The digital revolution has gifted the
software industry with a plethora of outstanding app development frameworks. As
a consequence, choosing the right framework for app development has become a herculean
task for app creators. Ionic and Flutter are two such frameworks that utterly
confuse the app creators striving hard to pick a framework for architecting
cross-platform applications. Picking one out of these frameworks becomes all
the more intriguing since they appear quite similar, but are in reality way
different from each other. However, both Flutter and Ionic app development come
with novel offerings and cater to specific project requirements. Hence, you
need to be well versed in their similarities as well as differences to pick the
right one.
This blog compares Ionic and Flutter
based on certain parameters, to provide the entrepreneurs with clear visibility
about their strengths as well as drawbacks and help them decide the perfect
pick for their project.
Before we move on to compare Ionic and
Flutter, let me provide you a brief introduction to these frameworks.
Introducing the
Ionic Framework
The Ionic framework was coined by Ben
Sperry, Adam Bradley, and Max Lynch of the Drifty Co. in the year 2013 and its
first stable version was launched in March 2014. Ionic is an open-sourced UI
toolkit that uses web technologies like JavaScript, CSS and HTML; to architect
top-notch desktop, mobile and progressive web applications. Ionic primarily
focuses on the front-end UX and UI interaction and hence plays a vital role in
handling the look and feel of an app. Not only is it capable of easily
integrating with other frameworks and libraries like Cordova, Angular, etc. but
also can be used independently without the support of a front-end framework.
Introducing the
Flutter Framework
Flutter, Google’s brainchild, is a
relatively newer framework as compared to Ionic and is still evolving. It was
created in May 2017 and is currently managed by Google with the help of an ECMA
standard. Flutter is a UI toolkit that employs Dart programming languages to
build swift, attractive and natively compiled cross-platform apps. Flutter was
introduced as a Software Development Kit (SDK) intended to build modern apps
for Android and iOS. In the case of Android Studio, integration is done with
inbuilt Java, while Swift and Objective C integration is done in the case of
iOS.
Similarities between Flutter and Ionic app development services
Flutter and Ionic may be way different from each other but share certain similarities too. They are as follows:
- Both build cross-platform applications that run on desktops, mobiles as well as the web.
- Both employ a single codebase to create interactive and high-performing apps.
- Both impart an incredible native look and feel as their primary focus lies in creating UI frameworks for native platforms.
- Both frameworks have a well-organized documentation for developers.
Differences
between Ionic and Flutter app development services
Now let’s explore the differences
between Ionic and Flutter based on the following parameters.
Skillset: Market
value
The skillset required to use Ionic
involves learning JavaScript and other general web technologies that are needed
for any web app development project regardless of the framework used. But,
learning Dart for using Flutter will not prove useful for projects involving
other frameworks. Moreover, Flutter posseses a highly-custom environment.
Hence, a Flutter app developer needs to master certain unique methodologies
that are time-consuming and applicable to Flutter app development only.
Furthermore, the requirement for Dart developers in the coming years largely
depends on whether the newbie Flutter, will succeed as a viable solution in the
future.
Hence, acquiring an Ionic skillset
proves to be a safer bet for a developer. Besides, its more convenient to hire Ionic app developers as this kind of skillset is easier to find.
Portability of the
code
Let’s have a look at how the codes of
Flutter and Ionic behave in various eco-systems, OS and processors. Flutter
development leads to the creation of visually appealing Android and iOS apps.
It is a great choice for mobile apps but encounters limitations when deployed
on the web. Ionic, on the other hand, creates fairly good mobile apps and
exceptionally good web apps. Therefore, if you are planning to build PWAs or
web apps, picking Ionic is advisable.
User Interface
Flutter has attractive user interface
in comparison to Ionic because Ionic uses HTML and CSS for rendering. Flutter
has widgets as part of UI elements
whereas Ionic has Web Components.
Performance
Flutter fares well if your application
requires exclusive animation whereas Ionic serves better if you intend to
architect an app that is more consumer-facing. Ionic employs primitives and the
runtimes of the standard browser, hence the bundle size is 2991 bytes whereas
Flutter requires a heavy code for building even a basic application.
Flutter uses Dart language and since
it does require JavaScript Bridge for interactions between the app, the
performance is far better. Ionic uses Web technologies for rendering, and hence
the performance is much lower.
Mobile performance is better in
Flutter in comparison to Ionic. Web performance is poorer in Flutter than
Ionic.
Free usage of
libraries
The Flutter app developers can use
Flutter’s libraries and system technologies free of cost. In Ionic, several
libraries are free but a paid Pro Development Environment is needed for
speeding up the developmental cycle.
Community support
As far as community support is
concerned, Ionic surpasses Flutter. Flutter being a newbie lacks strong
community support while Ionic enjoys the support from a dynamic global
community that assists Ionic app developers to solve problems. However, owing
to Google’s continual effort, Flutter also may develop a vibrant community in
the years to come.
Future-friendliness
Now let’s discuss these frameworks
from the perspective of the flexibility and freedom offered once the app
matures. Flutter app development may turn out to be a bit risky. The reason is,
if by any chance Google shuns Flutter, a Flutter app Development Company will
be left with a code base and skillset that are homeless, though such a
situation is least likely. Ionic mobile app development on the other hand is
based on open web standards and relies on web components. So, it can be used
with any existing JS framework or compatible future framework if the app
creators choose to create apps for other platforms or use the code for other
projects.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has enlightened you
about how the custom-based approach of Flutter differs from the web-based
approach of Ionic. Both of these cross-platform app development frameworks are
distinctive in their way. Therefore, whether to opt for an Ionic mobile app
development company or a Flutter app development company solely depends on your project requirement.
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