How to choose the right cross-platform app development framework between Flutter vs. Kotlin? In one line, you need to evaluate complexity, platform support, native integration, long-term maintenance, and more factors.
But if you ask which framework has an edge over the other between Flutter or Kotlin multiplatform, it’s Flutter. It’s not what we are saying but Statista.
A survey in 2022 on the most used cross-platform app development frameworks reveals that 46% of developers use Flutter compared to 3% of Kotlin Multiplatform users.
However, that doesn’t mean nobody uses Kotlin Multiplatform. Your job as a CEO/CTO might be to opt for the right cross-platform development framework that meets your app requirements. And to address that, you will need to study both frameworks as well as compare Flutter vs. Kotlin Multiplatform head-on.
Flutter vs. React Native has been a famous tug-of-war in the cross-platform world, just in case you are interested.
As for this blog, we are focusing on Flutter vs. Kotlin Multiplatform to clear your confusion between these two. We will consider factors such as performance, scalability, ease of use, and more in a head-on-head comparison.
But first, let’s understand both frameworks’ fundamentals.
What is Kotlin?
Kotlin is a general-purpose programming language developed by JetBrains in 2016. It allows developers to share code, data, and business logic across multiple platforms, such as iOS, Android, and the web. This makes it a versatile language that can be used in various environments. It is also known as Kotlin Multiplatform because of its ability to work on different platforms.
Many developers prefer Kotlin over other programming languages because of its simplicity and ease of use. It is designed to reduce the risk of programming errors and crashes, making it a reliable choice for developers.
Additionally, it is an SDK(Software Development Kit) rather than a framework, which means that it can be gradually integrated into existing applications.
Pros of Kotlin Multiplatform
- Modular integration with existing apps.
- Easy to learn with familiar syntax (Swift and Java).
- Single codebase for business logic sharing.
- Utilizes native UI elements for an authentic experience.
Cons of Kotlin Multiplatform
- Still in beta that may raise concerns for some companies.
- Limited community support and libraries.
- Requires familiarity with different tech stacks, not just Kotlin.
- Takes more development resources compared to Flutter.
What is Flutter?
Flutter has become increasingly popular because of its ability to create high-performing, visually attractive apps with a native-like feel. Moreover, it uses Dart programming language with ahead-of-time compilation that enables fast and efficient app development.
One of the major benefits of using Flutter for enterprise apps is its ability to share a single codebase across multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux. Therefore, it is a cost-effective solution for developing apps for multiple platforms.
Above all, Flutter’s widget library, which is built on the concept of reactive programming, allows for the creation of highly responsive and customizable UI. It also has an active and supportive community, which contributes to its growing popularity.
The framework has been adopted by many companies and developers for creating apps in various industries, for example, eCommerce, entertainment, social media, and utility. With its continued growth and development, Flutter is poised to become one of the leading frameworks for mobile app development in the future.
We also have an exclusive guide on how to hire Flutter developers for CEOs/CTOs.
Pros of Flutter
- Hot Reload for instant changes during development.
- Single codebase for cross-platform development (iOS, Android, web, desktop).
- Fast and fluid UI with the Skia Graphics Library.
- Attractive app design with custom widgets.
- Strong community support and popularity.
Cons of Flutter
- Dart language learning curve for developers.
- Some limitations in available libraries compared to native development.
You are now acquainted with both frameworks. So, let’s dive into an analytical comparison of Flutter vs. Kotlin.
Check out another detailed comparison between Flutter and NativeScript.
Flutter vs. Kotlin: how much does it cost to hire app developers?
The cost to hire Flutter app developers and Kotlin developers differs based on location, expertise, and industry. For example, hiring Flutter or Kotlin developers with domain expertise, say for healthcare, from the USA will be costlier than hiring from India.
However, businesses prefer Kotlin and Flutter app outsourcing to save costs for more important aspects. The outsourcing approach allows enterprises to extend their existing team or hire a dedicated team from an offshore software agency with affordable rates. Consequently, companies save on office infrastructure, employee engagement, and perks while accessing global expertise for their projects.
