Flutter

Definition

Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit (SDK) created by Google. It allows developers to build natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase.

Analogy

Imagine you're building a house, but you want it to be accessible and comfortable for people from different countries with different preferences. Flutter is like the universal set of construction tools and materials that allows you to build that house efficiently and effectively, catering to the needs of various people without having to start from scratch each time.

In other words

Flutter enables developers to create versatile applications that run smoothly across multiple platforms using a single codebase.

Why is Flutter important?

It's one thing to know what Flutter is, but that is worthless if you don't know why you should know what a code repository is in the first place. Let's break down the importance of this tech term based on two high-level categories. We'll walk through an explanation as well as provide a score, 1-10, that shows you how much you should care about Flutter.

Pre-Product: 3/10

If you don't have a product yet, Flutter might not be your top priority. However, it's still worth considering as it can save you time and resources in the long run. By using Flutter, you can create a consistent and high-quality user experience across multiple platforms with a single codebase, which means less time spent on development and easier maintenance.

Live Product: 5/10

If you have a live product, Flutter becomes more important. Adopting Flutter can help you streamline your development process, reduce costs, and improve user experience by providing a consistent look and feel across platforms. It's especially useful if you plan to expand your product to other platforms or if you're facing challenges maintaining different codebases for different platforms.

Examples of Flutter

So you know what Flutter is, by definition. You know if you should care about it or not depending on your situation as a business/company/product. To dig in deeper, we will walk through some tools and processes so we can make sure you really have a solid grasp on Flutter.

Example Apps Built with Flutter

1. Google Ads: Google's own advertising platform uses Flutter for its mobile app, showcasing its performance and versatility.
2. Alibaba: The Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has adopted Flutter to improve its user experience and streamline development across platforms.
3. Reflectly: A popular journaling app, Reflectly was rebuilt using Flutter, resulting in a significant increase in performance and user engagement.
4. Hamilton: The official app for the hit Broadway musical Hamilton was developed using Flutter, providing a seamless experience for fans on both iOS and Android devices.

Key Takeaways:

1. Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit that allows developers to build applications for multiple platforms using a single codebase.
2. For startups without a product, Flutter's importance is moderate, but it can save time and resources in the long run.
3. For startups with a live product, Flutter can streamline development, reduce costs, and improve user experience.
4. Examples of apps built with Flutter include Google Ads, Alibaba, Reflectly, and the Hamilton app.