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flutter-for-iot-app-development
Technology

What Makes Flutter Suitable for IoT App Development?

Mihir Mistry,

Since technology is infiltrating every aspect of our life, developing innovative IoT apps is becoming a hot trend. It’s the technology that connects devices on a network to exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet. And people love it when they can operate their ACs or control multiple devices from their smartphones.

The demand for IoT-enabled devices is escalating. A large number of businesses are putting their faith in IoT devices, and that results in the ever-growing demand for IoT apps. Since there is a huge demand for IoT apps, businesses want a robust app development platform to develop their IoT apps.

There is a serious buzz around one particular platform among the long list of app development platforms out there, and that’s Flutter. Since big brands like Alibaba and Philips are using Flutter for their mobile apps, Flutter has earned both name and recognition in the past few years.

This blog aims to point out the advantages of using Flutter for IoT apps and how it affects overall IoT app development. However, before we jump to the benefits of choosing Flutter for IoT app development, let’s quickly run through an overview of the Flutter platform and see what makes it so popular in the industry.

What is Flutter?

Flutter is a popular software development platform by Google. It allows the creation of cross-platform applications for mobile, web, and desktop. The most admired thing about Flutter is that it is an open-source platform and easy to learn. Flutter’s many robust features make it a suitable platform for startups and small and large-scale app development.

Flutter enables app development for multiple operating systems with a single codebase without compromising performance and security. Flutter uses Dart programming language, focusing on front-end development with features to swear by.

Let’s quickly shift our focus to the key features of Flutter. Here we go! 

  • Open-source platform
  • Hot reload feature
  • Rich widgets
  • Single codebase
  • Google firebase support
  • Quick app development
  • Easy learning curve
  • Solid community support

Flutter for IoT

What makes Flutter the right platform for IoT app development?

Now let’s get into the core of this blog and find out what the hype is all about after all. So, we know Flutter for IoT app development is well known but do you wonder why? If yes, don’t worry; we will figure it out in this blog. We will discuss the benefits of using Flutter for IoT app development and attempt to clear your doubts with valid reasons. So, shall we begin?

Fast development

Flutter and fast app development have become synonyms lately. In Flutter app development, there’s no need to write two separate codes as one codebase can run on both Android and iOS. This saves a lot of time compared to other platforms and frameworks.

Moreover, app development using Flutter is significantly shorter than native app development for two different platforms. Thus, developing IoT apps using Flutter is fast and time-saving.

Multiplatform solutions 

As Flutter allows using the same codebase for developing two apps, the developers can use a single codebase to develop two IoT apps that too for different operating systems.

Furthermore, Flutter is also a highly preferred framework for developing MVPs. If the prototype of an app is already ready, developing an IoT app with Flutter becomes really simple.

Reduced cost 

Developing smart IoT apps can cost a lot if enough attention is not paid while choosing the right framework for app development. However, Flutter doesn’t disappoint in this case. Since Flutter develops an app quickly, it becomes cost-saving to a great extent.

Using Flutter for developing IoT apps is excellent for companies with short budgets as well. The budget factor is vital for startups, and thus, choosing Flutter for developing IoT apps will be a good decision.

Native-like performance 

One reason behind Flutter’s massive success is its native-like feel and performance. With its beautiful native-like performance, Flutter has won many hearts, and it is expected to do so in the future.

If we take IoT app development into consideration, Flutter includes many libraries, components, and widgets that recreate the feel and look of native apps. Thus, developing IoT apps on Flutter will feel more native.

Seamless deployment 

Being a modern cross-platform framework, Flutter offers software and QA engineers a functional development environment and robust tools for quickly testing and debugging the app.

Moreover, Flutter offers hot reload features which allow the developers to update the code, review changes, and deploy IoT applications simultaneously. Thus, using Flutter enables seamless and fast deployment of apps on play stores.

Custom UI 

Sometimes, it becomes challenging to develop a user interface that suits your app. When it comes to creating powerful IoT devices, customization is a great-to-have feature.

As there are plenty of tools for any case in Flutter, any customization is possible. Thus, it enables the development of a user interface that makes people stop and navigate your app for hours.

High productivity 

Using Flutter for IoT is a good choice as Flutter develops scalable apps. As flutter apps are created using Dart, the apps are well-optimized and have uncomplicated syntax. Another good thing about Dart is that it runs on Android, iOS, desktop, and even web applications.

Dart’s possibility of using a single codebase for multiple devices promotes higher productivity and better maintenance as well.

How to build a Flutter IoT-based application like a pro?

Well, you can follow the below steps to develop an IoT-based application using the Flutter software development kit.

