Flutter vs React Native: A Developer's Pragmatic Choice 🚀

Just shipped my decision on the Flutter vs React Native debate. Here's my technical breakdown:

The Problem 🎯

Building the same app for iOS, Android, and web shouldn't require 3x development time. Period.

My Developer Context 👨‍💻

• Team:: Solo/2-person max

• Background: Full-stack (React, Node, mobile, DevOps)

• App Type: Utility-focused (not gaming/heavy graphics)

• Priority: Ship fast, maintain simply

Flutter: The Winner ✅

Why Flutter Won

✅ True single codebase (same Dart → native compilation)
✅ Consistent UI across platforms (custom rendering engine)
✅ Web support for utility apps (shared components possible)
✅ Mature ecosystem (covers 90% of common needs)
✅ Google backing + strong community

Code Sharing Reality

Flutter web isn't perfect, but for utility apps? It works. I can literally share UI components between mobile and web apps—not just business logic.

Performance Perspective

React Native's JavaScript bridge vs Flutter's native compilation isn't just theoretical. For most mobile and web apps, Flutter's consistent performance eliminates platform-specific optimization work.

When React Native Still Wins 🔄

📱 Maximum native platform integration needed
🔧 Existing large JavaScript/React codebase
👥 Hiring JavaScript developers easier
🎨 Consumer apps requiring platform-specific UX

The Real Decision Framework 🤔

Ask yourself:

• Do you optimize for development speed or platform nativeness?

• Is your team comfortable learning Dart, or do you need JavaScript familiarity?

• Are you building utility apps or consumer experiences?

My Implementation Strategy 📋

1. New projects: Flutter by default

2. Existing projects: Maintain React Native

3. Web integration: Gradually test Flutter web

4. Fallback plan: Keep React Native skills current

Bottom Line 💡

Both frameworks solve cross-platform development. Flutter optimizes for development efficiency and consistency. React Native optimizes for JavaScript ecosystem leverage and platform-specific control.

I chose Flutter because my constraint is development time, not platform optimization. Your constraints might be different.

What's your biggest cross-platform development constraint? Drop it in the comments 👇