Overview
React Native and Flutter are the leading cross-platform mobile development frameworks. Let's compare them.
React Native
Created by Facebook, React Native uses JavaScript and React concepts.
Pros
- JavaScript ecosystem
- Large community
- Hot reloading
- Native modules access
Cons
- Bridge overhead
- Complex navigation
- Dependency on native components
Flutter
Created by Google, Flutter uses Dart and its own rendering engine.
Pros
- Consistent UI across platforms
- Hot reload
- Rich widget library
- Great documentation
Cons
- Dart learning curve
- Larger app size
- Smaller community than React Native
Performance
Both frameworks offer near-native performance:
- Flutter: Renders directly to canvas
- React Native: Uses native components
Flutter typically has a slight edge in complex animations.
Development Experience
React Native
- Familiar for web developers
- npm ecosystem
- Expo for quick starts
Flutter
- Excellent tooling
- Built-in widgets
- Comprehensive IDE support
Which to Choose?
Choose React Native if:
- Team knows JavaScript/React
- Need to share code with web
- Want access to npm packages
Choose Flutter if:
- Starting fresh
- Need custom UI
- Want consistent cross-platform look
Conclusion
Both are excellent choices. Consider your team's skills and project requirements.
