The 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About FlutterFlow - What Clients Should Know Before Development

09/14/2024, Christopher Jung

Time and again, clients come to us wondering if FlutterFlow is the right solution for them. They've often watched videos or read articles about it. While they know what FlutterFlow is, whether it really fits their app remains unclear. Such decisions often come down to details. Below, we address 10 questions that frequently arise in our work with FlutterFlow, which can be crucial in deciding: Should I start with FlutterFlow or not?

What is FlutterFlow?

FlutterFlow is a no-code platform that allows users to create mobile apps without programming knowledge. Based on Google's open-source Flutter framework, FlutterFlow lets you develop apps for iOS and Android quickly and efficiently. With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a wide range of pre-built components, it is a powerful alternative to traditional app development, saving both time and money. Whether you are a startup looking to quickly create an MVP or a business wanting to mobilize internal processes, FlutterFlow can be an efficient solution.

Can FlutterFlow also do web?

Yes, FlutterFlow can theoretically do web. And as long as the functionality isn't too complex, it's a good option. Do you want a simple admin interface for some data in your app? Perfect, that can be done. However, for large and complex websites, FlutterFlow isn't the best fit in our experience. It's not specialized enough for the web. In such cases, we recommend creating the website separately and connecting it to the same database as the app. That's not a problem. For the web application, Bubble.io might be a good option — our favorite when it comes to no-code web applications.

Can any design be implemented with FlutterFlow?

Yes, absolutely. You can implement practically any design with FlutterFlow. However, the effort is significantly reduced if the design is created by someone with experience in FlutterFlow. This way, structural criteria and technical aspects can be planned with minimal effort from the outset. Since no-code relies on pre-built elements, the less customization required, the more time-saving it is. If you have specific design requirements, they can certainly be implemented, but this may involve additional effort and costs. It’s important to weigh whether customization is worth the extra effort.

Can I make small changes myself afterwards?

In principle, it is possible to make small changes yourself after development, but it’s not always straightforward. FlutterFlow offers a visual interface, but making changes requires some understanding of the platform and how it works. Simple adjustments like text changes are manageable, but more complex changes can quickly become cumbersome. During development, it's a good idea to think about how much self-maintenance you plan to do and consider training or documentation accordingly.

Can the app later be converted to pure Flutter?

Yes, that’s theoretically possible. You can export your FlutterFlow app as Flutter code. However, the reverse is not possible—you can't import existing Flutter code into a FlutterFlow app. This means you can move from FlutterFlow to Flutter if you want to continue developing the app, but the other way around is not supported. It’s important to note that the exported code might not be easy to understand if you’re not familiar with Flutter. Therefore, despite the possibility of export, it might be more practical to continue development within FlutterFlow, especially if you don’t have experienced Flutter developers on your team.

How dependent do I become?

With FlutterFlow, you do become somewhat dependent. While you can integrate your own Flutter code into the app and export the entire app as Flutter code, it often makes more sense for developers to stay on the platform. The exported code isn't always easy to work with, and the development processes are optimized within FlutterFlow. If you are planning long term, keep in mind that switching to another development environment can be time-consuming. However, for quick and cost-effective development, FlutterFlow remains an excellent choice.

Is it really faster?

Yes, FlutterFlow typically speeds up the development process significantly. By using visual programming and pre-built components, mobile apps can be created much faster than through traditional programming. This often saves not only time but also costs. Especially for startups or companies looking to quickly launch an MVP, FlutterFlow is an attractive option.

How much does it cost?

First off, it’s important to note that the FlutterFlow account is usually used and paid for by the developer. Of course, your developer will pass these costs on to you indirectly, so it’s worth having a general idea of the pricing.
FlutterFlow offers several pricing models based on the features you need. Prices start with a free plan for basic projects and go up to professional plans with advanced features and support. For full development with all features, we typically use the $70 per month subscription. The current prices can be found on the official FlutterFlow website.

What are the disadvantages of FlutterFlow?

The disadvantages of FlutterFlow lie in its speed, feature set, and development costs. Apps built with FlutterFlow can run slower than those programmed directly in Flutter. Additionally, the available feature set is limited compared to the full Flutter development environment, which can become noticeable in more complex projects.

Is FlutterFlow slower than Flutter?

Yes, based on our experience, FlutterFlow often has slower performance than direct Flutter development. To explain why, we've come up with a small analogy:
Using no-code tools is like traveling by public transport (without delays). It’s convenient and doesn’t require you to drive, but the standardized stops and transfers extend the travel time. Custom programming, on the other hand, is like driving your own car: You can choose the fastest route, avoid unnecessary stops, and often reach your destination quicker.
No-code platforms often sacrifice some performance for flexibility and generalization.

Can we work with any database?

Yes, that's possible. FlutterFlow doesn’t limit the type of database you can work with. However, we often integrate with Firebase or Supabase, as these standalone databases offer good pricing and quick connectivity. They also provide seamless integration with FlutterFlow, making development easier. If you already have an existing database, it can also be integrated, but depending on the technology, this might require additional effort.

09/14/2024, Christopher Jung