Flutter and Ionic are two of the most popular mobile app development platforms used to create cross-platform apps that perform well. Despite sharing the same goal of creating high-performing mobile apps both frameworks are distinct.
You will need to analyze these frameworks for their UI, performance, learning curve, and other aspects to choose the best framework for your company.
We will be taking a closer look at Flutter and Ionic to help you decide.
Understanding Flutter Framework for Mobile App Development
Flutter is an open-source software development tool that allows you to create high-performing Android and iOS apps. Google created it and it uses a single Dart code for cross-platform app development. Flutter integrates with Objective C on iOS and Swift on Android.
The top reasons to choose Flutter:
- Flutter doesn’t require specific UI components to render its UI on each platform. It makes it easy for native-looking apps to be developed.
- Apps are integrated directly into the machine code to eliminate performance issues and deliver native-like apps.
It is important to understand Flutter’s limitations when discussing Flutter Vs. Ionic. Flutter faces the following challenges:
It uses “Dart”, which isn’t as well-known as other programming languages like Java, Objective-C, and others. This language is not well-known by many developers.
Flutter is a relatively new platform. It does not have widgets or third-party libraries. Some widgets are platform specific.
It lacks community support, friendly documentation, and other amenities.
Understanding the Ionic Framework for Mobile App Development
Drifty Co. released Ionic in 2013. It is a free and open-source UI toolkit. It allows cross-platform app development for iOS, Android, and the web with a single codebase.
Ionic employs HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and JavaScript to develop mobile apps. To create high-quality apps, it uses native software development tools and native UI.
Ionic makes use of capacitor plugins and Cordova to access host components such as cameras and GPS. It is also easy to customize the Ionic framework-based apps. It also has a large international community that supports app developers.
Common Features: Ionic Vs. Flutter
The two leading Software Development Kits have some similarities. Their goal is to create high-performance mobile apps.
- Both Flutter and Ionic allow offline access. App development can also be done offline in areas that have limited internet access.
- Flutter and Ionic are used to develop mobile apps. They perform flawlessly when compared with other cross-platform apps.
- Flutter and Ionic can provide the best in design, impressive interfaces for clients, or stunning features.
- Native plugin libraries are available for native programming services, interfaces, and other functions.
Although they share many of the same features, Flutter and Ionic have different approaches to app development. These differences will allow you to choose the right Mobile App Development Service for your project.
Comparison of Ionic and Flutter
Code portability
Flutter and Ionic are fierce competitors when it comes to app deployment across multiple desktops and mobile platforms.
Flutter is a mobile app development tool that has many appealing features, but it does not support all web browsers. Ionic, on the other hand, is built around web standards and can help you develop exceptional apps for mobile, desktop, or the web.
If you want high-end device flexibility, Ionic is the best choice. Unfortunately, flutter has not yet improved its compatibility with the web.
Popularity and the Learning Curve
The Ionic framework is much easier to use than Flutter. Ionic uses well-known programming languages like JavaScipt and Angular. They are also familiar with HTML, CSS, and Cordova Plugins.
Developers must learn Dart, a new language for Flutter development.
Therefore, Ionic is so much more popular with developers than Flutter.
Flutter is a mere 2% member of the JavaScript development community, despite being 70%, JavaScript developers.
Ionic is very popular among web and mobile app developers because of its simple learning curve. MarketWatch, Pacifica, and many others use it. Flutter is gaining popularity. Flutter is becoming more popular thanks to the help of top developers from Google and the community. It is also used by Google Ads and Alibaba.
Performance
Performance is a key factor in deciding the right framework.
There are several things you should consider when we talk about performance.
Flutter is a better choice if you want to create aggressive animations. Ionic is a better choice if you want to create a standard consumer app or employee-facing application. It is a good idea to create sample apps for both platforms, so you can compare your experiences. Keep in mind, performance is not dependent on which platform or framework you use, but on how the developer writes it.
Bundle size is something you should be aware of. This will impact the speed at which your app can be delivered over the internet. Ionic is a standard browser runtime with primitives. This means that the app size is typically small. For very simple apps, Flutter requires a lot of code. This is because you ship all the runtime even though most of the primitives are already in the browser.
If you want to meet Google’s performance standards (PWAs) or rank higher in SERPs with your current performance benchmarks for Flutter, it may be difficult.
Native Look and Feel
Flutter and Ionic will look native to the user for the most part. Flutter and Ionic don’t use native UI elements on each platform. However, Flutter updates the design of the UI elements to match the platform. Material Design for Android, Cupertino for iOS.
These solutions allow you to access native APIs and platform services through a collection of pre-built plugins. You also have the option of building custom plugins as needed.
You should also note that Flutter’s native mobile application is highly opinionated. If you’re doing native work with Flutter, it is important to learn Flutter’s ways of working with iOS or Android.
Skills and knowledge
Flutter is not a JavaScript framework. Ionic is JavaScript. To become a Flutter programmer, one must be proficient in the “Dart” language. Dart is a standalone, highly customized ecosystem. It has its limitations. Flutter’s highly customized ecosystem teaches developers only the “Flutter way of doing things.”
Shelf life and flexibility
Ionic is both scalable and long-lasting. Even if developers wish to diversify their skills, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML will still be relevant.
Flutter, on the other hand, is a closed ecosystem and is still young. The skills required for Flutter mobile app design may not apply to non-Flutter app developers.
Ionic wins flexibility.
What tool should you choose for your mobile app development project?
Here’s a quick comparison between Flutter and Ionic.
Flutter
- Uses Dart language.
- Excellent mobile performance, but not great web performance
- Offline access and widgets for proprietary UI elements.
- It can be used on mobile, desktop, and the web.
Ionic
- Uses JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.
- Offline access is possible, and the web UI elements are standard based.
- Excellent mobile performance and website performance
- It can be used on the web, mobile, desktop, and PWA.
Flutter and Ionic share a common vision: creating beautiful, high-performance apps that can run anywhere seamlessly. The core philosophy is what makes them different.
Ionic is a framework that allows you to create web apps based on common front-end technologies. Flutter is another option if you need to quickly develop mobile apps that are responsive and feature impressive animations.
Your choice must be based on your business needs and the location and method you plan to deploy your app. Talk to a trusted Mobile Application Development Company that has extensive experience in mobile app delivery on both platforms to better understand your requirements.
Conclusion
We hope you find some commonalities and differences in this flutter-ionic article. It is easier to decide what product you want. Other factors such as budget and time should also be taken into consideration.