  • Understand the requirements of the IoT application. This includes the type of device and sensor data that will be used, as well as the desired functionality of the application.
  • Choose a suitable IoT platform that can integrate with Flutter. Some popular options include Google IoT Core, AWS IoT, and Azure IoT.
  • Use a package such as “flutter_blue” to connect to and communicate with the IoT devices.
  • Use a package such as “mqtt_client” to handle the MQTT (machine-to-machine network protocol for message queue/message queuing service) protocol for communication between the Flutter app and the IoT platform.
  • Implement the desired functionality of the application, such as displaying sensor data and sending commands to IoT devices.
  • Test the application on both the emulator and a physical device.
  • Lastly, make sure that the design, navigation, and user experience are top-notch. And if you need to make any changes, the Flutter UI kit will always come in handy.

However, it would be helpful to have prior experience in Flutter and IoT development, as well as knowledge of the Dart programming language. Hence, make sure you know how to hire genuine Flutter developers.

Any real-world Flutter IoT-based app to demonstrate the duo potential?

Since we are seeking living proof of an IoT-enabled app built with Flutter, the Philips Hue app brings control of the home lights and accessories to the fingertips. And guess what? The app that connects IoT-enabled home devices is built on top of Flutter.

The company has two apps: Hue Sync and Hue Bluetooth, and both are developed using Flutter to enable control of connected IoT devices. The company offers a range of smart lights that can change the lighting tone as per the user’s mode. To allow users to customize, set different modes, and access them on the go, the company developed an ultimate app.

Furthermore, the app also lets users connect with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant to control their smart lights via voice commands. The app not only uses Flutter widgets but also enables its users to create custom widgets for quick control.

Philips Hue has been using Flutter since 2018 when there was no significant app to demonstrate the framework’s strength. Though the company never regrets using Flutter, and after completing this post, you won’t hesitate to use it either.

Flutter-IoT-CTA

What are the general requirements for developing an IoT app with Flutter?

Having good developers is the primary requirement. We have provided an exclusive guide on how to hire Flutter developers in today’s tech-driven era, where every other company is after Flutter resources for fast development.

There are some requirements to take care of to develop smart IoT apps like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or other smart home apps and devices like smart switches, lightbulbs, etc. These basic requirements include connecting the app to a device, pairing it, and configuring it. Sometimes, the pairing can be done through wifi, but in most cases, Bluetooth is used to pair smart IoT devices. So, let’s see how pairing devices over Bluetooth works with Flutter IoT apps.

So, first and foremost, we must note that Flutter doesn’t have inbuilt support for Bluetooth, and therefore, one has to smartly pick a third-party plugin and Bluetooth APIs that will help the devices to connect over Bluetooth and work properly.

Secondly, once the right third-party plugin is available, the Bluetooth setup becomes much smoother for IoT apps than the wifi setup. This is because switching back and forth between the wifi networks can disrupt the connection. Bluetooth, however, just provides a smooth experience.

You can also escape all this hassle just by hiring one of the top Flutter development companies.

How much does it cost to develop an IoT-enabled app with Flutter?

The cost of developing an IoT-enabled app with Flutter can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the complexity of the app, the number of features and integrations required, and the experience and hourly rate of the development team.

Generally, the cost of developing an app is broken down into three main categories:

  • Design and development: This includes the cost of designing the user interface and user experience, as well as the development of the app’s functionality.
  • Integration: This includes the cost of integrating the app with the IoT devices and any other third-party services or APIs that are needed.
  • Testing and deployment: This includes the cost of testing the app to ensure that it works correctly and is free of bugs, as well as the cost of deploying the app to the app stores or other platforms.

It is difficult to give an estimate without knowing more about the specifics of your app and the requirements. But in general, a simple IoT-enabled app with basic functionality and a limited number of integrations could cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000.

On the other hand, a more complex app with many features and integrations could cost upwards of $100,000 or more. It’s always a good idea to consult with a Flutter development team for a more accurate estimate. Also because the cost to hire Flutter developers also varies depending on a number of factors.

So, what do you think of developing IoT apps with Flutter?

Flutter might be a new framework, but its popularity has reached all industries lately. Its growing fan base, Google’s influence, and community support have all contributed to its growth and success. Looking at its current success, we can trust Flutter and expect it to bring more powerful features for IoT app development in the future.

If you are still not sure of the Flutter framework, why not take the help of professionals? There’s nothing wrong with discussing your project with Flutter experts and hiring Flutter developers to develop successful IoT apps. Get in touch with a renowned Flutter app development company and get ready to create a next-generation IoT app that takes everyone by storm.

Mihir Mistry

Mihir Mistry is a highly experienced CTO at Kody Technolab, with over 16 years of expertise in software architecture and modern technologies such as Big Data, AI, and ML. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others to help them benefit.

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