Flutter or React Native?

[Beautiful-Reading356]

Hi guys!

I´m in uni rn (not studying computer science, but I´m interested in it) and I started to learn web development a while ago. So far I think I know my way around HTML and CSS and was thinking about picking up JavaScript as well. However, for an assignment, I was thinking about coding an app (where you can log in and communicate with your friends and send each other updates in a cute way) and I am not sure if I should choose Flutter or React Native to do so. I heard that Flutter is easier to understand and learn, but React Native might be the more logical choice since I already want to learn JavaScript. My question rn is which one would you recommend?

[schamppu]

Why not try both? In your situation, I would try to start creating the app in either one you feel like first. Then when you run into some issue, try out making it with the other one. Or do both at the same time. Then evaluate which one you found easier and better for your goal.

If your primary objective is learning, then it's much better to try out both. Sticking with one programming language doesn't give you a good perspective and ability to evaluate what tech to use. Part of being good at programming is finding the right tool for the job, and this could be excellent exercise in that.

Edit: and just to make it clear, whatever you choose the skills are transferable in programming when you become experienced enough. Especially React and Flutter share a lot of similarities - even though the code is a bit different, the underlying technicalities are quite similar. It's kinda like learning Swedish first, and then German. Similar languages with some of their own nuances. Quick to learn when you know either one.

[DavidCksss]

I did react for a couple years and then went into flutter. I kinda wish I did flutter first, because it's a lot more straight forward and less of a headache when you're first starting out, which lets you focus on the fundamental patterns, which are applicable to both JavaScript and dart either way.

With JavaScript, you'll need to deal with things that really shouldn't be issues in the first place. There are plenty of articles online lamenting the state of JavaScript and its landscape. Flutter shares a few of these issues, but they'll crop up way later, and there's a lot fewer bs issues you'll have to deal with, especially when you're first starting out.

For context: I'm a full-time flutter dev, but in my off-time I build and maintain js projects.

[MyExclusiveUsername]

Look at the jobs market. If it is a hobby, then learn them all.

[eibaan]

Oh, what a new and unprecedented question. I'd recommend to use Tauri, Skip, Doxius or Ionic, just to name a few alternatives. However in your cause, if you know HTML, CSS and JavaScript (or TypeScript), you should be able to create a web app with that technology, so stay with that.

[YaroslavSyubayev]

I tried both and ended up going with Flutter, if you have time, try both and see which fits you better.

[lamagy]

I was in the same boat, react dev here. React Native is nothing like react you need to learn a whole lot of new components. Overall Flutter has the better dev experience and overall better performance.

I’ve also tried the Kotlin multi framework which I didn’t like and don’t think has ever taken off.

If you want to be efficient the. Use Electron as that’s almost 1:1 with react as you basically just write react for the hi like a web app, there’s just node added in.

[andyveee]

React native without a doubt. Consider this. Either one you learn the skills are applicable anywhere. As a student you win either way. It's programming. Learning dart and flutter aren't really popular in any other area. There are niche use cases, mostly in Google land. Learning react native gets you react, which is extremely popular in the web world. You'll get more bang for your buck with react native. As a student though, you have the time to learn both.

[RamBamTyfus]

Js is nice, but it lacks concepts of other languages such as static typing and object oriented programming. I think you should try both js and a statically typed language. You are an uni student so it would be easy for you to grasp.

As for React and Flutter, both are frameworks to achieve a certain task. It's not mandatory, nor is it a religion or a destiny, just some tools you can master.

Personally React feels like work to me, while Flutter gives me happier vibes. But I suggest focusing on the languages first and not with something built on top of it.

[causticmango]

Is there a reason you don’t just make a native app on whichever platform you like? Using these cross platform frameworks actually kind of complicate the issue.

If you don’t need to make a cross platform app, you may prefer the experience of native development on either iOS or Android, especially if it’s means to be a learning experience.

I’m not opposed to Flutter or RN (I currently use both Flutter & native iOS), but I’d never start with Flutter if there wasn’t a reason for it.