What it Takes to be a Flutter Developer

Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit released by Google in 2018. The programming language it uses is Dart. Flutter has brought about the emergence of new software developers called Flutter Developers.

Introduction

Companies can reduce development costs by using cross-platform applications. This eliminates the need to hire multiple software development teams. In addition to saving time, these applications require only a single code base to manage.

Developers can create cross-platform applications with Flutter. In the near future, there will continue to be a need for Flutter Developers for these reasons.

Who is a Flutter developer

A Flutter developer builds cross-platform applications using the Flutter framework.

Roles and responsibilities of a Flutter developer

To code applications

Flutter developers use the Flutter SDK to create beautiful, interactive applications.

Testing applications

Flutter developers must test their applications to ensure they do not crash. Testing also ensures the apps meet user and system requirements.

Delivering applications

Flutter developers are responsible for deploying applications. Apps are uploaded to Google Play for Android applications or App Store for iOS applications. User feedback is then monitored in order to make improvements.

Flutter developer tools

Version control tools

Software developers can use these tools to stay on top of changes they make to their projects. This allows them to work together more effectively. This helps them be more productive.

Examples of version control tools:

Git and Github - To use git, you must download it and install it in the code editor or IDE you are using. It is important to note that you must have a Github account to use its features. Pushing your code to Github is as simple as writing git commands. The repository can be accessed by other developers (if it is public) and thus, improve your code. Private repositories are also an option.

Bitbucket

Flutter framework

Flutter is a UI framework for developing high-quality native applications for Android, iOS, web and desktop using a single code base. Flutter Framework is written in Dart.

Flutter's features make it popular, including:

• Hot Reloading - It enables developers to load code changes quickly and preserves the app’s state.
  
• Hot Restart - It is similar to hot reloading but causes the app to lose its state and takes more time.
• Widgets that can be easily imported into Flutter projects are available.

UI designs are also supported by Flutter.

These are:

• Cupertino (iOS).
  
• Material Design (Android).

Flutter's built-in features make it easier to develop applications. These features also allow applications to look and feel like native apps.

Integrated Development Environment

The three popular IDEs that support Flutter are:

• Android Studio.
  
• Visual Studio Code.
• IntelliJ IDEA.

Android Studio or Visual Studio Code are the two most popular Flutter development environments. Developers choose IDEs according to the features they need. Flutter apps can be developed with Android Studio and Visual Studio Code.

Flutter DevTools

It includes layout inspection, performance, and memory tools for Flutter and Dart developers. It includes all the debugging tools you need to become an effective Flutter developer.

Some of the tools in the Flutter DevTools web suite include:

• Flutter Inspector - It is used to diagnose and debug layout issues.
  
• Timeline - It diagnoses performance problems which often occur during development. Timeline shows the amount of time taken by each widget to render.

Design tools

Ideas are crafted and visualized using these tools. Design plays a crucial role in app development. It makes the process smoother. Personal projects also benefit from design tools.

The following are some of the most popular design tools:

• Sketch: This is only available for Mac users.
  
• Adobe XD
• Figma
• Flutter Studio

Flutter developer skills

Dart programming language

Dart is a client-based programming language that can be used to write simple scripts, and it is scalable. The language is dynamic and object-oriented. Developing Flutter apps requires knowledge of Dart.

Knowledge of Agile and Waterfall methodologies for software development

Different phases are involved in the software development process. Ideas are generated and designs are created, for example. Waterfall and Agile are the two most common software development methodologies.

• The Waterfall Methodology is a sequential and linear system development methodology. Iterat
• ion during testing and development is also a component of Agile Methodology.

A Flutter developer should become familiar with these software methodologies to work effectively within a software development team.

Prior knowledge on a Native Language

The native languages for mobile application development include:

• Swift for iOS applications.
  
• Java and Kotlin for Android applications.

Flutter developers will find it easier to become proficient in these languages.

When learning Flutter development, avoid these mistakes

• Ignoring native languages: Most software developers will argue that prior knowledge in a native language is not necessary. Most job descriptions nevertheless require prior knowledge in a native language. Due to the relative newness of Flutter development, employers must have proof that you are experienced with application development. Java, Swift, or Kotlin experience is the only way to demonstrate this. If you know a native language, you may have an advantage over someone who only knows Flutter and Dart.
• Overreliance on one source for developing your career as a Flutter Developer: Flutter and Dart are relatively new technologies. You might not have enough knowledge to start off your career if you rely on just one tutorial or reading material. Getting a good understanding of Flutter and Dart requires multiple resources. Every tutor offers unique insights into the framework.
• Learn Flutter generally: Avoid confusion when starting a new career. Try to find an example of an application you would like to build from scratch, rather than learning the framework as a whole. This will give you an opportunity to learn from your mistakes, make mistakes, and add an actual project to your portfolio. You gain critical skills and experience by creating such apps from scratch. As a result, your applications become more powerful.

Getting a job as a Flutter developer

Job description example

The following is an example of a detailed job description for a Flutter Developer. Flutter Developer Job Description.

Questions to ask a Flutter developer

Most of the technical questions a Flutter developer gets during an interview can be broken down into two categories:

1. Written Questions. Many of them test your knowledge of the Dart programming language. Its data structures, algorithms, control flows, and general programming knowledge.
   
2. Verbal Questions. The following questions will test your knowledge of the Flutter framework. Dart questions may also be included.

Further reading

To get a better grip on the topic, take a look at these resources:

• To start on Dart programming language.
  
• To start on Flutter Framework.
• To learn more about Flutter DevTools visit the following Youtube channel.

Conclusion

It's easy to become a Flutter developer. Flutter is an easy-to-use framework and Dart is an easy-to-understand language. This makes Flutter development an interesting topic. There will be a significant increase in demand for Flutter developers in the future.