Flutter vs Kotlin Multi-platform

Does Kotlin Multiplatform give a competitive edge to Flutter? Which one outperforms the other? In today’s blog post, we will take a look at both Flutter and Kotlin Multiplatform, discuss their pros and cons and see who dominates whom.

Kotlin was primarily introduced as an alternative to Java for Android app development while Flutter has been in action for cross-platform app development. Kotlin provided Android app developers with a lot of new and powerful features but as we mentioned, it is a platform-specific language used to build native Android applications only. But with Kotlin multiplatform, Google has stepped into cross-platform app development and launched a framework that can be used for both iOS and Android platforms.

Flutter, on the other hand, is also a cross-platform technology associated with Google. Since both the Flutter and Kotlin multiplatform are owned by one tech giant, the comparison becomes quite obvious. Let’s understand both technologies briefly.

What is Kotlin Multiplatform?

Kotlin multiplatform is an experimental language feature that allows developers to use a single codebase to develop applications for both Android and iOS. Kotlin multiplatform leverages the advanced features and capabilities of the programming language across iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, etc. By making it possible to share code between all these platforms, it significantly reduces the development time.

Pros of Kotlin Multiplatform

Here are some of the advantages of Kotlin Multiplatform-

1. Easy Syntax

The syntax of Kotlin is pretty simple and easy and shows many similarities with the existing languages such as Swift and Java for iOS and Android, respectively. This also makes Kotlin quite easy to learn.

2. Modular Integration

The best thing about Kotlin is that it’s an SDK and not a framework. It means that it allows existing applications to just add a module or migrate a small part for assessment without committing to fully-fledged development. This helps Kotlin address the hurdles when shifting to a new codebase.

In other words, one does not need to shift the entire application. One can initiate with a single feature or module, determine its working, and then progressively migrate other parts of the application.

3. Excellent Performance

Apps made with Kotlin multiplatform offer remarkable performance, thanks to the optimum use of native components. The utilization of native components allows Kotlin multiplatform apps to perform as efficiently as native apps.

4. Native UI Experience

Unlike Flutter, Kotlin multiplatform doesn’t ask developers to follow its own UI. It allows them to utilize all native UI elements to their fullest to build apps with a highly native look and feel.

5. Single Codebase For Business Logic

Kotlin multiplatform lets developers use the same codebase, libraries, and business logic across multiple platforms. What makes it different from others is that it lets you share logic and libraries below the UI layer. This enables app developers to directly interact with the native environment.

Cons of Kotlin Multiplatform

Kotlin multiplatform also has some disadvantages-

1. Still in Alpha State

Although Kotlin multiplatform was unveiled in Kotlin 1.2, the SDK is still in the alpha stage. The absence of a stable release is making companies hesitant to migrate towards it.

2. Limited Community and Libraries Support

Since Kotlin multiplatform is still pretty new, so currently it has very limited community and library support. With time, it might catch up with Flutter. There are a few basic libraries that are constantly being worked upon and improved, such as data serialization libraries and HTTP client libraries.

3. Not Familiar With Other Tech Stacks

Kotlin Multiplatform still requires to be at least familiar with the different tech stacks. Utilizing a lot of native components means that it won’t be sufficient to be familiar with only Kotlin on its own, which is not the case with Flutter where you can do everything purely using Flutter. Since Kotlin multiplatform isn’t designed to be a replacement for every API that a platform focuses on, it is essential for mobile app development companies to have basic knowledge of each platform and API.

4. High Development Cost

Unlike Flutter, Kotlin isn’t the best option to build an MVP or application prototype. Its requirements for semi-native components increase the development cost both in terms of time and resources.

What is Flutter?

Flutter is a cross-platform mobile development framework by Google that uses the Dart programming language. It is an open-source SDK that helps to create beautiful, native-looking, mobile, web, and desktop applications using a single codebase. It is a reactive framework that comes with plenty of ready-to-use widgets and offers better performance because of compiling with machine language.

Pros of Flutter

Take a look at the benefits that Flutter offers-

1. Hot Reload

The hot reload functionality of Flutter assists the developers in evaluating and previewing changes instantly. They can make changes to the codebase without having to restart the application to see the reflected changes.

2. Reduces Debugging Time

Having the same app for both platforms and sharing the same codebase means you will have to debug only once instead of doing it separately for each platform.

3. Perfect for Creating MVPs

A prime factor to consider during cross-platform development is how fast and easily it can help to build an app. This is where Flutter wins the race as it offers the functionality to build an app for both Android and iOS in less cost, time, and effort which makes Flutter a perfect choice for MVP.

4. Open-Source and Free to Use

Unlike using an app-builder or no-code solutions for your cross-development needs, Flutter is completely free to use. The same goes for its programming language Dart. Both are open source and free to use. This allows app developers to view the documentation, post their queries in the forum, and eventually learn and implement the code.

5. Fluid UI and Great App Design

Flutter uses the Skia Graphics library and thus offers a fast and fluid UI. The UI is redrawn every time a view changes.

Flutter also has its own set of custom widgets and doesn’t rely on native system components that help to deliver a more seamless user experience.

Cons of Flutter

Let’s have a look at the disadvantages of Flutter-

1. Large App Size

One of the major disadvantages of choosing Flutter for app development is that the app size gets too big. On comparing it with its counterpart such as Xmarin and React Native, even the release file size of “Hello World” in this framework consists of around 6.7 MB.

2. Dart Language

Though Dart is easy to learn and quick to implement, it’s not as popular as Java, C, and JavaScript. Moreover, in order to build apps using Flutter, you will have to specifically learn how to write and use Dart. This can be a hurdle for those who are comfortable using JavaScript.

3. Lack of Third-Party Libraries

Third-party libraries and packages have a major role to play in software development. These libraries are usually free, pre-tested, open-source, and easily accessible. One might not be able to track down each and every component they need for the development for the time being.

Since Flutter is new in app development, it is tough to track down packages and libraries. The device is still in the development stage and is continuously improving.

4. Lack of Password Manager Support

Apps built with Flutter currently have issues with autocomplete input fields. This can be specifically observed in the case when you need to implement password extraction from the built-in or third-party administrators.

The Bottom Line

Though both Flutter and Kotlin multiplatform share some common components, the latter is more about extracting business logic while the former has much to do with extracting view definitions. Their points of concentration are different but according to many, they work together better.

One of the primary concerns with Flutter is the challenge of migrating from Android. In this migration process, well-built apps face difficulties in switching to the Dart language of Flutter and Flutter frontend. This is exactly where Kotlin Multiplatform offers a great solution.

In most cases, Flutter would easily take an edge over Kotlin Multiplatform but that’s only because it is fresh and new. Some developers might be looking for something to invest in for the future and in that case, they should keep an eye on both. Flutter itself still isn’t commonly seen as the solution for cross-platform development despite its many advantages. So in a straight Flutter vs Kotlin Multiplatform debate, for now, Flutter would be the winner but that again depends on the team’s needs and how quickly JetBrains can grow the community support.