October 29, 2024

min read

FlutterFlow review by coder, no-coder, and serial founder

We explore FlutterFlow’s strengths and weaknesses through the lenses of a developer, a no-code enthusiast, and an experienced entrepreneur.

For over 10 years, I’ve been deeply involved in programming, and my passion for it hasn’t waned. One of the main reasons I’m still so engaged is the constant evolution of the field—new languages, tools, methods, and platforms are always emerging, keeping things fresh and exciting.

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The rise of the no-code approach has made exploring these innovations even faster and more intriguing. One of my standout favorites in 2024 is FlutterFlow, and I’m eager to explain why it’s captured my attention.

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What is FlutterFlow

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FlutterFlow is a no-code/low-code development platform that allows users to design, build, and deploy applications with ease. It’s built on top of Google's Flutter framework, which is a popular open-source UI software development kit (SDK) for creating natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase.

FlutterFlow is particularly appealing to those who may not have extensive coding experience because it offers a drag-and-drop interface, enabling users to create complex applications visually without writing code. However, it still provides the ability to export Flutter code, giving more advanced users the flexibility to customize the app further using traditional development tools.

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Key Features of FlutterFlow

Drag-and-Drop Interface: Allows users to design and structure their app visually.
Pre-built Components: Offers a library of pre-made UI elements and widgets.
Firebase Integration: Integrates seamlessly with Firebase for backend services like authentication, database, and storage.
Custom Code: Users can add custom code snippets for more advanced functionality.
Cross-Platform Deployment: Apps built with FlutterFlow can be deployed to both iOS and Android platforms.
Real-time Preview: Provides a real-time preview of the app during the development process.

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Interested? Take a look at this demo by FlutterFlow and keep reading.

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FlutterFlow and Flutter

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FlutterFlow is an abstraction layer built on top of Flutter, designed to make app development more accessible and faster by eliminating the need to write code for most tasks. Flutter, on the other hand, is a more traditional development framework that offers full control and flexibility for developers who are comfortable with coding.

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Aspect	Flutter	FlutterFlow
Development Approach	Flutter is a code-first framework. It requires programming knowledge, particularly in Dart, and developers write code to create the app's UI, logic, and interactions. Flutter is highly flexible and powerful, but it requires a deeper understanding of software development.	FlutterFlow is a no-code/low-code platform that abstracts the complexity of coding by providing a visual interface for building apps. Users can drag and drop UI components and configure them without needing to write code. It’s designed for faster development and is more accessible to non-developers.
Customization	Offers complete control over the app’s behavior, appearance, and performance. Developers can write custom logic, create custom widgets, and optimize performance to a fine degree.	While it offers a degree of customization through its visual interface and custom code blocks, it is more constrained compared to the flexibility that pure Flutter provides.
Learning Curve	Requires learning Dart programming and understanding how to manage state, handle navigation, and work with the various tools and libraries that Flutter supports.	Easier to pick up, especially for those without a coding background. The visual editor reduces the learning curve significantly.
Use Cases	Ideal for complex, highly customized apps where full control over the app’s codebase is required.	Best suited for MVPs, prototypes, or applications where speed of development and ease of use are more important than having complete control over the code.

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Users

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Users can create a cross-platform mobile app without writing a single line of code. Plus, FlutterFlow offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface with the ability to switch to a widget tree view, ensuring your app doesn’t just look like a simple mockup.

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While having a basic understanding of development principles can be beneficial when working with FlutterFlow, it’s definitely not a requirement in practice.

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Non-Developers and Entrepreneurs

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If you’re a small business owner or an entrepreneur with a great app idea but no coding skills, FlutterFlow is your best friend. It allows you to create a fully functional app without hiring a developer or learning to code. You can get your idea off the ground faster and more cost-effectively.

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Designers

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For UI/UX designers who want to see their designs come to life, FlutterFlow is ideal. You can directly transform your design into a working app, adjusting and refining it as you go. No more back-and-forth with developers—take control of the process yourself.

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Developers

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Even if you’re a seasoned developer, FlutterFlow is a powerful tool for rapid prototyping. It helps you get a working model out quickly, which you can later refine with custom code. Plus, it’s a great way to explore no-code solutions that can speed up your workflow.

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Educators and Students

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If you’re teaching or learning app development, FlutterFlow is a fantastic introduction. It simplifies the process, allowing students to focus on design and functionality before moving on to more complex coding. It’s a practical, hands-on way to grasp the basics.

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Product Managers and Teams

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For product managers or agile teams, FlutterFlow is a lifesaver. It allows you to rapidly iterate on app designs and functionalities, making it easier to test ideas, gather feedback, and refine your product. It also keeps the development process flexible and responsive.

