Mobile application development is quickly developing in the new economy. The global economy today relies on mobile hardware and software innovation. Several millions of mobile apps are available on the market. In mobile app development, For android and apple platforms applications are created separately to support each operating system. For app building, each operating system uses a different coding language for development. But when one universal language is used for both platforms is the cross-platform application. Cross-platform is a process of developing an app that is viable with different mobile operating systems.
When you create a native application you need to build a separate app for Android and a distinct one for the iOS platform and each utilizing that specific language. For example, if you’re planning to develop an app for iOS devices then the language used for application development is Swift or Objective C. Java is used for Android app development. For Windows, apps are developed on the C# and XAML programs. It is costly to maintain and develop the application for each operating framework.
Developers require 2-3 various language skills for programming native mobile apps. Numerous individuals have more than one kind of mobile device with a different OS. When they use the same application on several devices like Android and iOS they will experience differences in the application. Cross-platform development will eliminate all the disadvantages of the development of a native application. Cross-platform development utilizes universal languages like Javascript and provides flexibility in developing your app. This permits the app to work on multiple smartphone platforms.
Advantages of Cross-Platform Development:
Several advantages are available on using cross-platform development:
Codes Reuse – Rather than composing new codes for each platform, developers can reuse the same code over all platforms.
Reduce cost: Before cross-platform, companies need to invest in diverse tools and technology to build applications for various platforms. Thanks for cross-platform, now company on invest just once and can build apps that are compatible on several platforms
Quicker development time- Applications development is much faster. It reduces the build time and provides quick deployment at a low cost. Building one program takes less time than building a few applications for each mobile device platform.
Sameness and Uniformity –Overall all looks of the application are maintained on all platforms by cross-platform app development. This is possible because of the reuse feature for all platforms
The majority of the mobile application development companies use React Native and Flutter for cross-platform app creation. The majority of the app development organizations depend on these two major frameworks to make their app presence on both Android and iOS in a cost-effective manner. Presently Kotlin has entered the competition.
Before the development process, we have identified which platform ( Kotlin or Flutter ) is better. This article helps you to find the right option for app development needs.
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is an emerging language that is highly adopted by many companies. This platform is supported by Google. Kotlin multiplatform, opensource, code sharing, and natively integrated platform in popular and modern language. It is regularly the preferred language for Android Application development.
The additional features help to expand the application beyond android app development. It enables developers to share the code across various platforms such as iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and JVM ( Java Virtual Machine)
According to an expert survey, nearly 82,000 apps are developed on Kotlin. The most well-known applications like Microsoft Word, Huawei Video Player, and Samsung Experience Service are created with Kotlin. Google uses Kotlin language for their android app development.
Reason to prefer Kotlin Multiplatform:
Not Framework
Kotlin isn’t a framework, it is an SDK. The best advantage of picking Kotlin is that you won’t have to move the complete application
You can start with a single feature or module, decide its working, and afterward dynamically relocate different parts.
Speedy Learning Curve
Since Kotlin is fundamentally the same as Java, Scala, and Swift it is exceptionally simple to become familiar with the language.
Incredible UI Experience
Since Kotlin multiplatform doesn’t limit developers during UI creation. Kotlin permits brands to have the library of design, behaviors, and execution of the application as they esteem fit.
Less buggy
Kotlin offers a generously more clear and compact codebase that makes the app creation more steady and consistent. Bugs are identified at the compile time itself so it’s easy for the developers to fix errors before runtime.
Easily maintainable
A greater part of IDEs supports Kotlin including Android Studio and other SDK devices.
This helps the productivity of the developer, as they can keep on working with the toolbox they are utilized to
Complies with existing Java code
Kotlin is a 100% Java interoperable programming language. It is constant with related tools, Java, and frameworks. It is not difficult to change to Kotlin bit by bit.
If your application can’t be written in Kotlin just, the two programming languages can be used simultaneously.
Pitfalls of Kotlin Multiplatform:
Nothing is awesome, nor is Kotlin. So don’t hurry to utilize prior thinking about its weaknesses.
Still not Java – developers not able to easily adapt from one framework to another. Kotlin needs some learning time. Organizations need to invest in training the team on the new programming language.
