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Cross-platform mobile development is a strategy that has worked for companies who want to reach both Android and iOS users without having to develop two separate applications. Cross-platform mobile application development has gained traction in the last decade as companies have developed new applications for various user groups. The most in-demand frameworks for cross-platform mobile development are React Native and Flutter; however, many companies are gradually migrating from React Native to Flutter. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this shift, differences between these two frameworks, and a step-by-step guide on successfully executing the entire Flutter migration service process.
The Rise of Cross-Platform Frameworks
Built-in Android and iOS companies typically offer trust-based app development systems for clients to build apps, known as Cross-Platform Applications. These include costs for development resources and fast output. Other forms overcome this challenge by building additional apps twice and thus incur development costs for separate maintenance of apps because the time-to-market is also within the app. Cross-platform frameworks, such as React Native and Flutter, are developed as a solution, through which codes can be written once and executed over an unlimited number of platforms.
Why Some Teams Are Moving from React Native to Flutter
Mobile development continues, like never before. As mobile development evolves, developers face numerous challenges, including performance bottlenecks, UI discrepancies, and integration issues with third-party plugins. Many development teams that were initially convinced by their choice of React Native now find Flutter to be a better alternative, as it aims to deliver a smoother experience across both Android and iOS, offering elegant solutions to most issues faced when developing applications for these two platforms.
This guide will walk you through the benefits of migrating to Flutter, explain the differences between React Native and Flutter, outline effective times for migration, and provide a step-by-step migration strategy. Be it a CTO, developer, or founder, this transition would help your business understand what it can do for it and what steps are necessary for a smooth migration.
Need guidance on your migration journey? [Talk to our team].
Why Consider Migrating to Flutter?
Better Performance (Compiled vs. Bridge-Based)
It is in drawing and rendering that we find perhaps the most crucial divergence between React Native and Flutter. There is a bridge in React Native that interacts with the JavaScript code and native components. As a result, performance concerns could potentially arise. This strategy may work fairly for simple applications but would have trouble standing against performance-bound requirements, such as animation and complex user interfaces.
Unified UI Across Platforms
React Native utilises native components for each platform, which, in essence, means the Android and iOS platforms could have slight differences in the UI. For instance, the representation of a button in iOS may have slight characteristics that differentiate it from the picture shown in Android. Such discrepancies would require extra work in design and development just to ensure uniformity in UI.
Google Support and Vibrant Ecosystem
With formal Google support, Flutter can rely on extensive documentation, regular updates, and an ever-growing ecosystem of tools, libraries, and plugins. Given support from Google, Flutter has gained widespread adoption among developers, thereby establishing itself as a reliable option for organisations looking to future-proof their mobile applications.
Growing Developer Base and Plugins
Flutter’s developer base is growing rapidly due to its ease of use and performance benefits, along with its active community. This development ensures the availability of fuller resources, availability of tutorials and forums, and development plug-ins, thus enabling developers to quickly take up Flutter and work in it.
Need help with integrating Flutter plugins? [Talk to our team].
Key Differences Between React Native and Flutter
Understanding the fundamental differences between React Native and Flutter is essential for making an informed decision about migration. Here are some key distinctions:
Language: JavaScript vs. Dart
React Native uses JavaScript, one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. This means that developers familiar with JavaScript can easily transition to React Native development. However, this implies that the JavaScript engine limits React Native’s performance and necessitates a bridge for communication with native components.
Rendering Engines
React Native relies on native components and uses the JavaScript bridge to render them on iOS and Android. This approach can sometimes lead to inconsistencies or performance issues, especially when dealing with complex UIs.
Performance, Community, and Ecosystem
React Native has a large and mature ecosystem, with many third-party libraries and plugins available. However, as previously mentioned, its reliance on a bridge can lead to performance bottlenecks in some cases. The community is active, and there is no shortage of resources for developers.
Developer Experience
React Native’s developer experience is highly efficient, especially for developers familiar with JavaScript. The hot-reload feature allows for quick iterations and testing, making development fast and fluid.
Flutter also offers a rapid development cycle with its hot-reload feature. Dart’s syntax is clear and intuitive, though there is a learning curve for developers unfamiliar with it. Once developers become comfortable with Dart and Flutter, they often report an even more streamlined experience than with React Native.
Want to learn more about how React Native and Flutter compare? [Talk to our team].
When Migration Makes Sense
React Native to Flutter migration should be a tough choice, but it may be best for your team and app.
Performance Problems
In cases where the app is undergoing some performance issues—especially ones involving animations, transitions, and loading heavy components—Flutter might get a performance edge due to its compiled nature.
Inconsistency across screens on Android/iOS
If the app’s UI looks or behaves differently on Android and iOS, then migrating to Flutter may help you overcome these issues. The main advantage of Flutter is its engine, ensuring that the UI will be rendered pixel-perfect both on Android and iOS for easy maintenance of user experience consistency.
Roadblocks with Compatibility of Third-Party Plugins
Occasionally the React Native application suffers from incompatibility because it relies on third-party plugins, especially if such plugins have not been updated to the latest version of the framework. Although Flutter’s plugin ecosystem is relatively new, it is growing quite rapidly, and by migrating, you may be able to avoid compatibility issues.