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FlutterFlow for Enterprise

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FlutterFlow for Enterprise is tailored for large organizations needing scalable, secure app development solutions. It offers custom integrations and advanced customization to fit seamlessly into existing enterprise systems. Key features include team collaboration tools with role-based access, project management integration, and scalable infrastructure to support multiple projects.

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Security is a top priority, with enterprise-grade features like end-to-end encryption, compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA, and Single Sign-On (SSO) integration. Enterprises also benefit from regular security audits and priority support, including a dedicated account manager and custom training sessions.

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Use cases for FlutterFlow in enterprise environments range from building internal tools and dashboards to developing customer-facing apps across industries like e-commerce, banking, and healthcare. The platform’s ability to handle cross-platform development with a single codebase simplifies app maintenance and updates.

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Marketplace

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Like most no-code platforms, FlutterFlow has its own marketplace where users can discover, purchase, and download various templates, components, and widgets to enhance their FlutterFlow projects.

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App Templates: Fully designed and functional app templates that can be customized to fit specific needs. These templates cover a wide range of industries and use cases, from e-commerce and social media apps to booking systems and fitness trackers.

Price: $30 to $150.

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UI Components: Individual UI elements and widgets that can be integrated into existing projects. These components can range from complex forms and navigation menus to interactive maps and media players.

Price: $10 to $50.

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Custom Widgets: Specially designed widgets that provide additional functionality not available in the standard FlutterFlow library. This might include advanced data visualization tools, specialized input fields, or unique animations.

Price: $15 to $60.

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Plugins: Integrations with third-party services or additional backend functionalities that can extend the capabilities of FlutterFlow apps.

Price: $20 to $80.

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The search settings on the FlutterFlow Marketplace allow users to filter and find specific templates, components, widgets, or plugins that suit their app development needs. You can search by categories, popularity, ratings, and more, making it easier to locate the resources you need for your project.

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AI features

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FlutterFlow’s AI integration, known as AI Gen, enhances app development by automating and optimizing various tasks. It can generate Flutter code automatically, reducing the need for manual coding and speeding up the development process. AI Gen also offers smart design suggestions and improves UI/UX with recommendations on layout, color schemes, and component placement.

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Additionally, it aids in content generation, such as placeholder text or product descriptions, and provides data insights to optimize app performance based on user behavior. AI Gen also supports personalization, creating tailored experiences for users by analyzing their preferences.

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FlutterFlow Pricing

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FlutterFlow offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs, from individuals looking to experiment with app development to teams and businesses building more complex applications.

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These plans cater to a wide range of users, from hobbyists and small businesses to large enterprises. The Free Plan is great for getting started and exploring the platform, while the Standard and Pro Plans offer more advanced features for serious app development. The Teams and Enterprise Plans provide the tools and support necessary for larger teams and organizations.

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Support

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Documentation

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The FlutterFlow documentation is a comprehensive resource designed to help users of all skill levels understand and utilize the platform effectively. It covers a wide range of topics, from getting started with basic tutorials to more advanced features like Firebase integration, custom code, and API connections. The documentation is well-structured and includes step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and FAQs, making it easier for users to find the information they need. It’s an essential tool for anyone looking to fully leverage FlutterFlow’s capabilities.

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Community

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The FlutterFlow Community is an active and supportive environment where users can connect, share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate on projects. The community platform includes forums for discussing various aspects of app development, showcasing projects, and receiving feedback from other users. It’s a great place to learn from others, get inspired, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and updates in the FlutterFlow ecosystem.

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Ambassadors

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The FlutterFlow Ambassadors program is a network of experienced FlutterFlow users who act as mentors, advocates, and contributors to the community. Ambassadors help others by sharing their knowledge, hosting events, creating tutorials, and promoting best practices within the community. They play a key role in fostering a collaborative and educational environment, making it easier for new users to get started and for seasoned developers to continue growing their skills.

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Creating mobile apps

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Export and customize code

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Since FlutterFlow generates Flutter code, your app can be exported, customized if necessary, and then submitted to the App Atores.

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Here are the general steps to release your app:

Export the Code: Once your app is complete in FlutterFlow, you can export the Flutter code. This allows you to open the project in your preferred IDE (like Visual Studio Code or Android Studio) for further customization if needed.
Testing: Test your app thoroughly on different devices and screen sizes. Ensure that it complies with the guidelines of the app stores you're targeting.
Build the App:some text
- For iOS: You'll need a macOS environment to build the app. Use Xcode to build the app and generate an IPA file for submission to the Apple App Store.
- For Android: You can use Android Studio to build the app and generate an APK or AAB file for submission to the Google Play Store.

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Convert with Natively

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You can also use a web-to-app converter Natively that allows you to create Android/iOS apps and set up native mobile features like push notifications, geolocation, in-app purchases, camera, mic, calendar, contacts, etc.

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