Flutter vs React Native: Which One to Choose in 2020?

For the last few years, Cross-platform app development has become immensely popular in the developer community. They love the support, structure, tools, and technologies provided by platforms. Apart from that cross platforms allow single codebase for multiple platforms(iOS, Android, etc.) which decreases mobile app development time.

Today in this article, we are going to discuss the leading cross-platform frameworks that have become famous among developers as well as businesses who are looking for faster ways to build the app.

We are going to talk about a much-debated topic React Native vs Flutter. We will go through some points and know where React native is still better and where Flutter outmaneuver its nemesis.

Let’s get started and decide which one should be used for a particular app requirement.

Flutter Vs React Native: When did they come?

React Native is the result of Facebook’s internal project. In January 2015 the react Native 1 preview was released.

It was March 2015, when React Native’s official release was announced and was available in GitHub for use. Hence. React Native is quite mature.

Flutter is Google’s answer to Facebook. Flutter’s beta version was launched in February 2018 for initial testing. later, flutter had also released it’s Beta version 2 and 3 before its final stable release in December 2018.

As compared to React Native, Flutter is less matured and less stable. The reason is that React Native has had enough time for stabilizing the APIs and solve any issues.

Flutter vs React Native: Programming Languages

Since we are discussing these top frameworks, we can not miss out the languages on which they are built. So, React Native works on Javascript, whereas, Flutter works in Dart.

We all know javascript has been the most popular and liked language among developers. In fact, GitHub has declared it one of the most used programming languages.

On the other hand, Dart is the New language introduced by Google. And is known among Google’s Ecosystem. Gradually the language is gaining awareness among coders because it is easy to learn and understand.

Flutter vs React Native: Performance

As far as the performance is concerned, Flutter takes a leading-edge compared to each React Native.

React Native need Javascript bridge to communicate with native elements. Whereas Flutter’s dart compiles its code faster than Javascript’s V8 engine. So it can support animations at 60 to 120fps on device that supports it.

React Native architecture works on two parts: Js Language and Native. Initially, an app works with Js. However, when it needs to interact with the device it needs a bridge. The bridge aids JS variable to communicate with native ones.

That is why it becomes slow when it comes to animations. In the same situation, flutter does not need a bridge to communicate with native components. So it is much faster than react native.

React Native vs Flutter: UI components

Flutter has its own set of UI components. So instead of using OS’s native components, flutter provides flexibility in using components. Its UI components include; material widgets for Android, Cupertino for iOS, and other platform-independent widgets.

The widget has fair compatibility with OS’s components. So flutter apps look great whether its old OS or up-to-date OS.

On the flip side, React Native has to be dependent on the OS’s native UI components. So when an update in the OS comes, the components will be updated as well.

If programmers want the app to look perfect on various platforms, they have to go for third party libraries.

React Native vs Flutter: Documentation

React Native’s documentation, unfortunately, is still boring and not properly curated irrespective of open-source structure and the larger community.

Google, on the contrary, has always been the best in providing immaculate documentation whether it is Angular, Golang, or Flutter, the documentation is clearly described and understandable.

Flutter vs React Native: Community And Popularity

Since React- native was released back in 2015, there are lots of big companies that have preferred for making their app.

Popular companies like Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Bloomberg, Airbnb, and SoundCloud have built their mobile application to React native.

Whereas, Flutter was a late entry in the cross-platform app development. But it attracted big brands like Alibaba, Tencent, Gooogle analytics, Dream 11, Reflecty, Xianyu, and more.

React NativeFlutter
GitHub stars(December 2019)83,200 81,200
Number of students on udemy3,13,0662,54,308
Question- Stack Overflow21,19356,656

Flutter vs React Native: OverView

FlutterReact Native
Official releaseDecember 2018March 2015
Made byGoogleFacebook
Open source and freeYesYes
Programing LanguageDart Javascript
Hot ReloadYesYes
Popularity81,200 Stars Github(December 2019)83,200 stars on Github(December 2019)
Native PerformanceExtraordinaryGreat
User Interface (UI)Apps look decent on an up-to-date operating system as they do in older versions.Components behave the same as native ones
Popular AppsXianyu, Tencent, Dream 11, Google AdInstagram, Facebook, Facebook Ads, Skype, Tesla
AdvantagesGrowing community and popular rich widgets Faster development; Hence less time to market clear DocumentationStablePopular apps use it Many tutorial & libraries for faster development easy to learn Vast community

Conclusion:

An increasing trend in mobile app development has forced developers to use such kind of effective frameworks. Those who want their app to be launched as soon as possible on both the platforms, Flutter and React Native could be the best option.

The third-party libraries and ready to use components have reduced the development time. They cut the project cost too. So if you are a startup or a business owner who want to digitize your business then Flutter or react Native could be the best option for it.

If we compare both platforms for app development- you can go for flutter app development if you want to build MVP for a project to show your investor. If you want to build your app’s GUI using native UI components, then choose React Native.

What are your views on this? Feel free to post your opinion about these two amazing platforms.

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