Let us get a basic idea of how Kotlin and Flutter Developers’ hourly rates vary based on their location.
Refer to this blog on the cost of hiring Flutter developers for more details.
Flutter Vs Kotlin: Which one is more famous?
Flutter and Kotlin are widely popular among mobile app developers because they are open-source and free to use. Both frameworks have their own features and functionalities that make them suitable for different types of mobile app development projects.
Flutter is known for its ability to build cross-platform solutions, making it a popular choice among developers who want to create apps that can run on multiple platforms with minimal changes. It also has a fast development cycle, customizable widgets, and a reactive programming model, which makes it an excellent choice for building high-performance apps.
On the other hand, Kotlin has its own set of strengths that make it an excellent choice for mobile app development. It is considered to be more expressive and concise than Java, which makes it a more efficient language for developing mobile apps. Additionally, it has a large and growing developer community, which makes it easier to find resources and support.
In summary, both Flutter and Kotlin are powerful frameworks for mobile app development and both have their own set of features and functionalities that make them suitable for different types of projects. However, the ultimate choice should be based on the specific requirements of their projects.
Here are some comparisons in figures available from different platforms.
Google Trends:
Kotlin surpasses Flutter in popularity
Stack Overflow:
Flutter tops the chart with more than 83K questions, while Kotlin is at 55K. Clearly, Kotlin is the winner.
How should you select between the two, Flutter Vs. Kotlin?
When choosing a framework, one of the most important factors that developers consider is the ease of learning. Both Kotlin Multiplatform and Flutter have relatively simple learning curves, but they differ in how they approach the process.
Kotlin is considered easier to learn for several reasons. Firstly, Google has made many online courses available to help developers learn the language. Additionally, Kotlin is highly interoperable with Java, which is a widely used programming language.
As a result, developers who are already familiar with Java will find it easier to learn Kotlin. However, currently, Kotlin’s focus is more on developing its extension – Kotlin multiplatform, which may make it a bit more complex.
On the other hand, Flutter has comprehensive documentation and resources available. This makes it easier for developers to learn and get started with app development. Additionally, the framework’s architecture and widgets are designed to be intuitive, which also simplifies the learning curve.
Overall, both Kotlin Multiplatform and Flutter have relatively simple learning curves. However, companies should also consider the Kotlin Multiplatform and Flutter app development costs from a long-term perspective.
Coming to the next questions:
First, When should you prefer Kotlin?
- When you wish to revamp your existing application, go for Kotlin. Because its interoperability with Java simplifies the process of app editing.
- Kotlin is a preferred programming language especially when you want to write heavy yet sophisticated codes.
- Kotlin has a fail-fast compiler that detects bugs automatically and resolves them immediately, making it a reliable choice for app development.
Now, when should you prefer Flutter?
- The hot-reload feature of Flutter is a major advantage since it allows developers to instantly check changes made in the source code.
- Flutter is best suitable for building and releasing an MVP product as well as for building a prototype to present to investors.
- Developing apps with Flutter is relatively easy and you can also access native-like features like Geolocation, camera, etc.
- If you want to build visually appealing and responsive user interfaces, then you should also opt for Flutter.
Moving ahead, Names of applications built using Flutter and Kotlin.
Let us mention some of the popular apps built using Kotlin:
- Airbnb
- Tinder;
- Trello;
- Pinterest;
- Netflix,
Some popular apps built using Flutter:
- GoogleAds;
- PostMuse;
- SpaceX Go
- Cred;
- Xianyu
Also, we have a list of Top Flutter development Companies for your easy reference.
In the end:
It is difficult to determine a clear winner between Flutter and Kotlin Multiplatform as each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses. The best option for a project will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the project, as well as the Kotlin and Flutter developer skills and experience.
Both Flutter and Kotlin Multiplatform have a strong presence in the market and have proven to deliver high performance and scalability. Therefore, it is important to assess the specific needs of your project and consult with a professional development team to make an informed decision.
If you are looking for a Flutter app development company, feel free to reach out to us. We are always ready to assist you and provide more information about these platforms. Contact us today and we will be happy to help you with your future projects.
Contact Information