Google unveiled Flutter in 2015 as a new SDK based on the Dart programming language. Initially, the version of Flutter was known as SKY and it ran on the Android operating system.
Later, at the Dart development summit, Flutter was introduced with the stated intent of being able to render consistently at 120 frames per second. Since then, flutter has made the development of applications easier for developers. According to reports, over two million developers have been using Flutter over the past two years.
Why Use Flutter for App Development?
Flutter is a cross-platform mobile app development framework that helps in curating attractive, responsive and natively compiled applications.
The best part about Flutter is that it allows developers to build applications for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows and Mac from a single codebase. Here are some of the reasons to use Flutter for your app development project:
- Free and open-source
- Faster time to market speed
- Specific rendering engine
- Less code development time
- Identical UI across all platforms
- Customized user interface
- Platform-specific logic implementation
- Native app performance
Trending Flutter App Development Tools in 2024
Flutter is the trending cross-platform framework used for app development. Along with that, over 39% of programmers used Flutter in 2021, which was a 9% increase from the past years. Here are some of the most used Flutter app development tools by app developers in 2024.
1. Android Studio
Android Studio comes on the list of the best Flutter design tools that are available to develop robust apps. It has the most influential IDEs in the app development market today. To add more merit, it has syntax highlights, code completion processes and widget edits.
With Android Studio, there is no need to download and install the tool and enable the design and launch of applications on emulators or Android devices.
This emulator runs, debugs and verifies the app operations with the help of wizard-based templates that facilitate previews of layouts on multiscreen configurations. Additionally, it also checks the compatibility and version usability of these applications.
2. Instabug
Instabug is a widely used tool that helps programmers and testing analysts track bugs and crashes and collect user feedback. It is the best choice for developers wanting immediate contextual knowledge of mobile applications.
With Instabug, developers can conduct surveys and offer the best solutions by gaining a better understanding of app users’ actions. This combination of Flutter SDL aids in reporting bugs and crashes without leaving the application. Instabug comes with various functionalities such as:
- In-app chat facilities
- Crash reports
- Bug reports
- User surveys
- App performance monitoring
3. Visual Studio Code
If you need assistance in coding with Python, C++, Node.js, Javascript or any other programming language, Visual Studio is your way to go. It is an open-source flutter-based visual editor.
For programmers who are working on code for Windows or iOS applications, Visual Studio makes their work a lot easier with its lightweight and robust functionalities. Especially when working on complex structures, the visual studio makes a great impact by being user-friendly. Here are the functionalities that come along with Visual Studio code:
- Syntax highlights
- Debugging assistance
- Automatic code completion
- GIT embedded
- Code refractory
- Snippets
4. Square
Square is an in-app payment handling platform that comes with the complicacy of payment processing for you. With this tool, developers can get in-app payments using its Flutter SDK.
It has an easily customizable user interface with the assistance for storing cards, wallets and other virtual payment processing units for faster checkout.
5. Adobe Plugins
Adobe launched a wide range of plugins that enable asset management, automation, accessibility management and better collaboration between designers and programmers in an app development project. One of the developers’ favourites is.
Adobe Creative Cloud enables them to convert text, animations, images or vector art into fully functional prototypes. These plugins can also be used to cater to various events on an application.
The ANSI C/C++ program utilizes public APIs from Acrobat and helps an app designer easily understand app graphics. Moreover, Adobe XD generates a .dart code which allows design components to be directly placed in the codebase of an application.
6. Test Magic
Test Magic is a Flutter-based development tool that allows testing and debugging of Android as well as iOS applications. While test magic typically provides cross-device compatibility of scripts in most cases, there may be edge cases (e.g., differing app states or GUI attributes) where scripts fail, highlighting the fragmentation problem.
Also, it typically supports only a single testing objective, as few tools offer support for complex user actions such as scrolling, pinching, or zooming or interfaces to simulate contextual states, which is required for effectively carrying out complex testing scenarios.
7. Firebase
Firebase is a Google-backed application development software that allows developers to develop iOS, Android and web applications feasibly. It provides robust tools for reporting, fixing app crashes, marketing, product experimenting and tracking analytics.
The Firebase Auth Flutter tool has various functionalities such as messaging, real-time database organization and crash reporting. With easy integration on the Flutter app, firebase is ideal for Flutter developers working on iOS and Android releases.
The APIs in Firebase can be clubbed altogether on a single SDK which helps developers on being able to be more organized. Firebase comes along with some unique features like coding authentication, cloud storage, machine learning and remote configuration.
8. Appetize
Appetize is the best online-based Android and iOS simulator for developers wanting to run native applications on the browser. It comes along with app demos, customer support, development training as well a s efficient testing.
It is used to streamline the introduction process by enabling the smooth function of native applications directly on the browser. Appetize is useful when it comes to catering to customer queries. With easy-to-use functionalities, developers can apply the application with an API or a website.
9. Vysor
Vysor is an easy-to-use Chrome extension that can help a Flutter developer in displaying and interacting with an Android device right from the desktop. This means that you can easily work on your desktop keyboard and work more effectively.
