Flutter Developer: how to find good ones?

Flutter Developer: how to find good ones?

Flutter framework is rapidly becoming the most popular option in cross-platform development. 

If you are planning to hire a developer with expertise in Flutter development, you can easily build a feature-rich mobile application. 

What is Flutter?

Flutter is a most commonly used technology in 2020, because developers have no restrictions with the platform or operating system used. Released as an open-source UI software development kit by Google in 2018, the framework eliminates a lot of time for the developers. 

With the convenience of cross-platform development, they can easily develop iOS and Android apps, created with a single codebase. Additionally, the developer has access to an impressive set of tools and frameworks. 

Responsibilities of developers using the framework

The developer should know Flutter SDK and Dart programming languages to create wonderfully interactive applications.  He then has to test those applications to make sure they work well in the market. The app has to adhere to the system and confer with user requirements. 

It is also important the developer possesses a basic understanding of Agile development. He must be able to write concise, well-documented codes and optimise client-facing software. And above all, must have excellent social skills too. 

Once the application is ready for market, it will be uploaded on Google Play or App Store. Once testers start using the app, there will be feedback on the usability and functionality of the apps which will then be monitored by the developer, quality analyst teams. 

Because of the popularity of the framework, there is a huge demand for developers. Several businesses are looking to create Flutter apps, so there is a huge market for developers. Google released different versions of Flutter on August and September, and in the latest version, you have the following advantages:

• Flutter app development for iOS 14
• Flutter development for Android 11
• Internationalization and localization support
• Google Maps and WebView plugins
• New Dart DevTools

Developers need to follow Agile

It is imperative for the Flutter experts to be agile in order to drive results faster and adapt to requirements faster should they arise. 

Flutter and readable code

Codes can change and what works now, may not work later. Tangled codes might be even more difficult, and in such a state, the developers might be confused, wouldn’t understand how it works, and then updating the codes might turn out to be a tedious task. 

Developers have to focus on creating optimised codes

Flutter specialists have to be extra careful while creating mobile applications using optimised codes.  That’s because they have tough competition with other applications, and that’s not all – the cell phones have low powered CPUs and shorter battery life. And this makes it important for the developers to be experts in optimised codes. 

What skills should you be looking for in Flutter experts:

Since Flutter is a fairly new framework, and the SDK comes with its own custom programming language, known as Dart. The novelty of the framework makes it a fair play for the developers, even though having experiences in different programming languages is an added benefit. As long as the developer is yearning to do his best with Flutter and have considerable experience with version control tools like Git and knowledge of Android and iOS development. 

To find good Flutter experts 

If you are looking for experts in Flutter app development, then here are some simple points to look out for:

1) Have created iOS and Android apps

If you are looking to build a good, credible developer with expertise in Flutter, then make sure you look through two or more iOS or Android apps that they have done, and their popularity levels, before you commit with them.

2) Experience is helpful

Ideally an experience of 5-6 years in mobile software development would be good, if not mandatory.

3) Third-party libraries and API 

Knowledge of third-party libraries and API is an added advantage as it saves on development time when you are in a bit of a rush. You can focus on the core business logic and use the features that people really use, rather than cramming the application with features. 

4) Knowledge in Agile methodology 

Make sure the developers are familiar with Agile technology. This is a point that we had mentioned before, but re-emphasising once more as it really is very important. By following Agile practices, the developers will be able to do continuous iteration, regular incorporation of changes in the code and do test-driven development.  

5) Good at problem solving

A flutter expert must also be good at problem solving skills and be excellent at communicating the same to his team. Additionally, the developer must be good at App architecture planning, be able to write comprehensive documentation, do testing, perform maintenance and ongoing support and App functionality expansion.

It is also important that the developer is familiar with SQLite, MYSQL, PostgreSQL databases, REST APIs, and experience with Git and Jira. 

Knowledge of Swift and Objective-C (for iOS development) and React Native (in hybrid development) and Java and Kotlin (for Android) are also added advantages. 

The new versions of Flutter really makes it popular among developers. There is strong community support and advanced functionalities make the framework score several points over React Native and Xamarin. Since Flutter is supported by Google, you can enter your product in the market without much hassle. 

It is also a good option when you want to avoid limitations of Xamarin and React Native. The delivery process becomes much easier, with increased productivity, and lesser utilisation of resources. 

Consider the different business models while hiring a developer:

• Time-based model – This is more like a fixed-time model where businesses hire developers based on the number of hours they spend on the project, increasing or decreasing the work scope. The payment is made after work is completed.
• Fixed-price model – In the work contract of the fixed price model, there will be a timeline wherein the contract will be completed, and if the timeline is crossed, then the extra services will be fixed with a different contract. There will be feedback during this time, and further improvement. Most companies choose this model for MVP development, and have reduced expense with valuable results using Flutter.
• Dedicated resource hiring model – For reliable collaboration, this is the most chosen model as it aids in fruitful long-term business relationships. You can add the Flutter expert to your in-house team, and that person can work remotely. 

Conclusion

Hiring is never easy. But Flutter experts are in high demand because Flutter mobile app development is on the rise. Consider the developer’s technical skills, experience, location and other essential aspects before making the final choice. Consider their hard skills like asking them a few trick questions to gauge their knowledge. 

One example of a trick question would be about the format for layout files. A developer worth his salt would tell you that Flutter uses Widgets instead of layout files, and there is no separation into code and layout like previous Android frameworks. 

If you want to know more about Flutter app development, get in touch with us at Software Developer India, and we will be glad to help you out. 

Interesting Links:

A website where Developers can learn more about Flutter

More about Flutter on Wikipedia

Pictures: Canva

The author: Sascha Thattil works at Software-Developer-India.com which is a part of the YUHIRO Group. YUHIRO is a German-Indian enterprise which provides programmers to IT companies, agencies and IT departments.