At GraphicWeave, we have extensively used React Native as our choice for app development. Development with React Native gave us the edge as we reduced app development time, and were able to meet our client\’s expectations with reduced costs for the overall project.
But, at GraphicWeave, we do not like to stay in our comfort zone. We spread our wings and learn new things. So with Flutter, let\’s see if we should flutter our wings!
Let\’s quickly take a look at their github repositories. React Native has more stars, and yes we can see more developers being comfortable with it. This is obvious as React Native is much older and has been used extensively by programmers across the globe.
A quick look at Google Trends, comparing React and Flutter to other hybrid development tools shows that while interest for both has been growing, React Native is certainly the most searched for among all the tools!
A quick comparison of both the platforms gives us the best features of both and the challenges with using either of these.
| Flutter | React Native | |
| Initial Release | 2017 | 2015 |
| Performance | Better | Good |
| UI Blocks | Proprietary Widgets, stimulated via Skia | Native components for Android and iOS |
| Community | Growing community, but still small | Huge clientele and community support |
| Hot Reload | Yes, stateful hot reload. | Yes |
| Development Time | Promises reduced time | Reduced Time – tried and tested |
| Programming Language | Dart | JavaScript – most popular language in 2018 |
| 3rd party libraries | Many available | Lot more than Flutter |
| Code Re-usability | Better option, allows overwriting the code | Limited re-usability |
| Coding Structure | Poor | Well Organised |
| Documentation | Organised and well documented | Haphazard and disorganised |
| Tools | Wider range of IDEs | Limited IDE\’s |
| Supported by | ||
| Used by | Alibaba, Hamilton, JDFinance | Facebook, Bloomberg, AirBnB |
Conclusion
We will stick to React Native as our primary tool for hybrid mobile app development. However, we will use Flutter in apps where it fits better with the needs of the app — as it brings with it, advantages which cannot be ignored.
