We've been with the Flutter framework since the beginning. I want to tell you why and how you can use it too.
What is Flutter?
First, let me explain what Flutter is. It is a framework wherein you can build applications for mobile, desktop and web all natively compiled. You write the code once and compile it to all the different operating systems. Although Microsoft's Xamarin and Facebook's React Native do something similar using different approaches, Flutter is easier to use and performs the best.
Google, Flutter's creator, believes user experience is central for the success of their framework. They understood that if they wanted Flutter to succeed, they would have to focus on providing a very pleasant experience for their end-user; namely the developer.
Step into the future
Okay, sounds good so far, right? Now let's take a look at the future. Flutter is currently the fastest-growing development framework for software developers and I think it will only grow faster. Flutter is critical to Google's long-term strategy. They are working on a colossal project named Fuchsia, where they develop an entirely new operating system. Flutter plays a significant role in this as the preferred framework to build Fuchsia apps. Also, look at large companies such as Philips, Funda, and Albert Heijn. They all use Flutter as their go-to for developing applications. And the fact that the automotive industry, such as BMW and Toyota, choose Flutter is significant as well because they have a long lifecycle. All new Toyota cars are built with Flutter, meaning every digital aspect you see on your dashboard is made using Flutter. They wouldn't have done it if they saw a risk that it has no future because they can't afford that.
In addition to the above, there is also an HR component: there is a significant shortage of software developers and that problem is only getting bigger. To hire and retain people, employers must give people the tools they like to use. So it's good for companies to embrace Flutter because it suits their recruitment policy. As a developer, I also see that it works. So much more user-friendly and more straightforward than other techniques, this will continue to grow for the time being and will become even more prominent. I think Flutter has a great future. Mark my words!
Get started
My first advice would be to start contributing to an open source project. Nothing is more educational for a developer than working in an open source environment, where you will get feedback and opinions from others in the industry. If you have become curious about Flutter due to this article, visit the flutter.dev website, there you will find a 'getting started guide'. In five minutes they’ll guide you through the process to build a small application working on all platforms. This will give you a feeling for the programming language, Dart. After that, you are all set to get started. And do you have a problem or want to build an app with Flutter, we are happy to help. Feel free to contact us.
Have fun and good luck!
