Dart, as we know, is an open-source, object-oriented, general-purpose programming language developed by Google in 2011. It uses a `C’ style syntax and optionally trans-compiles it into JavaScript. While it is frequently used from client-side and server-side web development it is also used actively for mobile app development – both native and cross-platform. As per the TIOBE 2019 ranking – the de-facto standard for gauging the popularity of programming languages, Dart is in the 26th position, halfway through the listing of the top 50 preferred languages. Delphi and R, are however in the 15th and 16th position, which essentially means that they continue to remain popular programming options.
Dart’s entry timing might have been wrong, and its position amongst giants, makes it seem a negligible option. This could be the reason for its infamous ranking in Codementor in 2018. Codementor, listed Dart back then as the number one not to be learned the language. This period in its evolution was also not very encouraging if you see the lackluster demand in the job market for programmers with Dart skills. This, in spite of the fact, that Dart offers programmers ease of use and is naturally lightweight. With these two classical features, it should have been a programmer’s best friend, but in the competitive world of languages, Dart’s better features were ignored. That is until recently! Now, what could be the clincher for Dart is Google’s recent Cross-Platform mobile development Framework, Flutter completely supports Dart. This is definitely changing Dart’s fortune for the better. Flutter is popular and Dart is back on track.
Understanding Flutter
Towards the end of last year, Google’s new cross-platform mobile app framework Flutter released its first version. Though initially it was intended for mobile app development, now they are making it as a multi platform framework. Let’s take a closer look at what Flutter is doing for app development today.
Flutter is an open-source, cross-platform mobile app development framework. It currently supports iOS and Android development, with potential for other platforms including web and desktop support. Flutter sets itself apart from competition like React Native and Xamarin through consistency across platforms.
A Flutter app made using Material Design will look exactly the same on iOS as it does on Android. Additionally, Flutter is powered by Google’s Dart programming language, which should feel familiar to developers of various backgrounds.
Flutter first entered the programming world as `Sky’ and it ran on the Android operating system. Now Flutter completely supports Dart platform and uses its advanced features. On Android, iOS, Linux and Windows, Flutter apps use just-in-time and ahead-of-time compilations. Special feature of it is `hot reloads’, i.e. make modifications to running apps. This feature sets Flutter apart from the crowd.
Flutter support’s Google’s Skia graphics library, opening the world to its core world of animation and graphics.
Flutter – a game changer for Dart
Forbes.com’s Todd Fabacher, Experienced Chief Executive Officer, with an extensive history of working in the computer software industry for over 25+ years, says that he is constantly asked a fundamental question by companies, “What development language should I choose, and what tech is coming around the next corner?”
His answer is Flutter and Fuchsia. He also says that these two words will dominate all programming discussions in 2019.
Flutter is footloose and free and ideal for young, cash strapped developers. `Download it and start’ is the mantra.
Fuchisa is Google’s take on Android and is an operating system of the future. But then aren’t there enough operating systems? Why bother to create a new one? According to Todd, the answer to this question is three simple letters: IoT. It’s all those hundreds of millions of devices that are starting to be embedded in our everyday lives: Amazon’s Alexa, self-driving cars from Tesla, intelligent temperature control devices and even smart locks for our homes. Fuchsia might make is home in the billions of IoT devices in the next few years, and its secret will be Flutter. Flutter makes the development look easy, and it is built for the future.
The three forces, Dart, Fuchsia and Flutter are gearing up to take on the world of hybrid and cross-platform mobile application development and in a few years, they will be most programmers best friends.
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