It also allows top-project device screen operations on the desktop with the help of a USB cable without an internet connection.
Once the Chrome extension of Vysor is installed, you get access to the expertise of the Flutter code emulator right on your device. Moreover, the best part about this extension is that development teams can control the screen from anywhere in the world and have ADB access to remote devices.
This comes in handy, especially for teams working on a project from different locations. Developers can even show their clients what their Flutter app will look like even before its launch. This simple Chrome extension makes the testing and development process smooth and client-friendly.
10. Panache
Panache is a Flutter material editor that aids in creating beautiful material themes. There are more than 40 million programmers and quality testers using Panache currently. Designers can customize the widgets into their choice of shapes, colours or themes and easily export them to their drive folder as a .dart file. Panache is free and open source and allows programmers to assess their code effectively after completing the coding structure.
11. Amplitude
Amplitude is widely recognized as a product intelligence solution for Flutter app development. It helps in tracking insightful data and information and then combining it with app development efforts. Amplitude also enables programmers to determine the interaction of consumers with your mobile app. Amplitude comes along with the following functionalities:
- Product experiences
- Feedbacks
- Lifetime retention value
- Fast product testing
- In dept user insights
12. Supernova
Supernova is widely recognized as an assistance tool for Flutter app development. It allows developers to import their UI designs within the application and export them to Flutter. This leads to responsive, beautiful and natively complied app development.
Moreover, it enables developers to run a Flutter app side by side and make changes in real time. It includes features such as smart prototyping, responsive layouts, forward design and seamless iteration. It also allows designers to import an exclusive Adobe XD file and easily make changes in an app’s app by exporting it to Flutter.
13. Count.ly
Count.ly is one of the most trending product analytics solutions that allow developers to enhance customer experience with mobile, web and desktop applications. Developers can track fundamental KPIs metrics and showcase the growth as well as the performance of an application.
The key functionalities of Count.ly include in-app usage analytics, one premise on cloud deployment, extensible plugins and a single dashboard.
14. Sylph
Sylph is an open-source command line tool supporting hundreds of Android and iOS devices. It was developed by Maurice McCabe to work with AWB Device Farm seamlessly. It is used by developers to run Flutter integration and end-to-end tests on Android and iOS cloud pools.
Sylph runs smoothly on Linux, Mac, CI as well as Windows environments. It is widely used to develop a testable iOS debugging application. Sylph is known for supporting 100+ Android and iOS applications in a single run by configuring flavours and validation.
15. Screenshots
Screenshots are one of the most efficient app development IDEs exclusively for Flutter. It is a command-line utility that allows developers to capture and upload screenshots on the stats bar directly. As screenshots can run tests on any device, you can easily integrate them into your Flutter application.
They are known for their clean status bars, single run for frames and compatibility on both platforms. The integrated screenshots support all CI/CD tools and work transparently on Android as well as iOS devices.
16. AppsFlyer
AppsFlyer is a Flutter mobile attribution tool that enables entrepreneurs to streamline their marketing efforts. It can easily attribute customer touchpoints and you can use this data to apply app installs to certain specified marketing strategies and campaigns.
It supports an effortless user engagement experience and helps in avoiding mobile fraud. AppsFlyer can analyze app performance in real-time and allows you to determine the performance of your marketing campaigns across gadgets and apps.
Additionally, it can act as your go-to attribution platform if you are looking for a tool to extract accurate data and carry on a customer-centric business approach.
17. Codemagic
Codemagic is a Flutter app development tool that automates manual intervention in your app development process. It streamlines the launching process significantly by eliminating the need to configure your application, making the process straightforward and hassle-free.
This solution eliminates you from curating mobile applications, testing them efficiently and delivering them in real-time. It allows developers to stay up to date with trending app development tools.
When working on app development projects on the Flutter framework, it allows for seamless and continuous integration. It also comes along with a full Apple developer portal integration.
18. Airship
Airship is a trending client engagement platform that enables you to send in-app push notifications or messages. By sending these updates about your app, you can engage with your users and enhance their experience with your application. Furthermore, it allows developers to curate an in-app inbox where you can convey messages to all your users simultaneously.
19. RevenueCat
RevenueCat is a widely acknowledged in-app subscription purchase and billing management tool. Programmers can easily install RevenueCat purchases SDK for Flutter app development and manage their app development process on any desired platform without the need to purchase infrastructure.
This purchases SDK allows seamless in-app subscriptions and supports Android as well as iOS platforms. Examining churn, LTV and MRR, enables you to analyze app functionality and report price testing.
Winding Up
Over the years, Flutter has grown into one of the most effective and popular software development toolkits among mobile app developers. The right choice of development tools can enhance your Flutter app development process substantially.
With a wide array of open-source Flutter app development tools, choosing the one that best suits your business needs can be a daunting task. Thus, the aforementioned are some of the best Flutter development tools to make your app development effective.
When it comes to custom Flutter app development services do not hesitate to give these tools a shot to ensure competence and smooth workflow.
