In the present time, mobile application development is growing rapidly, and developers are looking for versatile and efficient frameworks continuously to build top-notch easily. The two most popular choices for Android platforms are Flutter and Kotlin.

Flutter is an open-source toolkit for UI (User Interface) that is developed by Google. It helps to create robust and fast applications. It uses the Dart programming language it supports all kinds of platforms like web, mobile and desktop applications with only a single codebase.

Whereas the modern native Android apps are built with the priority of Kotlin programming language. But there is a full engineering interaction with the ecosystem of JVM (Java Virtual Machine) and Java. In this article, we will discuss the two programming languages, their approaches, benefits, similarities and differences. Hence, this article will help you to choose the appropriate programming language for your next app project.

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Differences and Similarities between Kotlin and Flutter

Kotlin

Flutter

Programming Language

It is a programming language that is statistically typed, runs on Java Virtual Machine (JVM), and offers flawless teamwork with Java.

Dart is a dynamic programming language mainly used in the framework of Flutter.

Advantage for the Developers

It enables the developers to grasp the existing libraries and frameworks of Java.

It helps to make the app development process faster and more efficient.

Platform

It is a natural choice for the development of Android applications.

It is used generally to develop a cross-platform app.

Community

Kotlin consists of a large and active developer community embraced by Android.

Dart/Flutter has a smaller community than Kotlin.

Language Features

Kotlin has been null safe since its birth.

Nulled safety was added to Dart in the version of 2.12.0 in 2021.

Smart Casting

The smart casting capabilities are more advanced allowing for automatic-type casting when few conditions will be fulfilled.

Explicit casting is required in Dart during the switching of different types of platforms.

Changes in Adoption

Native app development generally allows for quicker adoption of platform-specific changes. This is because the developers have direct access to the latest tools, APIs, and documentation provided for the platforms they are working on.

The adoption changes in Flutter were introduced in the new version of iOS or Android that might take a little longer.

Process of the Application Development

One or more developers works only on the app of a particular platform. Another set of developers can be assigned to work on iOS platform using iOS SDK (Software Development Kit) or Swift.

Since it follows a cross-platform approach, a single developing team uses the same codebase to handle both the iOS and Android platform. The reason is Flutter uses a single programming language, Dart having a single set of widgets for creating a user interface.

Developers’ experience

The native app developers have experience in both platforms.

A Flutter app developer can have experience in developing either an iOS or Android app.

Quality of the code

Lower quality of codes.

Fabulous quality of codes.

Type of Ecosystem

Its ecosystem is relatively immature compared to the established platforms like the native development of iOS and Android.

Flutter is the most suitable option because of its straightforward development process and prosperous ecosystem.

Trends

It is preferred by the Kotlin developers who are developing an Android app exclusively but looking for a more expressive and modern programming language than Java.

It is attractive for those developers who want to reach a multi-platform audience with only one codebase.

Performance

Native execution on Android but little bit worse on other platforms.

High performance with a rendering engine that is personalized.

Consistency in UI (User Interface)

Platform specific native UI.

Adaptive or consistent UI across all platforms.

Advantages of Kotlin and Flutter

Advantages of Kotlin

Advantages of Flutter

Cross-platform development – Flutter helps in enabling cross-platform, which means that a single codebase can be used to create apps for both the platforms of Android and iOS. This is time and effort-efficient because the developers do not need to write separate codes for different platforms.
Hot Reload – Flutter helps in enabling cross-platform, which means that a single codebase can be used to create apps for both the platforms of Android and iOS. This is time and effort-efficient because the developers do not need to write separate codes for different platforms.

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Challenges Faced by Separate iOS and Android Development Teams

When separate teams of iOS and Android handle development, discrepancies occur not just in terms of platform behaviors or visual aspects, but also in the required interpretations, which might lead to potential issues in the post-development phase.

Native iOS development is usually faster because of its controlled ecosystem of hardware. While the fragmentation of Android causes challenges. Flutter helps to solve this issue with a single team and their codebase, ensuring consistency in the platform. However, the native apps developed by Kotlin programming language might be preferable because Flutter lacks most of the functionalities.

Flutter might be a good option for:

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Conclusion

When you are thinking of choosing between native app development with Kotlin or cross-platform development with Dart or Flutter, it is crucial for you to consider the specific requirements of your project. Flutter offers a single codebase for various platforms, a fast cycle of development, and a high quality of pre-designed widgets. These make it ideal for a cross-platform app having a consistent UI (User Interface).

On the other hand, Kotlin application development should be your go-to for the apps that require full integration with the Android platform. It requires more performance, or they require to grasp the full range of features and APIs that are Android specific. At Sunrise Technologies, as a presenter of this blog and one of the most reputed App development company, we do not just help our clients build a robust mobile app. We also consult and suggest to them the appropriate techniques and features that should be implemented in the app tailored to their business requirement. Whether you are looking for an Android native app with Kotlin or want to make a cross-platform app, we will help you in every possible way.

Sam K Annavi

About Author

Sam is a chartered professional engineer with over 15 years of extensive experience in the software technology space. Over the years, Sam has held the position of Chief Technology Consultant for tech companies both in Australia and abroad before establishing his own software consulting firm in Sydney, Australia. In his current role, he manages a large team of developers and engineers across Australia and internationally, dedicated to delivering the best in software technology.