
• Azure integration for cloud services

Xamarin benefits

• Reliable support systems with extensive resources that help developers troubleshoot issues during app development processes
• Pre-built UI components and the wide range of tools from Xamarin help developers create intuitive user interfaces faster.
• Developers maintain consistency across platforms, thanks to Xamarin.Forms
• Better performance, thanks to native UI components

Drawbacks of Xamarin

• Developers are limited to the Xamarin environment since they cannot create reusable components outside of Xamarin.
• Xamarin produces apps with larger sizes, which limits some users with limited storage capacity.
• Xamarin is costly

Factors to consider when choosing a Flutter cross-platform framework alternative

Having discussed the top Flutter alternatives, it is evident that different cross-platforms have their pros as well as cons.

To help you choose a reliable cross-platform framework instead of Flutter, use the tips below:

• Target Platforms

Think of the platforms your app needs to support and that using Flutter isn’t an option. Do you need an app that supports Windows, iOS, or Android, among other platforms? Once you define the platform you want, go for a framework that is the best Flutter alternative.

• Performance

Depending on the nature of your app, will the Flutter alternative help you optimize performance and achieve your goals? Think of the framework’s capacity to deliver seamless performance.

• App Complexity

Most cross-platform frameworks will work best with simple apps with basic functionalities. However, huge and complex apps that require a lot of features and functionalities integration may require specific frameworks over others. Therefore, once you understand the dynamics and requirements of the final app, choose a framework that will deliver all the features and functionalities in a seamless manner.

• Developer Expertise

Before you choose Flutter’s alternative, another key aspect you need to weigh is the capability of your development team t use a specific framework.

• Community and Support

How well will the development team troubleshoot issues and access resources during the development process? This is one concern you cannot overlook when choosing a Flutter alternative.

• Desired User Experience (UX)

What do you want your UX to look like? Is it a web-oriented experience or a native-like experience? Before you choose the Flutter alternative, always define the UI components needed for an app.

Conclusion

In cross-platform development, there is no doubt that Flutter is a good framework, and many developers prefer it when building apps for Android and iOS devices. Its single codebase, UI consistency, and improved performance are among the top reasons making Flutter stand out as the best cross-platform development framework.

However, depending on some elements and considerations about the app, Flutter might not be the ideal framework, and that is when you can weigh and evaluate Flutter framework alternatives, which include NativeScript and ASP.NEW, React Native, Ionic, and Xamarin. All these frameworks have distinct features, benefits, and drawbacks. That is why you must evaluate one after the other before settling on your ideal cross-platform framework for a successful app development process.

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