Google introduced Flutter in 2017, and within a short period, it outperformed the React Native framework.
As a leading cross-platform framework, this Google-backed technology (Flutter) is eating up other markets.
In a document released by Flutter, over 7 lakh apps on the Google Play Store are built with this framework. Around 1 in 5 new apps prefer using Flutter over other cross-platform frameworks.
Not only is Flutter backed by Google, but it is also loved by developers worldwide.
Moreover, this framework is known for the exceptional capabilities it provides to developers, such as high performance, customizable app interfaces, cross-platform app development, etc.
When hiring a Flutter app development company for your startup, prioritize firms offering cost-effective Flutter app development services. Look for firms with proven track records, check client testimonials, assess expertise in Flutter, and evaluate their portfolio. Discuss project timelines and budgets upfront to ensure transparency and efficiency in the development process.
This blog tells you why there is an increasing demand for Flutter developers, a perfect checklist for hiring dream Flutter developers, and the cost associated with that.
Why are Flutter developers in high demand?
The demand for Flutter developers is rising because working with Flutter offers various advantages-
1. Single codebase
Flutter allows developers to build cross-platform apps quickly as it uses a single codebase to build apps that work across multiple platforms, such as Android, desktop, iOS, and the web.
A single codebase means developers need to write code once and run it everywhere. Thus, it reduces development time and effort, and they can create different versions of applications.
Creating a native app requires developers to write separate codes for Android and iOS, which requires more effort and coding.
It means
More coding = More development time = More money
2. Hot reload functionality
With a hot reload feature, developers can see the changes while working on the code. The good news is that there is no need to restart the application.
Because Flutter contains a hot reload feature, developers can become more effective as they can view the real-time changes in seconds.
Hot reload for developers does not just save time, rather it boosts their productivity whether it’s about refining elements or adjusting color schemes.
As developers can see the instant changes in code, they can fine-tune their apps with full zeal and confidence.
3. Open-source framework
Flutter is easily accessible to developers because of its open-source nature.
An open-source framework means that developers can contribute to the codebase, suggest necessary improvements, and report bugs if any.
As Flutter is developed by Google, it is gaining huge community support from global developers.
Moreover, Google itself is using Flutter on many of its development projects, one of which is Google Fuchsia.
4. Ready-made widgets
A common challenge that developers face while creating cross-platform apps is a lack of customization. Thanks to Flutter UI widgets, developers can create customizable user interfaces at a granular level.
Widgets act as a fundamental pillar for creating engaging app interfaces since they define how your application will look.
Moreover, Flutter supports the creation of platform-specific widgets (Material Design and Cupertino) for developing Android and iOS app interfaces.
5. The learning curve is easy
According to a Stack Overflow survey conducted in 2022, Flutter is the preferred and most loved framework among developers.
Now, let’s explore why.
Even with minimal coding knowledge, learning the Dart programming language is not a daunting task.
You can quickly grasp Dart and create appealing user interfaces with limited development experience.
How?
Thanks to Flutter’s ready-to-use widgets.
These widgets serve as powerful tools in your development journey, making it easier for you to design beautiful, feature-rich user interfaces without writing extensive lines of code.
How to find a reliable Flutter application development company?
Here are the few steps that you should follow before hiring Flutter developers-
1. Decide your business goals and requirements
Before searching for a Flutter app developer, it’s important to know your business needs. Ultimately knowing the objective behind the app is super important especially when you are starting.
Post that, you will decide on what features to add to your application.
2. Decide your budget
Ask yourself – what is the budget you have for this app development project?
Your budget affects the choice of selecting an app specialist. Just because you want to bid for the lowest price does not mean you have to sacrifice the quality aspect.
Also, the cost of developing Flutter apps depends on how simple or complex your application will be, what features you expect in your app, and the overall functionality of your app.
3. Review the portfolio of app developers
When choosing a Flutter mobile app development company, make sure to review the portfolio and reviews of app specialists.
When it comes to creating high-quality apps, selecting an experienced partner matters the most.
Browsing through their portfolio gives you a glimpse of what type of projects they handled in the past, the type of industries they worked in, and the types of apps they created.
Apart from that, reading reviews and testimonials allows you to learn about their app development process and see the results they brought for their existing clients. This way, you can judge their skills and make the right hiring decision.
4. Assess their technical proficiency
What if you onboard a Flutter app developer but he/she lacks technical knowledge? So, it’s super important for you to assess whether they are technically proficient or not.
You can know this by asking domain-specific questions (Flutter framework, UI/UX design, API integration) and how good are they with widgets, animations, and layouts.
If a developer is well familiar with Flutter technology, then he might be a perfect guy for your project.
5. Decide the approach to manage projects
The next step is to check which project management approach the company follows for managing projects and delivering apps.
You need to keep track of the health of the project by collaborating with the technical vendor.
Generally, there are 2 popular methodologies that technical vendors adopt for the successful completion of projects – Agile and Scrum.
What is the cost of hiring Flutter app developers?
Honestly speaking, no fixed cost defines the expertise of a Flutter app developer.
Various factors contribute to the app development cost such as the geographical location of the app developer, their expertise, and the complexity of an application.
Let’s dive into those factors right away-
1. Development time
The development time varies when you are developing a native app or cross-platform app.
The cost of developing a cross-platform app using Flutter costs you less because it uses a single codebase. As it takes less development time and effort, so does the cost is low.
2. How complex is the application?
Developing apps using this framework also depends on the complexity of the application. An application with more advanced features increases overall app development costs.
Generally, the timeframe for adding basic features to your app takes around 3-4 days.
However, if you want to make your app more advanced by adding features such as payment integration, chat, video calls, etc. Then you need to have a handful of skilled developers in your team.
No wonder. Skilled developers charge you more.
It’s worth investing in them.
3. Geographical location of developers
Your cost will likely differ depending on where the developer is based. Different geographical regions have different cost estimations.
For Instance – If you are hiring a developer based out of the US and Canada, then the average hourly rates would cost you around $100-$250 depending on how experienced the developer might be.
If you go with hiring developers from Europe, then average hourly pricing starts at $50 and can go up to $150. In the case of Africa, the hiring cost goes somewhere between $30 -$70 per hour.
Wrapping up
Now, you understand that Flutter should be the go-to option for developing cross-platform apps. The good thing about Flutter is that you can create high-quality apps for multiple platforms and reach a wider range of audiences.
When top companies such as Google Ads, Google Pay, Groupon, and BMW used Flutter in their development projects to get millions of downloads and daily users.
When hiring a Flutter app development company like BigOhTech, prioritize expertise, track records, client testimonials, and transparent communication for success.
Then, why not you?
But to get faster results and attain a competitive edge, you need support from an experienced app development company that has a proven track record in creating high-performing apps for multiple platforms.