The Flutter framework is a new user interface (UI) framework launched by Google in 2018. It is a proprietary technology for developers to create applications for the main systems on the market, such as Android and iOS.
Despite being recent, Flutter has already gained space in the market, bringing several benefits. One of them is the possibility of development from a single code base. It is a great tool for anyone looking for new skills in promising and rising areas in the market.
If you still don't know this kind of framework, you're in the right place! In this article, we'll explain exactly what Flutter is, how it works, and its benefits.
Read on and find out!
Flutter is a UI framework focused on mobile devices, for those who use open source ( open source ). Its function is to support the creation of applications with native performance that use the same code base.
The Flutter framework uses a modern and reactive framework focused on developing apps for Android and iOS, but also works on desktop and other operating systems. The tool's programming language is Dart, a simple, goal-oriented model from Google, similar to Javascript.
Due to its excellent performance and rendering itself, Flutter does not need other native tools to create Views. With this, it allows the developer to use only one platform in projects for both iOS and Android.
The Flutter framework is based on a series of widgets for menus, layout, buttons and other elements. Dispensing with OEM widgets, the tool brings ready-to-use packages, but also allows you to create applications from scratch.
What are the benefits of the flutter framework?
Many companies use the Flutter framework thinking about the benefits it brings to the development of applications. Below, we separate some of these advantages for you to understand why you should join the tool with your team of developers. Check out:
1. No prior knowledge
The first point to be highlighted is the simplicity of development. As a tool that works on all operating systems, Flutter does not require specialized knowledge in programming for Android and/or iOS.
In this way, developers have an easier time creating, which even favors beginners without prior knowledge. Even non-programmers can use this framework to make applications due to the tool's intuitive features.
2. Facilitates customization
The Flutter framework has graphical functions that make it easy to securely create sophisticated and customized interfaces for. Virtually everything that appears on the screen can be customized, regardless of complexity. For that, it uses the Skia graphics engine, which has great performance and uses open-source code.
The advantage here is that any software updates do not interfere with custom layouts and designs on any of the operating systems. That's because there is little or no chance of failure, unlike what happens in other frameworks available on the market.
3. Reduces costs
As it eliminates the use of different platforms and creation tools, there is a clear reduction in the cost of developing applications. The very fact that the products created work on all operating systems already leads to a reduction in expenses because there is less need for development tools.
4. Increases productivity
Costs are also reduced due to better team productivity, which can deliver much more in less time. As it is a cross framework, developers use the same code base for both systems and do not need to make different versions of the applications.
The compilation was done to native code by Dart and the lack of OEM widgets facilitates communication between the application and the platform. The fact of providing reactive views without requiring Javascript also favors the startup time, making access to systems faster.
5. Decreases the number of interface updates
Thanks to the unification of creation for iOS and Android, the Flutter framework also reduces the number of updates to the interface systems. As it uses the same widgets, the new features have little impact on the aesthetics and style of the applications. This even helps to prolong the life of the platform.
6. Makes development more agile
In addition to all the points mentioned that favor development speed, the framework provides the hot reloaded function. This feature allows you to instantly view the changes made to the code, whether in emulators, simulators, or hardware.
In this way, any changes or tests performed are identified in less than a second, without the need to restart the system. Plus point to build interfaces, add features, and fix bugs and glitches! For the developer, an advantage is to pause projects and resume from the same point whenever they want.
7. Open source increases compatibility
The Flutter framework and its Dart language are open source technologies, which facilitate external queries. The fact of having widgets within the application itself also reduces compatibility problems, since there are fewer updates and it is independent of the operating system.
8. Has Google support and community support
Flutter users have a two-way support network, making development much more secure. First, Google itself, as the creator of the work-frame, keeps teams on hand for calls. Second, there is a community that keeps developers close.
Google contributors are ready to help bring quality and security to applications, as well as explain the documentation (available for free). The community, on the other hand, allows users to share experiences about solving problems and helping each other.
