Both React Native and Flutter have been dominating the app development market over the last few years, and finding a winner between React Native vs. Flutter might be a very tough task. But how does Flutter vs React Native look right now in 2022? Is there a change in which framework looks dominant and which one loses its positive?
In this article, we will see which is better, Flutter or React Native, and go through some of the reasons behind their popularity.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is a new way to build native apps for multiple platforms without being an expert in each platform’s language and SDK. Flutter uses the latest advances in programming languages to deliver on the promise of effective mobile app development, incredible design, and substantial time savings.
What is React Native?
React Native is an extension of Meta’s popular React JavaScript framework. Like React, it builds user interfaces for apps, but in this case, those apps run on smartphones instead of browsers. Because its underlying technology comes from Meta and its open source community of developers, it enjoys a considerable head start over other cross-platform app frameworks.
So, Flutter vs. React Native comparison would be interesting. Let’s go.
React Native vs. Flutter
Finding out which one comes out on top is hard. They’re both equally impressive for creating mobile apps, so let’s find out by category.
Performance
There’s a good side and a wrong side to both React Native and Flutter. It’s important to find out what will work well with your individual app based on the purpose of your app, the technology you know, and how much you want to spend.
The main difference between Flutter and React Native is that Flutter takes a single codebase for Android, iOS, and web apps. At the same time, React Native relies on two different codebases for cross-platform development.
Popularity
Flutter vs. React Native popularity is another interesting topic to discuss. While React Native has been the go-to choice for many years in the past, nowadays, it is not the same. Both frameworks are going toe to toe.
In fact, for native performance, Flutter is gaining an edge over React Native but still, React Native is a reliable framework for those who want stability and high-quality output!
Documentation
Both Flutter and React Native has extensive, easy-to-use documentation that covers nearly any aspect of development. Also, each library has several third-party components that help you extend your apps and websites to a large extent.
As both JavaScript and Dart are open-source frameworks, people contribute to those projects all the time. Still, Flutter has the upper hand in native documentation, while React Native relies on many 3rd party sources since it has been popular for a long time now.
Compatibility with devices
Flutter is available on both iOS and Android devices, like React Native. However, as Google’s own mobile app development framework, Flutter is still more compatible with older phones than React Native. This means it can be used to create applications for a broader range of Android and Apple-based hardware.
But we have to admit React Native offers more than enough support for older devices, as it can go down to Android 4.4 and iOS 11.
Why you should pick Flutter over React Native
Debugging and profiling are essential. Without proper tools and support, it’s hard to know why something isn’t working correctly. Google provides Flutter with source maps for the Dart language, which helps developers figure out where problems originate from.
Setting up your environment for React Native is generally more challenging than Flutter. With the development of hot module replacement, fast refresh has been improved in React Native, and it now works as well as Flutter’s hot reload, but still, it’s not just as good.
Summary
React Native vs. Flutter: again, where to begin? It depends entirely on what you’d like to accomplish and the kind of end result you’d like your customers to see. If you’re looking for something simple and easy that caters more to MVP development, then React Native is a great option. If you want something robust with many native and web elements, then Flutter may be suitable for your project.
Also Read: Why ReactJS Has Gained The Spotlight Amongst Developers
