Why I Do NOT Use Flutter for Mobile App Development

Summary

The video script discusses why the speaker prefers not to use Flutter for app development, highlighting several reasons for choosing native development over cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native. Key points include the superior speed and appearance of native apps, timely access to new features, and better user experience on iOS, which often yields more revenue. While cross-platform tools can save on resources and offer quick MVP solutions for small companies, the speaker emphasizes that for the best user experience and long-term support, native development is the better choice.

Takeaways

• 👋 The user often gets asked why they don't use Flutter and aims to address this.
• 📱 The user debates whether to choose React Native or Flutter, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the need for cross-platform development.
• 🏢 The user freelances and consults for companies, choosing not to use Flutter for several reasons.
• 🚀 Native apps are faster and perform better, with examples showing significant speed improvements when using native components.
• 🎨 Native apps look better, offering more polished interfaces compared to Flutter.
• 🔄 Dependency on third-party services in cross-platform development means delayed access to new features and hardware.
• 🤔 Cross-platform development is often a compromise and may not always be necessary.
• 📈 iOS apps generally generate more revenue than Android apps, particularly for paid apps.
• 🛠 Supporting multiple platforms requires significant maintenance, negating the perceived ease of cross-platform tools.
• 💼 Freelancers might choose Flutter for short-term projects, but native development is preferred for long-term stability and performance.
• 🔧 The user prefers native development for personal projects and when working with companies that can afford separate development teams.
• 🧑‍💻 Starting with native development is advised for beginners, with cross-platform tools being a secondary option.

Q & A

Why does the speaker choose not to use Flutter for their projects?

The speaker chooses not to use Flutter for their projects for several reasons: native apps are faster and look better, reliance on third-party services for updates, and the compromises inherent in cross-platform development.

What advantages do native apps have over cross-platform apps according to the speaker?

Native apps are faster, look better, and can immediately take advantage of new features, SDKs, and hardware updates provided by Apple and Android.

Why might a company choose React Native over native development?

A company might choose React Native over native development if they already have JavaScript developers familiar with the product or business problem, and prefer to manage dependency and library issues over hiring and managing separate iOS and Android development teams.

What does the speaker say about the difficulty of finding experienced developers for native development?

The speaker mentions that it is not easy to find experienced developers for native development nowadays.

What is the speaker's view on the dependency management of cross-platform development?

The speaker believes that cross-platform development always involves compromises, and managing dependencies and libraries can be a significant challenge.

What are some of the market considerations for choosing iOS over Android development?

iOS users are generally more willing to pay for apps, which can make iOS development more profitable. Additionally, if the business model involves selling the product rather than relying on ads or data collection, iOS may be sufficient without the need to support Android.

What is a common misconception about Flutter according to the speaker?

A common misconception is that using Flutter gives you Android, Windows, macOS, and web apps for free. In reality, each platform requires support and maintenance.

Why does the speaker prefer working with companies that have separate iOS and Android development teams?

The speaker prefers working with companies that have separate iOS and Android development teams because it avoids the compromises and additional workload associated with cross-platform development.

In what scenario does the speaker recommend using Flutter?

The speaker recommends using Flutter for projects where you are freelancing or doing quick MVPs for small companies, as these projects are typically short-lived and do not require long-term maintenance.

What does the speaker say about learning Flutter as a first coding language?

The speaker advises against learning Flutter as a first coding language, recommending instead to start with native development for a better understanding of the platform.