Top Cross-Platform Frameworks: Flutter Vs. .NET MAUI, Vs. React Native

Discover the strengths of Flutter, React Native, and .NET MAUI, three leading cross-platform frameworks for app development. Learn about their key features, statistics, and benefits, and stay informed on the latest updates, including the end of support for Xamarin.

Choosing the right cross-platform framework is crucial for efficient and cost-effective app development. Flutter, React Native, and .NET MAUI stand out as top contenders. In this article, we will explore what makes each framework distinctive, backed by the latest statistics and advantages. Additionally, we will discuss Microsoft's decision to end support for Xamarin and what it means for developers.

1. Flutter

1.1. What is Flutter? 

Flutter is a versatile cross-platform framework that enables developers to create applications for various platforms such as web browsers, Fuchsia, Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows using a single codebase. It employs Dart, a reactive programming language that speeds up and simplifies development.

1.2. Flutter Statistics

• Flutter’s popularity has risen by 9% from 2019-2020.
• It is expected to maintain its lead over React Native in 2024.
• Flutter’s monthly growth rate is a strong 10%.
• As of January 2024, about 10,000 Flutter apps were uploaded to Google Play in the previous month.
• A January 2024 Stack Overflow survey shows 12.64% of respondents prefer Flutter.
• Among professional developers, Flutter has a preference rate of 12.56%.

1.3. Advantages of Flutter

• Short Time-to-Market: The “Hot Reload” feature allows real-time code changes, speeding up iterations and app deployment. A single codebase for both Android and iOS reduces development time.
• Add-to-App: Seamlessly integrates Flutter modules into existing native apps, allowing gradual migration or feature enhancement without a full rebuild.
• Customizable Widgets: Offers a vast array of customizable widgets for creating visually appealing and platform-specific user interfaces.
• Scalability: Its widget-based architecture and flexible framework support seamless scalability, accommodating new features and large data volumes.
• Stunning UI Designs: Features a powerful rendering engine and animation libraries for creating complex UI elements and interactive animations.
• Efficient Architecture: A layered architecture with built-in support for state management, networking, and asynchronous programming ensures code maintainability and scalability.
• Data Security: Provides robust security features such as multi factor authentication, encryption, and secure HTTPS connections.
• Supportive Community: Boasts a vibrant developer community with abundant resources, tutorials, and plugins.

2. React Native

2.1. What is React Native? 

React Native is a JavaScript framework for creating natively rendering mobile applications for iOS and Android. It’s based on React, Facebook’s library for building user interfaces, and targets mobile platforms instead of the browser.

2.2. React Native Statistics

• In 2024, React Native continues to lead in mobile app development with its versatility and efficiency.
• Nearly 7.07 billion smartphone users in 2024 drive growth in the mobile app market.
• React Native is preferred by 12.57% of professional developers.
• It powers approximately 42% of all mobile apps worldwide.
• With over 2.1 million downloads per month and 90,000 contributors on GitHub, React Native maintains strong popularity.
• It has a 38% market share in cross-platform development frameworks.
• At least 14.8% of apps installed in the US were developed using React Native.

2.3. Benefits of React Native for Startups

• Cross-Platform Development: Single codebase for both iOS and Android reduces development time and resources, reaching a wider audience efficiently.
• Faster Development: Virtual DOM and hot reloading features accelerate development and iterations based on user feedback.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Open-source nature and cross-platform functionality lower development costs.
• Improved User Experience: Native components ensure a seamless interface, enhancing user retention and engagement.
• Scalability: Supports extensive functionality and growth, simplifying the process of adding features or scaling the user base.
• Easy Maintenance: Strong community support provides resources and assistance for troubleshooting.
• Stability: Backed by Facebook, ensuring continuous updates and a stable framework.
• Security and Consistency: Utilizes platform-specific security features to protect user data.
• Fast Iterations and Updates: Over-the-air updates enable quick feature releases and bug fixes.

>> Readmore: Leading React Native Outsourcing Company In Vietnam

3. .NET MAUI

3.1. What is .NET MAUI? 

.NET Multi-platform App UI (.NET MAUI) is a framework for creating native mobile and desktop apps using C# and XAML. It supports Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows with a single shared codebase.

3.2. Key Statistics (Microsoft updates 2024 )

• Released 9 significant updates, adding value and capabilities.
• Made 260 commits to enhance functionalities.
• Updated 521 files to maintain quality standards.
• Supported by 41 active contributors.
• Over 4,190 repositories depend on CommunityToolkit.Maui.
• 679,767 downloads from NuGet indicate widespread adoption.

3.3. Key Features

• Single Codebase: Simplifies development with one codebase for multiple platforms.
• Native Performance: Achieves near-native performance through optimized architecture.
• Rich UI Components: Offers a wide range of pre-built UI controls and layouts.
• Device-Specific Customization: Balances code sharing with platform-specific customization.
• Multi-Platform UI Framework: Supports creation of native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
• Unified API Surface: Provides a single API for multiple platforms.
• Development Tools and Ecosystem: Integrates with Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, offering a productive development environment.
• Enhanced Flexibility and Controls: Provides varied controls and layouts for improved customization.
• Blazor Integration: Enables hybrid applications sharing code between web and native mobile apps.

A comprehensive comparison: Flutter vs. .NET MAUI, vs. React Native

To sum up, Flutter, React Native, and .NET MAUI each bring robust solutions to the table for cross-platform app development. With Flutter's fast development cycles, React Native's extensive community and versatility, and .NET MAUI's unified approach under .NET, developers have powerful tools at their disposal. 

4. What will happen to the Xamarin Native?

Many people will wonder why Xamarin is not mentioned in this list. So I will mention one piece of news. Xamarin Native, the component that allows a single .NET codebase for multi-platform development, will no longer exist separately. All its capabilities will be integrated into .NET, starting with .NET 6.

4.1. Impact on Published Applications:

• iOS: Applications will continue to be available in the App Store. Updates should be made before April 2024, as the last version fully supported by Xamarin is iOS 16.
• Android: Applications will remain in the Play Store. Updates should be made before August 2024, as the last version fully supported by Xamarin is Android 13.

4.2. Risks of Not Migrating:

• Potential issues with updates or introducing new features may require migration.
• Security vulnerabilities will not be fixed after support ends, leaving applications exposed.
• Recommended migration deadline is May 1, 2024.

4.3. Migration Process:

• Migrate to .NET version 6 or later.
• Validate changes to the .NET framework and adjust as necessary.
• Identify unsupported libraries and find alternatives.
• Conduct comprehensive tests post-migration.
• For Xamarin Forms applications, migrate the user interface to .NET MAUI. Microsoft provides a tool to assist with this.

As Microsoft transitions from Xamarin to .NET MAUI, it's crucial for developers to stay updated and plan their migrations accordingly to ensure continued support and security. By understanding the strengths of these frameworks and the implications of Xamarin's end of support, developers can make informed decisions to drive their projects forward.

Aegona - Top Cross-Platform App Development Company in Vietnam

Is your team navigating the transition from Xamarin to .NET MAUI, or exploring the benefits of Flutter and React Native? Aegona's experts are ready to assist. With extensive experience in cross-platform development and deep knowledge of Microsoft technologies, we provide the guidance and support you need to ensure a smooth and successful migration. 

Contact Aegona today to discuss your project requirements and take the next step in your development journey.

AEGONA LTD - IT SERVICE & SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Email: [email protected]
Phone: Office: (+84) 28 7109 2939. Hotline: (+84) 91 451 8869 | (+84) 83 940 5469
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