Flutter vs Ionic: what is the better choice?

by

Flutter vs Ionic: what is the better choice?

Flutter VS Ionic: An Introduction

In earlier articles, we discussed the two popular cross-platform development frameworks that developers use. Each of the frameworks has its pros and cons, but one becomes more apt than the other in some cases. In this article, we will explore the two frameworks in comparison with each other so if you are considering between the two, it would be helpful to know which could be a probable choice for you. 

What makes Flutter and Ionic popular choices for developers?

Some developers favour one because of the multiple benefits they enjoy with the framework, so it is important to keep this review balanced and unbiased. The common advantages of Flutter and Ionic are that they both are perfect for building high-performance apps that work perfectly well on both platforms, iOS and Android, and have powerful functionalities that will make them suitable. Their advantages put them on the top list among cross-platform development frameworks. 

Short intro on Flutter

Launched by Google in May 2017, Flutter is a fairly young open-source software development kit 

The statistics may change with time, so we are not getting into the numbers now, but the balance does tilt towards Flutter and there is a huge development community that supports Flutter loyally. With a single codebase, the framework lets you develop applications for Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS, web, Windows, and other platforms. The most powerful feature of Flutter is its widgets. Flutter is a favourite global choice because it has a pretty impressive community.

Short intro on Ionic

Ionic, launched in its final version in May 2015 is also an open-source UI toolkit that helps you build amazing cross-platform applications for various platforms using HTML, CSS, AngularJS, and Javascript. This front-end tool built over the Cordova platform provides API for developers to create applications that look and feel like native apps. 

The Comparison

Staunch community support

Interestingly, both frameworks have excellent community support, but Flutter does have stronger support, and the backing of Google makes it possible for Flutter’s community to grow profoundly. A benefit of this is that you can expect consistent updates and support with Flutter, and thus a probable choice for long-term projects. Ionic also has a very large user base and extensive documentation, but it does not have the same level of support or endorsement as Flutter. You have to look at factors like community engagement, ecosystem maturity, and project requirements before choosing one of them.

Flutter Scores!

Code portability

There is no doubt that you can enjoy developing responsive and dynamic apps for both iOS and Android platforms. Just a single codebase and you can compile the app to run with a native look and feel. However, Flutter does have some limitations for web implementation and might be a problem when you need apps with fast reload times and super-fast performance. On the other hand, Ionic is built on the web, and thus it is built on web standards. So probably, while both platforms are great for developing apps with a single code base, Ionic gives you a fair advantage when developing apps for the desktop, mobile, and web. 

Evenly matched, perhaps Ionic scores a tad bit more!

Native Integration and Access to Device Features 

Flutter has platform-specific features and native APIs through a set of plugins and packages, making it easier for developers to integrate their requirements (for example, sensors, hardware, etc.) directly into the applications. This gives the developers greater control over performance and seamless accessibility for demanding applications because that is not fully the case with Ionic. Ionic uses Capacitor or Cordova plugins, and this does have some limitations with rendering the UI components. 

Flutter wins, hands down!

Modularity 

It would be interesting to consider what Modularity holds for both Flutter and Ionic. Modularization is the process wherein you check the framework’s capability to the extent of enabling developers with different technical skills and experiences to work on a project. This is done by breaking down unwieldy codes into smaller sections and think modules. It aids in the design process and helps with debugging, reusability, and workload handling. Flutter is fully capable of enabling the developers to do this and ensure project code division into different sub-package system models. The developers can add or make changes to the codebase by easily building multiple modules. Ionic also helps in Modularization through the NgModule class by Android. Developers can build different components using modules and form the application structure with one root module for bootstrapping. 

Both are good!

The Architecture

Choosing the right architecture is very important for a smooth development process and future support and upgrades. Flutter has a hierarchical layered architecture and has platform-specific widgets too. The BLoc architecture comes with a separate presentation layer and business logic layer. The platform layers communicate through rendering layers. On the other hand, Ionic uses Angular JS MVC. This not only enables developers to work simultaneously on a single app, but create multiple views easily at the same time. 

Both have their advantages!

Code Maintainability

Code maintenance is quite critical in app development because you have to continue to provide service to users. It is very important to identify issues quickly and resolve them. Flutter is easier because it has support for third-party libraries and external tools for this. However, with Ionic, this is a bit challenging. The advantage of Hot Reload is an advantage to both frameworks in this regard.

Flutter wins!

Documentation

Through Documentation, it is easier for the developers (current and future) to manage the code, learn from past mistakes, and avoid bugs. It helps in communicating the vision, design, function, testing, maintenance, and requirements. Well-structured documentation makes it easier for developers to get what they need in the same place. With Ionic, it is easy to change the libraries at any time. 

Both are excellent!

Future-ready and platform-reach

Flutter offers tremendous support for multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, web, and desktop, and this makes the framework future-ready and adaptable to evolving market trends. There is ongoing support, updates, and enhancements, and thus an excellent choice for long-term projects. Ionic, however, focussed primarily on web-centric development and web technologies, and this limits its platform reach. Especially with complex applications needing native performance. 

Flutter wins!

The decision 

It is important to consider that Flutter has a rich ecosystem of packages, plugins, and tools, known as Flutter Pub, and with Google’s continued investment in the framework, you can have a future-proof solution for your app development requirements. However, it is still very difficult to choose between the two, but when you have clear business objectives and user requirements, the decision might be easier. 

You can hire Flutter developers if the project has a complicated user requirement, and Ionic developers would be a great choice if the application structure is complex. It would be best to discuss your options with a reputed software development company with experience in the field and who has expert teams of both Ionic and Flutter developers because they would be able to easily align your business objectives with user requirements. 

Interesting Links:

Which Development Platform Is Best for Hybrid Apps: Ionic vs. Flutter

Which cross-platform framework to choose for your app development needs: Flutter vs. Ionic?

Leave a Comment