Flutter for Hybrid Apps: Why Flutter is the Best Platform to Make Hybrid Apps?

As businesses seek to enhance their reach in the best possible innovative ways, most companies are unaware of the benefits hybrid apps can offer over traditional or native apps. Their unawareness hinders their growth, and they continue to cling to older solutions. As demand for advanced multi-device applications grows, it has become a must for businesses to hire Flutter developers for efficient and high-performance solutions.

Nevertheless, Flutter here enters as a game changer; it has emerged as one of the best platforms for developing hybrid apps within a very short time frame. Although the platform is new, its capabilities make it one of the most recent top favorites. User-friendly design and simple learning curve help adapt quickly and thus are ideal for business entities that strive to stay ahead in this ultra-competitive app market. Thus, Flutter for hybrid apps is the ‘go-to’ solution for developing consistent and efficient cross-platform applications. 

In this blog, we will cover essential insights into using Flutter for hybrid app development, compare native, hybrid, and cross-platform approaches, highlight real-world examples, and explain Flutter’s key features that make it a top choice for building apps that work well on multiple devices.

Flutter for Hybrid Apps, Get Things Sorted Out, But What are Hybrid Apps?

Hybrid applications are software products developed to run on multiple OSs but with a single code. Here, developers create a single code piece that can be deployed with all the features and code blocks into different OS servers. Once deployment is complete, the application becomes available for users.

The Android OS and iOS feature separate components and interactive modules. This is why most applications developed are specific to the platforms. Software developed solely for the iOS platform won’t be able to operate on the Android OS and vice versa. When developers need to develop a single application for multiple platforms, they need to work on different codes.

These codes have the same functionality. But their components, programming language, structure and process services are different. They need to align with the requirements of the concerned development platform. As it can be quite difficult and inconvenient to proceed with multiple code development for a single app, the use of hybrid apps came into existence.

As a result, you will be able to cater to many audiences with ease. When you want to upgrade any existing code block, you can opt for changes in both OS or a single one.

Some of the real-life examples of hybrid application development are: 

1. Instagram: A top social media platform, is one of the best examples of hybrid applications. One can easily access it from iOS and Android OS without using any special software adapter.
2. Gmail:  It is one of the top hybrid app examples showcasing the benefits of cross-platform compatibility.
3. Twitter: It is a well-known example of a hybrid app, offering a smooth experience across multiple platforms.

Also, you need to keep in mind that while hybrid apps have proven to be the next-gen software products in the technological world, we cannot deny their limitations. There are a couple of challenges that one must address before even trying to use Flutter for MVP development of the hybrid app.

Understanding Native vs Hybrid vs Cross-Platform

Each approach to app development has its own strengths. Let’s quickly explain each one and when it’s the best choice.

1. Native apps

   When applications are developed to suit the needs of a specific OS (Android or iOS), they are known as native applications. They can’t operate across multiple platforms. One of the major cornerstones is that you get the concerned platform’s full advantage. For example, an application developed for Android OS will have all of these features.

   When To Choose a Native app development:

   • You have great dependency on a single operating system, be it the Android OS or iOS
   • The application will utilize features like the camera, display, sound system, and more
   • You want to develop an animated game with multiple features
   • As a startup, you need to give an immersive experience to the developer

2. Hybrid apps

   Hybrid applications can operate across different platforms easily. However, you don’t need to use different codes and programming languages to develop this application. Instead, you can use one code, include features common to both platforms, and voila, and have the app.

   When To Choose Hybrid App Development Techniques:

   • When you have a wide range of customers that use different platforms
   • Your application doesn’t come with too complex features to understand
   • The animations are either absent or limited to almost negligible value
   • When you have to build an application according to the concept of Minimum Viable Product or MVP

3. Cross-platform apps

   Cross-platform applications are similar to hybrid apps. However, the user interface is more intuitive and friendly in these apps than in the hybrid ones. Following are some of the areas where you will need the cross-platform application:

   When To Choose Cross-platform application development

   • When your budget is a bit low
   • You aren’t sure which group of audience you would like to target for improving your business through the application
   • The user interface will act similarly to that of the native apps

