Flutter
Short definition
Flutter is Google's open-source framework for building mobile apps for both iOS and Android from a single codebase.
One codebase written in the Dart language compiles separately for the App Store and Google Play. Screens, buttons and animations look identical on both platforms because Flutter draws everything with its own rendering engine rather than relying on the operating system's built-in components.
You meet it when a business wants to offer the same app to both iPhone and Android users without running two separate teams; a single codebase cuts development time and cost.
It is often confused with React Native. Both build for two platforms from one codebase, but React Native uses the operating system's native components, while Flutter draws everything itself, giving a more consistent look that can feel slightly less native in places.
A common mistake is assuming Flutter means no platform-specific code will ever be needed. Certain features, such as camera access, payment integration or notifications, still require small native additions known as platform channels; overlooking this need part-way through a project leads to unexpected extra development work and delays the timeline the business had originally budgeted for.
Why it matters
Two separate apps mean two separate teams and two separate sets of upkeep. Flutter keeps both platforms current from a single codebase, cutting development and maintenance cost significantly.
Illustrative example
An event equipment hire business built one Flutter app instead of commissioning separate iOS and Android apps, and both stores now update at the same time.
