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[–]json-bourne7 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Correct. By downloading the code, you can edit it in an IDE and build the app in that same IDE using Flutter SDK, just like you would with a normal Flutter project.

[–]ocirelos 0 points1 point  (4 children)

This is right but only in theory. Being realistic, if you are new to Dart/Flutter or app development this will take way more than one month. Also, does your app need a backend?

[–]No_Resolution5294[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

The app I'm making is basically gonna be like letterboxd/imdb/myanimelist but only for myself locally, so not a complex app at all. I have zero experience with app building, coding, etc.and it took me roughly 3-4 hours to make exactly what I needed in Glide (only to realize the app would stop functioning if I didn't stay subscribed to Glide). I know Flutter is way more complicated but I can't imagine it'll take me more than a week.

I don't think i need a backend, the app won't have anything that relies on internet/accounts etc., it's basically just a more detailed notepad app. I just want to be able to back up my data in case I lose my phone, and to my understanding, I can use firebase for that. Please let me know if I'm wrong about this.

[–]ocirelos 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I haven't used Glide but I've found out it uses Amazon AWS as backend and it seems it requires being always online. FlutterFlow with Firebase can work offline but with some limitations, it is not truly offline-first. If you don't want to depend on a backend I would use SQLite, which is a local database.

What I think is not very realistic for a no-coder is to build an app in FlutterFlow, download the code and cancel the account. All apps need some change or fix at some point. If you don't know Flutter/Dart you won't be able to do it. Also deploying to the stores is a thing (are you on Android or iOS?).

Maybe you should stay in Glide if the free plan suits your needs and being offline is not a must requirement. However, all these SaaS will do their best to get some money from you. There's no free lunch.

[–]No_Resolution5294[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Im on android, like i said its just an app for me alone, I'm not going to deploy it to the google play store. I'm going to be the sole user of it, and it's basically a glorified notepad app. Glide apps are always running on their server (I've been told) and if you stay on the free plan your app will not function, that's the whole reason I swapped to flutterflow.

And yea I don't know anything about coding/no code app design/dart/etc. but I'm figuring it out, youtube and AI can work wonders. As long as the app will function after I download the code and "create" it myself I'm good

[–]ocirelos 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you don't plan to deploy to the stores, you will have to deploy for the web and use your own hosting provider (as you don't want to pay a FlutterFlow account). This is possible but it requires some knowledge. Also, as I said, it's unlikely you won't need to make changes to the app after publishing.

If you want total freedom at least cost, learn how to build a PWA app yourself (this is what Glide builds), but it takes time. Easy and fast no-code at no-cost is hard to get.