Native vs Hybrid vs Cross-Platform – Table of Comparison

Attributes	Native	Hybrid	Cross-platform
Library	Doesn’t need the open-source libraries	Requires the open-source libraries for app development	Needs the open-source lib files to process development works
Code	Different codes must be developed for different platforms	One codebase will be enough to work with applications across different platforms	You will need a single codebase to develop the applications according to the platform requirements
Tools	AppCode, XCode, and Android Studio	Apache Cordova, Ionic, and Visual Studio	Xamarin, React Native and Flutter
Debugging	Requires native tools	Both native and web tools are feasible	The debugging tool will depend on the framework

How Flutter Helps with Easy Hybrid App Development: Key Benefits

1. Lowers the development costs

   One of the major reasons for hybrid app development is reduced costs. You don’t need to hire different developers or professionals to develop codes for various platforms. Also, there is no need to get subscriptions for different tools, which usually increases project development costs. The best way to use hybrid mobile apps is to use a single platform for writing a single code base.

   For example, when you use Flutter for MP development, the codebase can perform both on Android and iOS platforms. So, it would help if you got the subscription-only for Flutter and not two or more tools to support platform-specific features.

2. Helps target a huge audience base

   When you want to target a large audience base, you cannot do the same with native applications. For example, when you develop an Android OS-specific application, you will be able to target only those users using the Android OS. Similarly, if the application is meant to operate on the web browser, you won’t be able to tap into the mobile user loop.

   From these examples, it’s clear that the user base is highly restricted for native applications. But when we consider hybrid apps, you will get the freedom to target multiple users with the same software. Besides, when you hire Flutter developers, you will have more leverage in doing so.

3. Offers a native immersive experience

   While native applications have many drawbacks, we cannot deny the immersive user experience. If you develop a hybrid app, it will offer a similar native UX to the users based on the platform they use. For instance, let’s assume you have developed an application for the Android OS and iOS. Now, when an Android OS user uses the application, he can enjoy features that are only concerned with Android.
   

   We regard this as an immersive experience that helps build a strong bond with the audience. You can even gain higher customer response owing to the native UI across different platforms.

4. Boosts the App Performance

   Native applications cannot offer high-speed performance due to specific server dependencies. They depend on server traffic, load time, downtime, and more. Due to this, the overall user experience will come down. That’s why most enterprises look for hybrid applications.

   These apps do not depend on a single server. Therefore, the performance will be much higher than any other type of application. You won’t have to worry about your users suffering from slowed speed, higher downtime, and reduced load time.

5. Provides Attractive UI elements

   One of the major advantages you will certainly enjoy while dealing with hybrid applications is the availability of outstanding UI elements. These features are based on current market trends, starting from font options to buttons, clickables, and more.

   Therefore developing hybrid applications with the best features and an intuitive UI won’t be a problem anymore.

6. Has more number of integrations

   As hybrid app frameworks come with plugins and APIs, you will be able to integrate several third-party applications without worrying about anything. There is no such limitation in terms of integration, which is why hybrid apps are preferred most nowadays.

Cons of Building a Hybrid app

• Limited Advanced Features: One of the major drawbacks of hybrid applications is the absence of complex features like animations, custom templates, speech search, and more.
• Partial Access to Native Features: You won’t be able to incorporate all features of the native platform, which is why you might have to put limitations on your demands.
• Learning Curves for New Frameworks: Most frameworks used for the development of these hybrid apps are new, and some may come with steep learning curves.

What is Flutter?

In 2017, Google launched its new endeavour in the form of Flutter for hybrid apps. It is a programming platform that allows you to easily develop native applications for different platforms. But at the time of development, you need to work on only one code snippet. There is no need to work with different codes specific to the OS but serve the same function.

Flutter has resolved several drawbacks of hybrid app development. This has become so popular amongst different businesses, from startups to enterprises. Flutter for startups may help them turn into profitable businesses. Most companies hire professional Flutter developers to ensure that they can launch a next-gen software product to meet market demands. Recent stats reveal that 42% of businesses have used Flutter for their cross-platform mobile apps showing its impact on modern hybrid mobile app development.

1. Flutter Architecture: Overview

   To understand how Flutter for hybrid apps works, you need to learn its architecture or layering. In the section below, we have explained the flow of control in Flutter so that we can better understand it before commencing MVP development and the final software development. Here’s an overview of its key components:

   Embedders
   The programs developed with Flutter pack native features need proper embedders. Each embedder is specific to the concerned operating system. Without using an embedder, your application won’t receive an entry to the system. Here, you can use the built-in APIs to implement various features. For example, you can access graphical layouts, plugin architecture, and accessibility entry points. Apart from this, you also have the independence to work on text layouts and compilation toolchains.
   

