7 Top Flutter IDEs & Tools for App Development

Nowadays, many developers leverage Flutter to create various apps. As you may already know, Flutter is an open-source UI development kit created by Google. Flutter uses the Dart programming language, which made this development kit so popular to begin with.

Dart, also developed by Google, is a client-optimized programming language used to create cross-platform apps, including mobile, desktop, and web-based apps. Programmers love this language because it allows seamless code compiling into native code. In other words, this is the best programming language for developing mobile and web-based apps.
Aside from popularity, Flutter offers various IDEs (Integrated Development Environment) and tools for developers to work with on their app development. This helps developers create amazing apps that work seamlessly across various platforms.

 

And, since this development kit is an open-source project, it’s completely free to use. On that note, Flutter is built using C, C++, Dart, and Skia. It comes with its own framework, widgets, and support for material design. With that in mind, here are some of the top Flutter IDEs and tools for app development.

 

What are IDEs and what are they for?

 

Okay, IDE (Integrated Development Environment) editors are basically software programs that allow you to create and edit text files. Since every programming language is technically just a bunch of weird text, these programs are necessary for writing app code and editing that code to make specific improvements, fixes and modifications.

 

Simply put, you can create Flutter apps using these text editors. Add some visuals and an interface for better navigation and orientation and you have a great IDE.

 

Various IDEs have additional features that help with the app development (writing many lines of text), which makes the whole process much easier and, quite frankly, a lot more fun to do. So without further ado, here are some of those IDEs and tools you should take the time to check out.

 

1. DartPad

 

DartPad is an open-source IDE that allows you to play, test, and experiment with the Dart language. This is crucial for app development as this tool allows you to test out various things before actually implementing them in your code.

 

If you’re new to the whole Flutter or Dart thing, this is the best tool to test your skills on. After all, practice makes perfect, or so they say. It’s like an online notepad but for Dart programming.

 

This tool is absolutely free and entirely web-based, which means you won’t have to download anything. Just open your browser and start DartPad and enjoy. Here are some of the things about this tool you should know about.

 

• It supports Dart libraries that work with web applications.
• It doesn’t support libraries from packages, such as dart:io.
• It can be embedded in your web pages.
• You can send your Dart code to others via links.
• DartPad doesn’t have many features like other IDEs.

 

2. Visual Studio Code (VSCode)

 

VSCode is one of the most popular IDEs for Flutter. The main reason this IDE is so popular and widely used is that it’s supported by Microsoft. This support is also one of the reasons why this IDE has one of the largest growths recorded. Aside from that, it’s one of the best IDEs for Flutter app development.

 

VSCode gives you the ability to launch and even create emulators. The IDE is modulable and flexible, giving you a lot of freedom when developing apps. Here are some of the things you should know about this IDE.

 

• It’s completely free.
• Provides syntax highlighting.
• Provides code completion.
• Provides real-time errors, warnings, and TODOs.
• Enables documentation in tooltips.
• Allows Pub Get Packages command.
• Allows Pub Upgrades Packages command.
• Enables Type Hierarchy.
• Allows Git control and terminal.
• Provides debugging.
• Provides a plethora of plug-ins for a simplified development process.

 

3. Android Studio

 

Pretty much what the name suggests, Android Studio is an IDE specifically designed for Android app development. It allows you to make any Android app idea a reality. If you need to develop apps for iOS or other platforms, you’ll have to look for another IDE.

 

Android Studio is one of the best IDEs for developing apps in the Flutter platform and it’s highly recommended by a lot of developers.

 

If you want to create efficient Android apps, then this is the ideal IDE for you. In addition, this IDE has a lot of features that can assist you during the app development process. Here are some of the main features of Android Studio.

 

• It provides code completion features
• Provides syntax highlight process.
• Fast emulator feature.
• Visual layout editor.
• APK Analyzer.
• Real-time profilers.
• Flexible build system.
• Can run Android simulator eliminating the need to download and install the Studio.
• And it’s free, of course.

 

4. Panache

 

For those with a creative soul, Panache IDE helps them express their ideas and bring their visions to life. In other words, this IDE lets you play with visuals, colors, shapes and graphics so that you can create truly amazing themes for your apps.

 

Many app developers use this or similar IDEs for their visuals. Panache is considered to be one of the best Flutter tools, as well as one of the best material theme editors. That said, over 40 million developers and testers use this tool for their themes. Here are some of Panache’s most prominent features. It assists you in creating awesome app themes

 

• Allows you to review the code once the entire code structure is completed
• Offers a plethora of colors, graphics and button designs.
• You can use this tool to customize your widgets.
• You can add the generated theme file to your project or library.
• It’s free.

 

5. Codemagic

 

This IDE can greatly assist you in boosting the app development process using the Flutter platform. The beauty of this tool is that you can build, test and promote your app with it all at the same time and in a fast and efficient way. But that’s not all.

 

The fact of the matter is that Codemagic allows you to automate the majority of the processes, thus allowing you to streamline app development, testing and deployment. That said, here are some of the additional features to look forward to.

 

• It allows you to build iOS app, native Android, Flutter, React Native, Ionic and Cordova apps.
• Automated testing on apps, simulators, emulators and devices.
• Set notifications and feedback for builds.
• Seamless debugging.
• Automated app publishing.
• Customize workflows.
• Integrate with third-party systems.
• Cuts development time by 20%.
• Costs around $300 per month.

 

6. Appetize

 

This tool is truly beneficial. As a matter of fact, Appetize.io IDE allows you to run native mobile apps in your browser. You can also release your apps on Apple or Android platforms much faster. For example, it allows you to run native apps on mobile when the user is accessing the browser in HTML or JavaScript formats.

 

This is ideal for app maintenance as it helps you develop apps in Flutter while giving you a more straightforward release option.

 

The way it works is you simply upload your app on your website or via API and the app is available for streaming through any browser immediately. You can then embed it anywhere you wish. Here are some of Appetize’s additional features.

 

• Run iOS and Android apps within a web browser on any computer.
• Fully managed and up-to-date service.
• Easy to maintain software-based solutions.
• Automation and testing enabled.
• Enterprise-level deployments.

 

7. Adobe Plug-ins

 

Another great designing IDE and tool comes from Adobe. Adobe XD was introduced at the Flutter Interact event as the newest edition of tools for developers and designers. What this tool does is simplify the workflow between app development and design.

 

In other words, this Adobe plug-in generates Dart code for any design element, which can later be implemented in your application’s codebase.
So far, only XD was introduced, but Adobe promises that other plug-ins will soon follow. This is basically a designer’s dream come true as Adobe XD provides a plethora of features and gadgets to help you design a perfect app. Here are some of the notable features Adobe XD brings to the table.

 

• It offers a free trial, so you can test the IDE out.
• In-depth layering, rotate across planes and create 3D visuals.
• Scalability with reusable elements.
• Automated animation.
• Content-aware layout.
• Repeat grid.
• Cross-app functionality.

 

It’s really no wonder that so many developers and designers leverage Flutter for their app projects. This platform pretty much offers more tools and IDEs than you’ll ever need.

 

Still, it’s better to have so many options available than having limited tools to work with. You might never use some of the tools, but you’re glad that you can, should you decide to do so. That’s why Flutter is the best development kit that every developer will gladly rely on for app development.

 

About Author:

 

Jessie Connor is a passionate writer and researcher from Brisbane, contributor to several business and lifestyle blogs, hooked on yoga and healthy living. She loves to spend her free time traveling, reading and of course – shopping!