React Native vs Flutter: Best Performer in 2020

Confused between React native vs Flutter for your next project? But you have to finalise one. We can help you to get out of this confusion. Let’s have a detailed look and one short easy video (for non technical people).

Mobile app development for different platforms has been a challenging task since forever. The necessity of developing different versions of the same app for multiple platforms creates many problems. Even though the native apps are best in user experience and performance. But developing a native app is an uphill battle considering the fact that a mobile app development company has to invest double resources to build apps for each platform separately.  

And as a result, no matter how minutely managed, some differences are always found in hybrid and native app development. This made way for the invention of cross-platform app development. There have been many cross-platform app development frameworks used in the past but in recent few years, two futuristic frameworks have revolutionized the app development industry. 

To help you select the best framework for your app development, we will here compare the two best cross-platform mobile app development frameworks. One is Flutter by Google and second in React Native by Facebook. These frameworks have their own advantages over each other. In this article, we will compare these frameworks based on the below parameters. 

• Development
• Programming language
• Architecture
• Performance
• Installation and Configuration
• User Interface (UX/UI)
• Community Support
• Testing

If you want to understand the differences without getting too much technical, then we have prepared a video for you to watch.

https://youtu.be/wnIMEoCbjy4

Along with the above-mentioned parameters, we will discuss: 

• What is React Native?
• What is Flutter?
• Why use React Native?
• Why use Flutter?
• Difference Between React Native and Flutter

Let’s begin.

What is React Native?

React Native is an open-source toolkit powered by Facebook. This SDK has been there for quite a while now since its launch in the year 2015. React Native is a Javascript framework which makes it popular amongst the developers. The framework is built upon React library. React Native started as Facebook’s internal hackathon project which was released for the public later.

What is Flutter?

Flutter is an open-source software development kit (SDK) launched by Google in the year 2017. Flutter provides a simplified framework for the development of high-performance and fast application. The application created using Flutter can run smoothly and effectively on both iOS and Android. Flutter uses a specific programming language called Dart, also created by Google. 

Why use React Native?

The first and foremost advantage of React Native is that it uses JavaScript. JavaScript is the most popular language that is easy to learn and implement. Majority of the developers prefer JavaScript for app development. Another benefit of using React Native is that it saves your team from the hassle of building separate codebase for each platform. 

Why use Flutter?

Flutter is an advanced toolkit created by Google. Flutter allows you to create native apps for both Android and iOS using a single codebase. Flutter is simpler than React Native in the ways it compiles with native components. Flutter uses Dart language and lets it compile the source code ahead-of-time to native code without the need of any bridge. Flutter is designed to offer amazing performance owing to its range of 60 fps to 120 fps. 

Difference Between React Native and Flutter

React Native and Flutter are near competitors and the app development industry is divided between these two choices for the app development process. Both the frameworks are amazing but nothing is absolutely perfect. We are going to have deep study of react native vs flutter on the steps involved in the app development process. 

	React Native	Flutter
Launch	Jan 2015	May 2017
Launched By	Facebook	Google
Popular Apps	Walmart, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram	Google Adwords, Alibaba, Groupon, Ebay
Development	Use of third-party libraries, Communicates with native elements through bridge	Fully-customizable widgets
Programming Language	JavaScript	Dart
Architecture	Flux	Skia
Performance	Adaptable components	Majority of widgets are not adaptable
Installation and configuration	Create-react-native-app package, complicated configuration	Flutter package, Straightforward configuration
User Interface	Fragile	Expressive and flexible
Github Stars	68,690	37,200
Documentation	Unclear and non-elaborative	Very clear and easy to understand

Development

The time and efforts invested in development and the end results are the most important factors for an app development company and the app owners while selecting one framework between react native vs flutter. How easy or difficult the development is going to be with each toolkit will help us identify which framework yields greater ROI.

