With over 2 million users and counting across the globe, Flutter is the most widely used open-source framework for mobile application development. Initially released in 2017, the framework supports major platforms, comprising Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Recently, Google unveiled Flutter 2.0, an advanced version of the initial one. While the version comes with plenty of advanced features, the focus is more on the transition from traditional platforms including mobile to support apps on all platforms including desktop, web, and form factors. Therefore, you can consult a Mobile App Development Company for developing cross-platform applications.
Let’s dive deep into the Flutter 2.0 version features, how it’s different from the regular version, and how it’ll impact mobile app development.
What’s New in Flutter 2.0?
With the Flutter 2 release, Google has focused on two elements. First, it has improved the features of Flutter, and second, it has enhanced to support apps for web, desktop, and foldable phones. The framework allows usage of same codebase for shopping apps to iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and macOS.
Furthermore, it provides web experiences for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, as well as Edge browsers. You can also integrate Flutter 2.0 in smart home devices, cars, thus providing a truly appealing digital experience.
The new release features and upgrades are discussed in detail below.
1. Desktop Support
Google has improved Flutter desktop quality to ensure that it offers a native text editing experience on all platforms. With this version, Google has included Text Selection Pivot Points as a deployment target for all Flutter-based applications.
In addition, Google has released a built-in context menu to the TextFormField widgets for Material and Textfield and Cupertino design languages. The ReorderableListView is released and comes with grab handles that make things effortless for the developers. Another improvement is an updated scrollbar, displaying the desktop-form factor and includes the drag-drop-display functionality.
The docs are also updated by Google to help developers with desktop applications. The new upgrade is integrated with command-line argument for improved desktop-specific feature. It permits double-click of data file to open it in app.
2. Web Support
One of the most important feature in Flutter 2 is the support for production standard web app development. Earlier Flutter used to have a web foundation, it was basically document-centric. Now, the platform supports complex web apps using APIs and hardware-accelerated 2D and 3D graphics.
The web support has an app-focused framework offering everything in a modern architecture. The following app scenarios are included in the release:
- Single Page Apps (SPAs)
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
- Flutter mobile apps to web
Google has integrated CanvasKit-based render to improve the performance of their rendering precision. Web-specific features are added including text autofill, PWA manifests, routing, and address bar URL control. Flutter 2 has a Link Widget offering web app-like performance and experience to mobile apps executing in a web browser.
3. Enhanced Portability
As mentioned earlier, the primary objective of Google Flutter 2 is to enhance portability beyond the traditional app development for mobile and web. Important three collaborations are discussed to demonstrate Flutter’s extended portability. These include:
Foldable Android Devices
Microsoft will extend its Flutter support. Currently, the framework offers high quality Windows support. Now, the company will increase its support to foldable Android devices. These devices need applications that offer side-by-side experiences to avail of dual-screen nature.
Flutter Desktop
As discussed, Google has extended Flutter to desktop. To meet such needs, the company has partnered with Canonical to support Flutter development and deployment on Linux. Canonical ensure rich experiences are provided across hardware devices, with Flutter being their main choice for desktop and mobile applications.
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Infotainment Systems
Many leading vehicle manufacturers like Toyota, announced that they are bringing digital experiences to cars by adding flutter based infotainment systems. Some reasons behind vehicle manufacturers chose Flutter are high performance, quick iteration, developer ergonomics and consistent experiences.
4. Flutter Fix
Another crucial feature integrated to the latest version is the Flutter fix. It includes multiple things, like:
- Multiple accessible fixes packed with the Flutter SDK.
- Exclusive command-line feature to Dart Fix.
- Improved extensions for Android Studio IDEs, IntelliJ and the VS Code.
5. Dart 2.12
Dart, the programming language behind Flutter framework, has also received complete makeover. Google launched Dart 2.12 with innovative null safety support. The null safety offers benefits like:
- It reduces null reference exceptions.
- It provides runtime and development features.
In addition, the update has the foreign function interface (FFI). This permits app developers to write code interoperating with:
- C-based APIs
- New profiler tools
- Performance and size enhancements
So, these are some of the prominent features of Flutter 2.0 available for mobile app developers.
Wrapping Up
The Flutter 2.0 release has introduced new opportunities not only for mobile development but also for web and desktop. If you want to build high-performance, cross-platform apps for your business, consult experienced Flutter developer to avail of the true benefits of Flutter 2.0.
Author Bio:
This is Vijay, I am a professional SEO Expert & Write for us technology blog and submit a guest post on different platforms- technootech provides a good opportunity for content writers to submit guest posts on our website. We frequently highlight and tend to showcase guests.