No, FlutterFlow Is NOT A Flutter Alternative!

FlutterFlow Has a Flutter-FLAW

It’s common knowledge that FlutterFlow is one of the best no-code mobile app builders in 2024.

For a no code app builder, it’s very powerful and customizable, perfect for non-technical folks looking to build a big SaaS business without a big SaaS budget.

However, FlutterFlow has a major shortcoming you must know—its exported codebase.

We say “major” flaw because one of FlutterFlow’s unique selling points is its code export.

So if you expect FlutterFlow as the answer to transitioning seamlessly from no code to custom code this article will help you two ways:

• Manage your expectations of FlutterFlow, and
• Consider alternatives that might serve you better

Let’s begin.

Problem 1: FlutterFlow’s Code Is in Flutter

FlutterFlow code is written in Flutter, a popular cross-platform language.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Flutter, except there’s a more established cross-platform language called React Native.

It’s just a two year difference between the two, but 24 months is significant!

Enough that React Native has a larger developer community and more resources and frameworks.

Feature	Flutter	React Native
Platform support	iOS, Android, web	iOS, Android
Developer pool	Growing	Larger and more mature
Frameworks/Libraries	Less	More

At least for now, React Native projects are usually easier to troubleshoot and staff with skilled developers.

So if your long-term plan is to get off no code and transition to custom code, a Flutter codebase may make things slightly harder – see our in depth comparison of React Native and Flutter here.

If you’re looking for React Native version of FlutterFlow, DraftBit is a solid alternative with code export, albeit at a higher starting price of $50/month compared to FlutterFlow’s $15/month.

However, once you go custom, Flutter app development costs are typically higher, so for truly long-term projects, React Native is the more cost-effective solution.

Problem 2: Poor Quality of Exported Code

Even though FlutterFlow boasts code export as a unique selling point, the quality of the exported code leaves much to be desired.

Here’s what our in-house Flutter developer Alan says about FlutterFlow code:

The Good:

• Security: Reasonably robust for production use.

The Bad and Ugly:

• Readability: Poorly named variables and functions make the code hard to follow.
• Organization: Functions in the global scope and tightly coupled components lead to maintenance nightmares.
• Performance: Inefficient widget trees slow down app responsiveness.
• Reliability: Bugs arise due to improper state management and reliance on less robust solutions like Provider instead of Bloc or Riverpod.
• Scalability: Code becomes chaotic as projects grow, mixing FlutterFlow-specific code with standard Flutter.

His overall verdict:

Often times, and epsecially with complex projects, extending or fixing a FlutterFlow codebase takes more time than rebuilding from scratch.

This defeats the purpose of exporting it in the first place!

Should YOU Use FlutterFlow?

Keep in mind our gripe is just about the quality of the exported code.

If you look at our no code app builder comparison metrics, there are so many more factors to consider.

And there’s the fact for a no code app builder, Flutterflow actually offers code export, which is a rarity.

Point is, FlutterFlow is still a good no code app builder, and serves a variety of common use cases.

FlutterFlow is excellent if:

• You need a no-code builder to create a quick MVP.
• Your goal is a minimal-effort launch on app stores.
• You want a highly customizable and robust app builder.

Think twice if:

• You plan to transition from no-code to custom development.
• You’re hoping to use FlutterFlow’s exported codebase for long-term scalability.

If your app idea is validated and budget isn’t an issue, starting with custom development may be better.

Otherwise, embrace the limits of no-code with tools like FlutterFlow while being prepared for future migration challenges.

Also, check out our tier list comparing FlutterFlow to 14 other options!

If you’re looking to build a mobile application, check out our portfolio of past projects and contact us if you like what you see. Also, consider joining our mailing list for a one-stop resource on everything from micro-SaaS validation all the way to execution and promotion. Get a nifty list of questions to ask app developers when you sign up!