React Native	Flutter
Development with React Native is fast owing to the set of components that are available in React Native library. Besides, there are many other third-party libraries and easily available components that come in handy during the development process.	Flutter’s largest weapon is its rich set of fully-customizable widgets. With Flutter, everything is a widget. Some features are added directly with the help of widgets while others can be customized using layers and combinations of different widgets.
React Native is purely based on JavaScript language and uses a bridge to communicate with counterpart native modules. It also uses a virtual API named DOM (Document object model) to communicate with the native UI elements. Some of the components are adaptive and thus, do not require additional intervention for modification according to different platforms.	Flutter framework is basically a well-organized set of layers. These layers make the process of development more interactive with fewer codes and complexities. The simplicity of Flutter also increases productivity and reduces development time.
One of the best features of React Native is Hot Reload. It allows alterations in the codebase that can be reviewed visually almost instantly without refreshing the app. It saves a lot of time.	Hot Reload is an important feature in Flutter also. Similar to React Native, Hot Reload allows modification in the code to be previewed on the app without needing to restart it. You can experiment with the codes and review it immediately.

Comparison

Development – I think is the major factor while talking on the react native vs flutter. React Native is preferred by the majority of the developers as it is an oldie in the industry and has better support available. Additionally, JavaScript is a language that is widely used in app development and to start development with React Native, one doesn’t need to put extra efforts in learning.

However, Flutter app development is new in the industry and uses a completely different language “Dart”, also the art of using and experimenting with widgets does not come naturally. People have started giving Flutter a try and those who have tried building apps using Flutter appreciate the ease and quality of development. 

Programming language

Both the frameworks for cross-platform app development require a single codebase for all the platforms. That being the biggest advantage allows developers to create hybrid apps that are compatible on iOS and Android both and provides a budget-friendly and time-efficient option for businesses. 

React Native	Flutter
As mentioned above, React Native typically uses JavaScript for development.	Flutter frameworks use a different language called Dart which was also launched by Google.
The codes written in JavaScript are later compiled with native components at runtime.	The main advantage of Dart is that the language is based on C/C++ and is compatible with most object-oriented languages.
Many other frameworks also use JavaScript and this makes it easy for React Native to communicate with those native UI elements through JavaScript bridge.	This feature removes the need for a bridge to communicate with native components. Thus, making the development faster than React Native.
This is the language mostly used by web developers which makes it easy for them to start developing apps with little to no training.	Dart language is so easy that a non-developer can also get started with little understanding of programming.

Comparison

Although React Native is adopted by most developers because of JavaScript, even those who have basic knowledge of JavaScript or Java can start developing apps with Flutter. Dart has its own set of libraries and thus it has an edge over React Native. 

Architecture

The technical architecture of a framework is as important as language and other features. A framework architecture helps a team in deciding the toolkit they would want to build their apps on. 

React Native	Flutter
React Native follows a unidirectional data flow and stores the app’s state in a central location called Store. The architecture of React Native is called Flux.	The architecture that Flutter uses is known as Skia. Flutter’s dart based architecture has a unidirectional data flow pattern.
Facebook uses this architecture to create client-based web solutions.	Dart has many components built within, which increases its size but eliminates the need for bridge communication with native modules
Another library that uses the Flux pattern is called Redux which is widely used by most developers to manage the central state of the app.	Flutter itself is a complete package with all the features included that are required for app development.

Comparison

Flutter, with its package of components, improves the performance of the app and rendering speed. On the other hand, the need for bridge communication in React Native results in diminished performance. 

Performance

Looking on the Flutter vs React Native performance comparison both toolkits have some benefits and some drawbacks. 

React Native	Flutter
All the components of React Native are not compiled in C/C++. Instead, the UI components are compiled with their native counterparts and JavaScript code communicates with them with the help of a bridge.	As we mentioned above that Flutter is a complete package in itself including native UI components and its wide range of libraries. Additionally, Dart is also an optimized and high-performance programming language.
The separate threads for UI and native elements improve its performance. Hence, making React Native much better than other hybrid frameworks except Flutter.	Flutter code is compiled to native ARM machine code using Dart’s native compilers offering native performance to the apps made in Flutter.
The nuisance of performing all tasks and compiling different threads together for app development is too tiring from a developer’s viewpoint.	The ease of code compilation with other native UI components and availability of library sets improve its performance.

Comparison

Considering the above-mentioned factors to determine React Native vs Flutter Performance, the latter is certainly better than the former in terms of performance. 

