In the progressing landscape of mobile application development, there are endless choices. Amidst the vast array of options, two names have consistently stood out: Flutter and React Native. The competition between the two frameworks is nothing less than intense since their foundation. Sparking debates and discussions among developers worldwide, the feud still continues. There is no perfect answer to which is the best, flutter or react native? But this blog aims to explore the core differences between the two and which one would be leading in the coming years.
Which is the Best, Flutter or React Native? Investigating the Basics
The two principal and dominating frameworks used to develop cross platform applications are Flutter and React Native. Flutter, a software development kit was originally marketed by Google and now used by millions. Using Flutter, the app designers can build cross-platform applications for various different platforms and operating systems. React Native, on the other hand, is a mobile development framework released by Facebook. It has helped to develop mobile apps, web apps, and desktop apps. One of the most remarkable features of Flutter and React Native is that they both use a single codebase for developing mobile apps, or web and desktop apps. Some popular and successful apps powered by Flutter include Reflectly, Alibaba, and eBay. Applications fueled by React Native are our all-time favorite Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. If you still meditate on which is the best, Flutter or React Native? Read more to find the answer.
Which is the Best, Flutter or React Native? The Core Differences
Following are some of the basic factors to build upon the major comparisons between the two frameworks.
- Learning Curve
From a developer’s viewpoint, Flutter is uncomplicated and simpler to learn than React Native. React Native uses Java Script,which is the most popular programming language worldwide. However, it is far from being the friendliest programming language. Flutter is more developer friendly than React Native, as it uses Dart which is easier to work with and understand than JavaScript.
- Performance
The architecture of React Native requires a bridge that enables interaction between JavaScript and native user interface components. JSI allows for quicker synchronization and smoother performance, contributing to a more responsive user interface. Flutter does not rely on a bridge, and rather uses Impeller that can optimize GPU usage, enhance UI performance and efficiency. Flutter therefore leverages modern hardware for superior app experiences.
- Debugging
In React Native, debugging can be a problem, especially when an error originates in the native part such as a bug in JavaScript or from third-party libraries. Flipper, a debugger, works well to remove errors in apps built by React Native. Debugging is simpler in Flutter using tools used in app development in Android Studio and Visual Studio.
- Documentation
Although React Native is much older than Flutter, you will observe that documentation of Flutter is more developed, in-depth, and easy to navigate for developers. React Native’s documentation lacks topical organization and depth as provided by Flutter. Developers with different technical backgrounds and levels of experience can easily navigate their way through the Flutter framework.
- Cross-Platform Capacity
React Native offers great compatibility with numerous plugins and third-party libraries. It simplifies the development of cross-platform applications, allowing developers to integrate different functionalities quickly. Also, rapid improvements in the framework are improving the cross-platform developer experience. Newer versions of flutter promise better cross-platform development capability, letting developers share code between all compatible platforms.
Statistical Comparison Between Flutter & React Native
2024 continues to support the feud between the leading two frameworks. Statistical analysis reveals both the Flutter and React Native continue to maintain strong footholds in the mobile development landscape.
- Popularity Comparison
Surveys show that so far in 2024, Flutter holds a slight lead over React Native. Further reveals that former has a higher adoption rate, as 46% of developers prefer to use it over React Native which shows 35% utilization rate.
- Community Engagement
Flutter boasts 46,124 repositories, representing a robust and active developer base. React Native, while slightly lacking, still enjoys a significant presence with 40,942 repositories.
- Search Interest
Google data suggests that Flutter maintains a higher level of web search interest. React Native, on the other hand, secured a lower score indicating lower curiosity among developers. There is, however, a larger pool of developers exploring Flutter as a potential framework.
Flutter vs React Native, When to Use Them?
Both the technologies work well and offer the development of competitive apps. However, from a broader perspective, here is when to use either of the two technologies.
- Flutter works extremely well when you have a smaller budget and you need to release the product fast, while working on short deadlines. It is also really useful when you wish to have a pixel-perfect design and a great UI. Furthermore, when building a cross-platform app for desktop, mobile, car infotainment, Flutter works the best.
- React Native is particularly useful when you build a desktop or website app and wish to reuse the components for a mobile app. For using React Native, you must have a team of JavaScript familiar with your existing requirements.
Conclusion: Is Flutter Better than React Native?
For quite a time, React Native was considered better than Flutter, but now the latter has now gained greater popularity and community engagement. Flutter is now increasingly used by businesses and professional developers. To simply conclude the debate, whether React Native or Flutter, in skilled hands, both can be used to build great apps. Still, while making the right decision, you must look at both the technologies from a wider perspective than just simply comparing the technical benefits and drawbacks. The gentle learning curve of Flutter is an indispensable asset. When you require a project in urgency, Flutter’s documentation will definitely help. However, you must not ignore the fact that Dart, the programming language of flutter, is not very popular when compared to JavaScript, which is globally known. Connect to TechBridge Consultancy now and acquire the services of the best and experienced app developers skilled in both the programming frameworks.