   Flutter engine
   The heart of the Flutter platform is its engine. Just the java has the JVM, Flutter engine is responsible for helping you develop the entire framework. Here, you can use the in-built APIs for implementing various features. For example, you can access graphical layouts, plugin architecture, and accessibility entry points. Apart from this, you also have the independence to work on text layouts and compilation toolchains.

   Flutter frameworks
   Unless you know more about the Flutter frameworks, it won’t be possible for you to develop the applications properly. It is the sole interactive medium where you will get classes, packages, plugins, and more such components. There are multiple frameworks arranged in the appropriate hierarchy like:

   • Foundational classes that form the building blocks of a program
   • Rendering framework to design the layout with abstract components
   • The widget layer is suitable for defining a responsive programming architecture with reusable widgets
   • Material libraries come with control components for the iOS development

2. Hot reloading feature of Flutter

   When expert Flutter developers work on the same piece of code simultaneously but from remote locations, they can see the changes. Suppose one developer has omitted one line or introduced a new if-else condition. In that case, the changes will be marked instantly and prominently so that all other developers working with it will be notified.

   This feature is termed a hot reload. A developer doesn’t have to execute the codes every time someone wishes to check the codes. Also, there is no need to consider the entire programming to find the right function where you need the change. As the app’s codebase is the same, you can easily create backups for further use.

3. Other features of Flutter

   • The library of Flutter is highly scalable, and you can add or remove the functions as per the changing requirements of your project.
   • You can integrate multiple IDEs or Integrated Development Environments, which is also new for any hybrid app development framework.
   • The top Flutter developers can localize the application. So, if your app is from Canada, you can make it completely accessible through location options.
   • The Flutter platform comes with a RISC tool with which one can easily incorporate a reduced set of instructions within the concerned application.

What makes flutter ideal for Hybrid app development and why choose Flutter for hybrid apps?

In this section below, we shall explain why an app development agency usually prefers to use the Flutter framework for hybrid applications.

• Even though hybrid applications were once restricted to the mobile, Flutter has diversified the concept. Now, you can develop an application for web and mobile, Mac OS and Windows, and so on after you hire best Flutter developers.
• Flutter comes with outstanding widgets that will help you introduce customization and come up with the perfect application that will meet all your needs.
• Your application will be scalable, and you can easily change the codes on the fly to meet the market and consumer demands.
• The hybrid applications on Flutter will be highly secured.

Dart – The Reason Behind the Rising Popularity of Flutter

Dart is a programming language solely used to develop hybrid and cross-platform applications. This language is based on both C and C++ concepts, which is why it is known to be the main driving force of Flutter. Apart from this, you can also develop the fastest applications with high-level performance and native features.

How can SolGuruz help with building Hybrid apps in Flutter?

If you are looking for the best app development company, SolGuruz is here with you. Our expert Flutter developers have completed numerous development projects featuring hybrid solutions. We ensure that we move out of the concept of mobile hybrid apps and work on web and mobile combined applications, web hybrid software solutions, and more.

If you are looking for Flutter app development services OR planning to hire experienced Flutter developers, do reach out to us, we will ensure that the final product can meet your business goals easily. It doesn’t matter whether you have a startup or enterprise; we have your needs covered.

FAQs

What are the biggest advantages of Hybrid apps?

Here are the benefits of hybrid apps: Saves Time and Money: One codebase works for both iOS and also for Android, reducing cost and time to develop. Device Access: Hybrid apps can use device features like GPS and camera. Easy to Update: A single update applies to all platforms.

What is a hybrid application, and why should I use that?

The hybrid app, in the simplest of definitions, is the one built on one version for iOS and one for Android. It saves time and money by using the same code for both.

Which framework can be best suited for hybrid app development?

Flutter is popular for building hybrid apps. Here you can create apps and quickly get a smooth experience on both Android and iOS.

How much does a hybrid app take to develop?

Hybrid applications are cheaper to make than to develop different apps on a single platform. The cost is determined by your requirements.

What are some of the main features of a hybrid app?

Actually, among the most relevant things about the hybrid application is the possibility of sharing one singular codebase across various platforms like iOS, Android, and the Web.