Flutter For Web App Development: Benefits, Threats, And Applications

• Flutter
• Web App Development

Where web app development is racing with time today to bring forward the best of web apps and more, one of the frameworks that is gaining traction among developers is Flutter for web app development.

This brainchild of Google is allowing developers to build codebases that run across different platforms, with stunning infographics and user ease. If you are a web developer vying to dominate the current web dev market, you might wish to switch to Flutter for your web app development ideas.

Like every coin has two sides, Flutter too, has many aspects that developers need to understand well before diving into it fully. If you are a Flutter enthusiast, then you’ve clicked on the right blog. Read ahead to learn more about Flutter web app development, exploring its benefits, potential drawbacks, and on the more exciting side – the ideas it gives life to!

Flutter For Web App Development: The Benefits

Cross-platform web app development is the holy grail for many web developers today- having one codebase to function stunningly in multiple devices is like winning a Champions’ trophy for web developers.

Enter Flutter – Google’s software kit that can be used to build Android and iOS apps, which has more than 100,000 apps out in the market already. Heard about Google’s AdSense? Well, that’s Flutter for you!

While native app development solutions have their own advantages, Flutter has more appeal for start-up founders looking to build apps that work well in streamlined ways. Some of them are:

Efficient Web App Development Process:

As a framework dedicated to building well-performing cross-platform apps, Flutter has a very efficient web app development process that leads to bringing together stunning visuals as well as smooth User Interface in an organized manner.

While some native frameworks too have a few similar features as in Flutter, their development process is way slower. Features like ‘hot restart’ and ‘hot reload’ make Flutter an ideal choice for web app development.

Hot Reload Feature:

While Flutter allows developers free reign to build a codebase that functions on different platforms swimmingly, as a developer, there are always things and features that you wish to enhance or strengthen. In this case, your code is changed multiple times.

In such regard, Flutter has the ‘Hot Reload’ option, that allows all your changes to load up in your web app in real-time. This makes the development process way smoother and shorter as well.

High Performance:

Flutter is perhaps one of the only mobile apps that can perform at the level of native web development frameworks. Considering that Flutter is the only mobile SDK (software development kit) that doesn’t use a bridge (like Webview), it renders a faster-starting app.

Along with the fact that it has its own rendering engine to translate the most pixel-perfect and native looking user interface that wholly elevates the user experience.

Progressive Web App (PWAs):

You can also use Flutter to build web apps for app-like functionalities while being offline, including push notifications.

This goes on to blur the differences between web and mobile, thus reaching a wider target, and gives you the leverage to gain more insight into customer usage of the features regarding both online and offline capabilities of your app.

Potential Challenges: Threats of Using Flutter For Web App Development

While Flutter definitely comes with its own framework that promises better run across platforms and better accessibility, it isn’t without a few challenges as well. Some of them are:

Relatively Newer Framework:

Flutter is still a relatively newer framework as compared to the older ones, so there is always constant development that is going on. Depending on if your ideas are edgy, Flutter may or may not be able to encompass it completely.

But not to worry, there’s always a chance for better features in the future.

Lack of Native Widgets:

The fact that Flutter doesn’t use Native widgets is always projected as a benefit, but it also has drawbacks too. Suppose there is a new version of iOS or Android that is launched- your app may not update to the latest changes in the User Interface.

Lack of seasoned Flutter Developers:

Since it is a relatively newer framework, there is a dearth of people who are technological experts in Flutter. For a company that wants to build apps based on the Flutter framework, there is a lack of experienced Flutter web app developers in the market- though that is quite prone to change in the near future.

Limited Browser Compatibility:

Though Flutter appears as one of the dominant players in the web app development arena, it is also prone to have compatibility issues with the older browsers. While compatibility with the newer browsers doesn’t seem like a problem for Flutter based web apps, ensuring the same across the board is a definite challenge.

Applications Of Flutter in Web App Development

Despite all the noise around web app development using Flutter, the framework has proven its worth in various apps around the world. While there are less number of developers that are currently engaged in this field, this is about to change shortly.

Some cases where Flutter web app development found its applications are:

Existing Flutter Mobile Apps

Suppose you already have an existing Flutter mobile application, it is now even easier to translate it into a web-based application, by reusing the code. This also reduces development costs significantly.

Single-Page Applications (SPAs)

If you’re looking to build dynamic user experience focused apps that are single-page applications, Flutter is one of your best bets at achieving the same. This also ensures you a user experience that is close to native level.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Development

Flutter has also found a base in Minimum Viable Product (MVP). For testing and iterating product concepts sooner, so that a product idea can be validated in the early or development stages, Flutter is your go-to framework for web development.

Flutter For Your Next Web Development Project

Is Flutter the right choice for your next web development project while the specifics depend on your project needs and your budget, here are a few things to consider that can help you gauge if it is the right fit for you:

Project Complexity:

Depending on what your project requires, and the timeline given, Flutter’s rapid developmental features make it a perfect match for your developmental capabilities. On top of that, potential cost-savings can be a game changer.

Technical Expertise:

If the development team is already familiar with the Dart programming language by Google, the development process can get simpler and the learning curve less steep. This also leads to further time savings.

Conclusion

Flutter is currently at the forefront of the web app development game, and by leveraging your ideas in this framework, you can also be at the core of the web development change.

As the Flutter web ecosystem changes to encompass even more dynamic features and tools in the future, you can be sure to expect more web apps in the market built on this framework.

As of today, Flutter’s ability to create stunning and performant web experiences, along with the benefits of code reusability and rapid developmental process, promises a compelling value proposition with regard to web development.

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Written by Mahesh Lalwani

Mahesh is the CEO & Founder of Flutter Agency and leverages his techno-commercial skills and industry experience to lead his team in delivering innovative digital solutions, exceeding global client expectations. His leadership has positioned the company as a leader in Digital Transformation.