Flutter for Embedded and Cross-platform Applications

Flutter, Google's open-source UI software development kit, is renowned for building natively compiled applications for mobile, web and desktop platforms from a single codebase. Beyond cross-platform development, Flutter is gaining traction in the embedded systems domain. Several factors contribute to Flutter's suitability for cross-platform and embedded development:

Native Performance

Flutter bypasses web views, enabling direct interaction with device hardware. This results in performant applications across platforms, ensuring that apps run smoothly and responsively, akin to native applications. With Flutter's engine rendering graphics directly using Skia graphics engine, developers can create fluid user experiences by leveraging high frame rates and seamless animations, which are vital for creating fluid user experiences. The framework also optimizes performance. For example, ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation transforms Dart source code into native machine code, improving launch times and enhancing runtime performance. Optimization techniques like this enable developers to create complex applications that operate efficiently, regardless of the device or operating system.

Customizable UI

Flutter's widget-based architecture allows for highly customizable user interfaces, enabling developers to tailor the look and feel for specific platforms. With a rich library of pre-designed widgets, developers can create visually appealing UIs that adhere to the design guidelines of both iOS and Android, ensuring a native-like experience for users. The flexibility of Flutter's widget system means that developers can easily compose complex UIs from simple building blocks, adjusting properties and behaviors to meet their unique design requirements. This level of customization delivers interfaces that resonate with the target audience, all while maintaining consistency across different platforms.

Unified Codebase

A single codebase for all platforms streamlines development, simplifies maintenance, and reduces development costs. By leveraging Dart as a common programming language, developers can write their application logic once and deploy it across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, web, and desktop. This unified approach minimizes the need for platform-specific code, which traditionally increases the complexity and duration of development cycles. Updates and bug fixes can also be implemented more swiftly, benefiting all users across different devices simultaneously. This efficiency not only accelerates time-to-market but also allows teams to focus their efforts on enhancing features and user experience rather than duplicating work across multiple codebases.

Rich Ecosystem

Flutter has a growing ecosystem of packages and plugins, facilitating integration with a variety of hardware and services. This expansive library of third-party tools enhances development by providing ready-made solutions for common functionalities, such as accessing device sensors, managing databases, or connecting to REST APIs. Developers can accelerate the development process by leveraging these packages to quickly add features without reinventing the wheel. Additionally, the Flutter community continuously contributes to this ecosystem, ensuring a steady influx of new packages and updates. This collaborative environment empowers teams to create innovative applications that utilize the latest technologies and industry standards.

Embedded Systems

Flutter's ability to deliver performant, visually rich user interfaces on devices with limited resources is opening doors for innovative applications. Sectors benefiting from Flutter-built applications include Industrial Automation, with human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for real-time machine control and data visualization, Automotive, where modern in-vehicle infotainment systems offer intuitive user experiences, or Smart Devices for interactive control panels that connect devices in smart homes and appliances.

Flutter Expertise

KDAB has deep expertise in embedded systems, which coupled with Flutter proficiency, allows us to provide comprehensive support throughout the software development lifecycle. This positions us as a valuable partner for organizations seeking to make use of Flutter in diverse environments. Our engineers are constantly contributing to the Flutter ecosystem, for example by developing flutter-pi, one of the most used embedders.

Getting started

KDAB has initiated the website www.industrialflutter.com to provide a resource for using Flutter in industrial software applications, particularly for embedded and desktop platforms. It features expert blog posts, educational videos, and showcases of real-world industrial applications built with Flutter. These resources provide valuable insights, practical tips, and case studies for developers and engineers interested in leveraging it. The site also offers information about other sources of pertinent information, such as upcoming events and workshops including Fluttercon, where enthusiasts and experts can learn and network.

Get in touch

If you have any queries about Flutter or want to discuss a project, we look forward to hearing from you.