Installation and Configuration

The installation and configuration of the framework must be an easy and self-explanatory process. So that developers can jump into app development without having to resolve the puzzle of installation and set up. 

React Native	Flutter
Getting started with React Native is simple. You can install the React Native framework with the help of the Node Package Manager.	It’s rather easier to initiate Flutter. You have to simply download the Flutter package and unzip it.
The create-react-native-app package is used to create a new React Native application. Then the developer would need to build a suitable environment using JavaScript.	The file should be added to a variable path. Right after installation, one can start working on Flutter.
For people who are not well-acquainted with JavaScript may find the installation and configuration process a little tricky.	To use Flutter frameworks on other devices than mobile phones, you would need to install Android Studio and emulator to start working on Flutter.

Comparison

Flutter installation and configuration is much simpler than React Native as it is less time consuming and less complicated. 

User Interface (UX/UI)

A great user interface drives more user engagement and is a must for an app’s success. While we compare the differences between React Native vs Flutter 2020, judging them based on UI/UX becomes important. 

React Native	Flutter
User interfaces in apps made in the React Native are plain. This drawback exists because React Native lacks the direct support of native components. If compiling with native modules is difficult for a framework, the app created by the framework would not give the look and feel of a native app.	Flutter especially focuses on excellent end-user experience by allowing you to build native-like apps with the help of its layered architecture.
The fact that React Native doesn’t have its own APIs to communicate with native elements, it needs to use multiple third-party libraries. In fact, React Native majorly depends upon third-party libraries	The apps made in Flutter have a rather beautiful, expressive, and flexible UI. Flutter is loaded with many components within the framework itself removing the need of accessing third-party libraries.

Comparison 

React Native’s dependency on third-party libraries and the lack of UI components lead to a very fragile UI that is not very impactful. But with Flutter, you get an amazing interface which incorporates successful user-engagement. 

Community Support

Any framework gains community support after being used by many of the developers. The community members help each other with development, helping each other to learn new things within the community. If a developer ever gets stuck during the process, he/she can always turn to the community for extended help. 

React Native	Flutter
React Native was launched as an open-source SDK in 2015. It has been quite a while since this framework has been adopted by developers from all around the world. Thus, it has strong community support.	While Flutter is a newbie in the industry, its community is smaller than React Native’s.
The huge community support is reflected by 68k stars on GitHub, 14.5k user subreddit, and nearly 9000 user Discord chat.	The way it gained popularity and was accepted by developers, Flutter’s community is also growing at a fast pace.

Comparison

Even though Flutter’s community is increasing rapidly, React Native is still supported by a huge community and offers better support to the members of the community and new learners. 

Testing

App testing is an important step in the process of app development. Testing an app determines its quality and is a great way of accumulating feedback to enhance the app for rich user experience. 

React Native	Flutter
As we know that React Native is based on JavaScript, it is easy for developers to perform unit level testing.	Unlike React Native, Flutter has a rich set of testing frameworks for all levels including UI, widgets, and integration.
But it gets difficult with UI and automation testing because of the insufficiency of its own component library. Even the third-party component library does not support testing.	Flutter is also backed by very elaborative documentation to guide the developers about every step of Flutter app development

Comparison

Clearly, Flutter is the winner in the context of testing. Although React Native has an edge over Flutter in terms of users and community support, the testing is still a difficult task for the developers. 

Conclusion

React Native and Flutter both frameworks have their advantages and disadvantages over each other. React Native was launched some years before Flutter, thus, React Native is liked by most developers. React Native was the first cross-platform mobile app development framework that provided the opportunity to build native apps by using Javascript and React.js knowledge. All other frameworks before React Native failed to beat native apps. 

Whereas Flutter has emerged as a solution to all the existing problems with React Native. But Flutter is still in its initial stage and not yet adopted by many developers. Flutter doesn’t have community support as huge as React Native. But in a few years, Flutter has become too popular and it is speculated that the time is not far away when Flutter would be dominating the app development industry. 

The best way to find out the perfect toolkit and framework for your app is by considering your app’s requirements and end goals.

Contact Pairroxz to help you determine which framework is best for your app development? We have a team of experienced app developers who are skilled with latest technologies and frameworks.

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