Both React Native and Flutter are widely used frameworks by developers in the world. And both enable a developer to create mobile apps that run smoothly across multiple devices.
Since you have to choose from React Native vs Flutter framework to work with cross-platform app development, it becomes challenging to pick one. Because both of them have some pros and cons and we need to look into both frameworks to understand what can be best for our needs.
We will need to understand the difference in terms of performance, architecture, learning curve, community support, use case, and many other factors for comparing both.
React Native vs Flutter: A quick overview
React Native was started by the Facebook community and was open-sourced in 2015. On the other hand, Flutter was created by Google, which they are actively promoting since 2017. Similar to React Native, Flutter is also open-source. Both are competing with each other, yet, they have some differences you should be aware of.
These frameworks have been designed to enable developers to build cross-platform applications fast and responsive using a single programming language.
React Native already has a vast majority of users, but Flutter has also experienced a high adoption rate since 2017.
React Native And Flutter Comparison
Based on multiple factors like Language, Native components, learning curve, community support, etc., we have compared them both in this post.
So it may help you in choosing among the best that suits your needs.
Programming Language
React Native uses JavaScript, which is the most popular language when it comes to web development. And that is the reason why it is the most preferred language by the developers.
On the other hand, Flutter uses Dart, which is created by Google. Dart language is considered to be object-oriented. Dart resembles both JavaScript and Java in syntax, which makes it easy to learn the language for developers who already have some experience with JavaScript and C#.
Learning Curve
In terms of learning ease, React native holds the position on top compared to Flutter because React uses javascript, and developers are familiar with it.
Whereas, in the case of Flutter, which uses a new programming language, needs additional skills and efforts to learn it.
Popularity
When it comes to the cross-app development platform, both frameworks are pretty much widespread, almost equally. Both of them have substantial active community support, and both of them perform well in the market.
Since React Native is older than Flutter, it will have a bit larger community compared to Flutter, by Google.
Native Components
React Native has a massive library of essential elements that helps you in developing an app. React Native relies on third-party libraries, making it usually less convenient than having everything you need in one package.
Flutter has many libraries, navigations, testing tools, and an extensive set of widgets with standard device API access. And necessary UI rendering capabilities to create a professional and appealing User interface.
In some cases, Flutter also allows developers to use third-party libraries where it is necessary.
Community
React Native holds the first position when it comes to community and support. This framework is older than the Flutter, and the contributors are more active in comparison to flutter.
Although Flutter is gaining rapid growth since Google supports it, it will eventually chase down react native in the future.
Pros and cons of React Native and Flutter
React Native:
Pros-
- Offers the native functionalities
- Hot Reload feature is accessible
- Platform-specific code
- Allows Implementation of Native UI components
Cons-
- Offers the complex UI
- Non-seamless navigation
- JavaScript does not support decimals; it is one of the major drawbacks.
Flutter:
Pros-
- Utilizes the C++ rendering engine
- Offers the full set of widgets
- Its architecture is based on reactive programming
- Complete SDK
- The applications designed by Flutter supports Android, iOS, Windows, Mac.
Cons-
- Offers limited libraries
- Large application size Rely on native tools and technologies to build mobile applications
What are popular apps made with React Native?
- Walmart
- Bloomberg
- SoundCloud
- Wix
What are popular apps made with Flutter?
- Google Ads
- Tencent
- Alibaba
- eBay
- BMW
- Reflectly
Which one to choose?
In conclusion, Both React Native and Flutter are incredible frameworks offered by the Facebook community and Google. As we have seen above, both are very good at cross-platform app development.
When we compare both, Flutter loses some points because React Native uses JavaScript, which is used by devs worldwide, and Dart is a rarely used framework. So, above all, React Native might be the right choice for you.
Although if you want more customizable widgets that can be used for Android and iOS, the Flutter is good to go with.
