Flutter
Open-source framework from Google for building cross-platform apps. One Dart codebase for iOS, Android, Web and Desktop.
Since its release in 2018 Flutter has become the fastest-growing cross-platform framework. Developed by Google, it lets you build native apps for iOS, Android, Web and Desktop from a single codebase. Companies like BMW, eBay, Alibaba and Google use Flutter. The combination of performance, expressive UI and productive developer experience makes it the first choice for many new app projects.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is an open-source UI framework from Google that lets you build natively compiled apps for iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS and Linux from one Dart codebase. Unlike React Native, which uses each platform’s native UI components, Flutter draws the entire UI with its own engine (Skia/Impeller). So a Flutter app looks the same on every platform and gives pixel-level control. Flutter uses a widget-based composition model: everything is a widget – buttons, layouts, text and the app itself.
How does Flutter work?
Flutter compiles Dart directly to native ARM code (AOT) for iOS and Android – no JavaScript bridge as with React Native. The Impeller (successor to Skia) rendering engine draws every pixel and uses the GPU for smooth 60/120 fps animations. Hot reload applies code changes in milliseconds without restarting the app. The widget system is declarative: you describe how the UI should look; Flutter handles efficient rendering and diff updates. Platform channels give access to native APIs (camera, Bluetooth, sensors) via messaging between Dart and native code.
Practical Examples
Google Ads: Google’s own Ads app was rebuilt with Flutter – one codebase for iOS and Android with native performance.
BMW: The My BMW app uses Flutter for vehicle control, remote services and Connected Drive on both platforms.
Nubank: Brazil’s largest digital bank serves 80M+ customers with a Flutter app for banking, investments and insurance.
eBay Motors: Cross-platform app for vehicle buying with complex filters, search and image galleries.
Google Classroom: Google’s education platform connecting teachers and students.
Typical Use Cases
Startup MVPs: Fast market entry with one codebase for iOS and Android
Enterprise apps: Internal tools with consistent design and lower development cost
E-commerce: Shopping apps with animations, complex UI flows and push notifications
Fintech: Banking and payment apps with high performance and security requirements
Desktop: Flutter Desktop enables cross-platform desktop apps with the same code
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Native performance: AOT compilation produces native ARM code – no bridge or interpreter overhead
- Hot reload: Code changes visible in milliseconds – very productive development
- Consistent design: Pixel-perfect, identical look on all platforms
- Single codebase: Up to 95% code reuse between iOS, Android, Web and Desktop
- Growing ecosystem: 35,000+ packages on pub.dev, active community and Google backing
Disadvantages
- Dart: Less common than JavaScript/TypeScript – smaller talent pool
- App size: Flutter apps are 5–15 MB larger than native due to the bundled engine
- Platform look: Custom render engine means Flutter apps don’t automatically match native iOS/Android look
- Web: Flutter for web is better for app-like PWAs than general web apps (larger bundles)
- Platform channels: Accessing native APIs needs boilerplate in Kotlin/Swift
Frequently Asked Questions about Flutter
Flutter or React Native?
Is Flutter ready for enterprise?
What does a Flutter app cost?
Related Terms
Want to use Flutter in your project?
We are happy to advise you on Flutter and find the optimal solution for your requirements. Benefit from our experience across over 200 projects.