Plans to Scale or Refactor the App Architecture
If you are considering scaling your app or refactoring its architecture, this is the perfect time to consider a Flutter migration service as an opportunity to optimise both the performance and architecture of your app. Simply put, Flutter architecture would be a more liberating framework for large apps as complexity increases in your app.
Not sure if migration is right for you? [Talk to our team].
Pre-Migration Planning Checklist
Before diving into the migration process, it’s essential to lay out a solid plan. Here’s a pre-migration checklist to ensure a smooth transition:
- Analyse the current codebase: Conduct a thorough audit of your React Native codebase to identify any dependencies, plugins, or complex features that will need to be reworked in Flutter.
- Define MVP scope for migration: Focus on migrating the most critical parts of your app first, such as core features and functionalities, before tackling more complex sections.
- Evaluate dependencies and plugins: Ensure that all third-party dependencies and plugins have Flutter equivalents or can be migrated without significant difficulty.
- Set up a Flutter tech team: Assemble a team of developers with expertise in Flutter to lead the migration process.
- Allocate time for QA and user feedback: Allow time for testing and user feedback before the full launch to ensure a smooth user experience post-migration.
Step-by-Step Migration Process
React Native to Flutter migration involves multiple stages. The migration process is thoroughly explained below:
Code Audit and Modular Analysis
The first stage of this migration process is to completely audit your app codebase. Identify crucial components and features that your app has, which need migration, and break the code into workable modules.
UI Recreation with Flutter
Redraft the interface of the app using Flutter widgets. Flutter makes it easy to replicate the UI design with its wide range of ready-made widgets.
Rewriting Business Logic (if any)
In some cases, business logic should be rewritten in Dart. This requirement applies especially when complex logic in your application is concerned with the React Native bridge or JavaScript-specific libraries.
API IntegrationFlutter
Reintegrating the API from your app into the Flutter framework is necessary. API calls, error handling, and data parsing must function appropriately under the new environment.
Validation and Testing
This includes testing the Flutter app thoroughly to ensure that everything works smoothly. Conduct unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing to validate the functioning of the application.
Launch and User Transition Strategy
Plan for a smooth launch with a smooth transition of users from the old React Native app to the new Flutter app. Inform users about the impending changes, ensuring that their journey is free of hiccups.
Common Challenges in Migration
While migrating to Flutter offers many benefits, there are also some challenges that teams often face:
Learning Curve of Dart and Flutter
If your team is accustomed to JavaScript, learning Dart and Flutter can take some time. However, with good documentation and community support, this learning curve can be overcome.
UI/UX Parity Maintenance
Maintaining UI parity between React Native and Flutter can be challenging, especially for complex UIs. However, Flutter’s comprehensive widget library makes this process easier.
Re-Implementation of Third-Party Plugins
Some third-party plugins in React Native may not have direct counterparts in Flutter, requiring you to either create custom solutions or use alternative packages.
Downtime and App Store Policies
Migrating an app can involve downtime, which can affect your users. Ensure that you follow the app store’s policies to minimise disruptions during the transition.
Tools & Tips for Smooth Migration
To ensure a smooth migration, here are some useful tools and tips:
- Using Shared Business Logic: Consider sharing business logic between the React Native and Flutter apps during the migration phase.
- Flutter DevTools: Leverage Flutter DevTools for debugging, performance profiling, and inspecting widget trees.
- Widget Testing and Golden Testing: Use Flutter’s built-in widget testing and golden testing features to ensure UI consistency.
- CI/CD for Mobile Apps: Set up continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipelines using tools like Codemagic or Bitrise to automate testing and deployment.
Need expert guidance on migration tools? [Talk to our team].
Migration Cost & Timeline Considerations
The cost and timeline for migrating from React Native to Flutter can vary based on several factors:
- App Complexity: The more complex the app, the longer and more expensive the migration process will be.
- Team Size: A larger team can speed up the migration, but it may also increase costs.
- APIs and Features: Apps with extensive third-party integrations or custom features may require more work during the migration process.
Generally, migration can take anywhere from a few weeks for a small app to several months for a larger, more complex app.
Why Esferasoft Is Your Flutter Migration Partner
At Esferasoft, we specialise in helping businesses migrate from React Native to Flutter with zero downtime. Our team of experts has extensive experience in both frameworks, ensuring that your migration is seamless and efficient.
We offer:
- Proven migration strategies tailored to your app’s specific needs.
- Ongoing support post-migration to ensure continued success.
- Expert guidance throughout the entire process, from planning to deployment.
Conclusion
React Native to Flutter migration can unlock significant performance and development advantages. By understanding the reasons behind migration, carefully planning the process, and leveraging expert support, your business can make the most of Flutter’s unique benefits. If you’re ready to take the next step, connect with Esferasoft to discuss how we can help you with a smooth and successful migration.
Let us guide you through each phase of the migration to ensure that your application is optimised for performance and scalability. Reach out today at +91 772-3000-038 to get started!
