Is Flutter more competitive now that it supports Kotlin Multiplatform? Which one is more effective to use? These questions hit hard when choosing the best platform for your next project. But not anymore. In this article, we will compare Flutter and Kotlin Multiplatform, weighing their relative merits and shortcomings, and determining which is the superior framework.
Kotlin was initially presented as a replacement for Java for Android app development. In contrast, Flutter has been in use to develop apps that are compatible with several operating systems. Kotlin is a platform-specific language that can only be used to write native Android applications. However, it did provide Android app developers with many new and powerful features, as we said earlier. However, Google has entered the realm of cross-platform app creation with the release of Kotlin multiplatform and has introduced a framework that is usable for both the iOS and Android operating systems.
On the other hand, Flutter is another technology developed by Google that works across several platforms. As a result of the fact that the same IT company owns both the Flutter and the Kotlin multi-platforms, the contrast is very clear. Let’s get a quick grasp on both of these technological facts.
An Overview of Kotlin
As an experimental language feature, Kotlin multiplatform enables programmers to write code once and deploy it to both the Android and iOS platforms. Kotlin’s advanced features and capabilities are put to good use in this multiplatform framework, which supports iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, the Web, etc. Time spent developing is cut drastically because code can be shared across platforms.
Some Pros of Kotlin
1. Simple Syntax
Kotlin has an intuitive syntax that shares features with other languages, such as Swift and Java, used for iOS and Android development, respectively. Because of this, Kotlin is also quite approachable as a language for newcomers.
2. Integration Modular
Kotlin’s strength lies in the fact that it is a software development kit (SDK) and not a framework. This means that current applications can test the waters with simply the addition of a module or migration of a small component before committing to a comprehensive overhaul. Because of this, Kotlin is better able to overcome the difficulties associated with migrating to a new codebase.
3. Native User Interface
The Kotlin cross-platform framework doesn’t force developers to use their own user interface as Flutter does. This enables them to create programs that look and feel as native as possible by making full use of all available native user interface elements.
4. Single Code Base
With Kotlin, developers are able to share the same codebase, library, and business logic across many platforms. What sets it apart is the ability to share libraries and logic beneath the user interface. App creators can now have unfettered access to the native ecosystem.
Cons of Kotlin
1. Alpha State
Kotlin 1.2 introduced multiplatform support. However, the corresponding software development kit (SDK) is still in beta. Companies are afraid to migrate because there isn’t a reliable release available.
2. Poor Library & Community Support
Since Kotlin multiplatform is still in its infancy, there is currently only a trickle of resources available to work with. It could eventually equal Flutter’s performance. Data serialization and HTTP client libraries are two examples of virtual libraries that see ongoing development and improvement.
3. Unfamiliar With Other Tech Stacks
Kotlin Multiplatform needs to know tech stacks. Using many native components means you can’t do everything with Kotlin alone, but with Flutter, you can. Kotlin multiplatform isn’t designed to replace every API a platform focuses on. Therefore mobile app development companies must know each platform and API.
4. High Development Cost
While Flutter is ideal for developing MVPs and prototypes of apps, Kotlin isn’t. Because it relies on non-native components, it is more expensive to create.
Pros of Flutter
1. Cuts Down on Debug Time
If you use the same application for both platforms and share the same codebase, then you will only need to debug the application once rather than doing so independently for each platform.
2. Perfect for Creating MVPs
Cross-platform development’s use in facilitating the creation of an app quickly and efficiently is a key consideration. This is where Flutter really shines, as it allows developers to create apps for both Android and iOS with minimal extra work, expense, or time, making it an ideal choice for minimum viable product development.
3. Open-Source & Free
Flutter is open-source and free to use, unlike app-builders and other no-code alternatives. Also, its Dart programming language is similar. Both are freely available and open-source. This facilitates the viewing of documentation by app developers, the posting of questions by app developers in a forum, and the final learning and implementation of the code by app developers.
4. Superior App Design & Slick User Interface
Flutter’s use of the Skia Graphics package results in a responsive and quick user interface. Any time a new view is selected, the user interface is refreshed. To further improve the user experience, Flutter includes its own collection of bespoke widgets and does not rely on native system components.
Cons of Flutter
1. App Size
Flutter’s app size is one of its key drawbacks. Compared to Xmarin and React Native, this framework’s “Hello World” release file is 6.7 MB.
2. Dart Language
Dart is not as popular as Java, C, or JavaScript despite being simple to learn and apply. Additionally, you will need to learn how to write and use Dart to construct apps utilizing Flutter. Some people who are used to working with JavaScript may find this an issue.
3. No Third-Party Libraries
Software development relies heavily on third-party libraries and packages. Free, pre-tested, open-source, and freely available, describe these libraries. One may not be able to find all development components yet. Since Flutter is new, it is tough to track packages and libraries.
4. No Password Manager Support
There are problems with autocomplete input fields in Flutter-made apps right now. This is especially clear when conducting password extraction for native or external administrators is necessary.
Key Differences of Flutter & Kotlin
| Criteria | Flutter | Kotlin |
| Created By | JetBrains | |
| Learning Curve | To create an app with Flutter, you’ll need to become familiar with the programming language Dart. | It has a flatter learning curve and a higher degree of similarity to popular programming languages like Java, C#, Python, and JavaScript. |
| Supported Platforms | Flutter supports iOS, Android, Web, Linux, Google Fuchsia, macOS, and Windows. | Kotlin supports Android, iOS, JVM, macOS, Linux, Windows, and JavaScript. |
| App Size | App Size is bigger in Flutter development | When compared to Flutter, it is significantly lower. |
| Community | Flutter is the platform with the most rapidly expanding community and the most consistent upgrades. | Extensive library of Java applications and resources; dynamic programming language |
| Performance | The same level of native performance across all platforms | Compilation may be slower, but the overall experience is consistent across all platforms. |
| Recognition on the GitHub platform | 143K | 42.2K |
| Special Features | Flutter includes the capabilities of hot reloading, platform awareness for user interfaces, and fully customizable widgets. | Despite its interoperability with Java, Kotlin offers support for programming that is short, secure, and functional. |
| Renowned for | Flutter is known for developing a stunning user interface (UI) that is quick and efficient for desktop, mobile, and web applications using a single codebase. | Kotlin has great compatibility with the Java programming language and also help from Google to create Android applications. |
In a Nutshell
No programming language or framework is perfect. Each has its pros and cons. Flutter and Kotlin give you the best performance and save you time and money in the development process. Even though Flutter is new to the market, apps built with Flutter are more popular than apps made with Kotlin in some ways. Kotlin, on the other hand, is used more often to make Android apps. If we think about cross-platform app development, both offer performance similar to that of a native app while only using one code base.
Ultimately, we can say that the right framework for your project depends on what it needs to do. So, no matter your choice, make sure it’s the best choice for your project.