Fewer Kotlin experts for hire – Developer express on Kotlin specialists are lesser on the market. Kotlin specialists are in demand.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is an open-source UI programming created by Google in 2015. It is utilized in creating apps for Windows, iOS, Linux, Google Fuchsia, Android, Mac, web, mobile, and desktop with a single codebase. The 1st version of Flutter was known as “Sky”. From the same code base, you can build native-looking iOS and Android apps. Flutter has been growing stronger and thousands of Flutter apps are being launched on app stores. More than 50 million people use the Xianyu app( Created by Alibaba), used by over. This Xianyu app is developed on Flutter programming and many big brands like Square, eBay, Groupon, The NewYork Times use the platform for their app development.
Why do you need to choose Flutter?
- Hot Reload Functionality
One of the main reasons huge brands incline toward Flutter is due to hot reload functionality. This element helps developers streamline the frontend and backend creation.
- Quick Development and Low Cost
Ability to offer similar native applications using a single code source which reduces the cost and time of application development. Flutter platform is free too.
- Customizable
Flutter offers various widgets and allows the developer to offer customized and innovative solutions for your clients.
- Best for Developing MVPs
Flutter would be a good decision for MVP creation and making application models or app prototypes.
As talked before Flutter offers the functionality to build an app for the two iOS and Android platforms in the least time and cost.
Reasons not to prefer Flutter?
Here are a couple of reasons why Flutter probably won’t be the best instrument for a specific application.
Large File Sizes – One major flaw of Flutter is file size. Large file size of apps are developed on Flutter
File sizes are a significant issue so many developers seek alternative tools.
Lack of Third-party Libraries
3rd party libraries significantly affect programming improvement; it enables a couple of features for developers.
Third-party libraries that are easily available, pre-tested, and open source. Some of the features are unlocked with the help of 3rd party libraries. Flutter is new for app development, it doesn’t have free packages and libraries easily.
Dart – It is utilizing a Dart programming language. Many new developers are not able to create apps using this language.
Weak iOS features support – Most of the SDK functions work effectively on Android but there are some issues with iOS.
Kotlin vs Flutter comparison:
Performance:
One of the main advantages of utilizing Flutter is hot reloading functionality. Kotlin language also has some advantages for cross-platform app development. Multiplatform runs the code in a similar format as the platform you are utilizing its structure. This permits customized and better execution. The Kotlin performance is identical to Native applications.
UI Experience
The developer has a variety of widgets available on the platform to customize the application interface. With the assistance of Flutter, a developer can make the application development quicker and customized
Customize the app with your business needs with advanced SDK on Flutter. Similarly, Kotlin allows the developer to develop a highly effective and unique app. The developer can design an application that impeccably accommodates your vision
Programming Language
Flutter utilizes the Dart programming language, Dart was introduced by Google. Developers who are experts in JavaScript can easily learn Dart syntax. Kotlin itself is a programming language that resembles Java. Developers who are well-versed in Java can easily adapt to the Kotlin language.
Testing Support and Price
Both Kotlin and Flutter are open source. Henceforth allows free to be utilized. Kotlin provides more backend development service and Flutter gives a wide testing feature including unique widget testing highlights.
Final Thoughts :
It is quite difficult to identify which is better: Kotlin or Flutter?. Both have excellent presence and great features. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. You can pick them according to cross-platform requirements.
There are numerous reasons to pick Kotlin, Kotlin has excellent UI experience, easy to learn developers can work on a single feature and it is like an SDK.
Flutter has various advantages of picking Flutter like hot reload usefulness, quick development, best for creating MVPs, low cost, offer customized solution and so on
You can create beautiful, amazing, high-performance cross-platform applications that fit your custom needs and requirements. Flutter will be a better choice especially if you want to develop applications for both Android and iOS. It is more cost-effective, Instead of hiring two native app developers, you can hire a flutter developer at the same cost. Flutter is reliable and aims to reduce time and cost. It’s better to make your product presence on both Android and iOS platforms and Flutter hasGoogle support.
Both Kotlin and Flutter are becoming more competitive with every product update. To figure out which one is better, Kotlin vs Flutter you need to consult with experts with your requirements and then you can determine which one is better chosen for your application development.
Lakshmipriya is a Digital Marketing Professional at Squashapps, a leading enterprise app development company. Lakshmipriya enjoys learning about Digital Marketing & Technology. She is an avid reader and loves writing impeccable content pertaining to Application Development and Digital Marketing. She holds a post-graduate degree in MBA.