Developing apps that work on multiple devices and operating systems is no longer a challenge. Today, companies can design cross-platform apps in a hassle-free way. Thanks to advanced UI frameworks like Flutter that are evolving continuously and presenting countless opportunities in the cross-platform app development landscape.
To take full advantage of this framework, you need the help of expert Flutter developers who have the potential to satisfy your unique business requirements. Our today’s blog will give you detailed insights into onboarding the right Flutter professionals for your short or long-term project. You will also get an in-depth overview of the hiring process and the skills you need to consider while employing the experts.
Before that, let’s take a closer look at the framework and its growing popularity.
What is Flutter?
Flutter is an open-source UI framework designed to build visually appealing, natively compiled, platform-agnostic applications from a single codebase. It provides dedicated support to create embedded and web-based solutions.
You can easily use the open-source framework by Google to add new features to your existing system or create a fully functional app from scratch. Some of its core characteristics include hot reload, rendered UI, and advanced SDKs. To learn more about the benefits of choosing Flutter for app development, read our insightful post on Flutter for Startups.
As of 2022, there are over 500k+ apps built with Flutter. It stands amongst the most wanted UI frameworks by 13.52% of professional developers. With the help of Flutter professionals, you can build robust Android and iOS applications faster while easily resolving complex UI. In order to simplify your hiring process, here is some information you should know about Flutter developers.
Why Do Enterprises Need Flutter Developers?
Flutter professionals help enterprises in building applications, products, and digital solutions for cross-platform devices. Here are some key benefits of having a Flutter developer for your next project.
- Access to a responsive and scalable user interface that is compatible with a variety of platforms.
- Quick and easy upgradation and migration from Android or iOS apps to Flutter apps, and full support for the newly created apps.
- Integration of the latest technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, to make the apps future-proof.
- 360-degree consulting and assistance to deliver quality-driven software products and solutions.
- Ensure maximum security for Flutter apps, and protect the privacy of customers and their data.
- Detailed analytics to track the right metrics and KPIs of the app to make necessary improvements and modifications.
- Customize apps for all platforms as and when required.
- Maintain apps post-release, fix bugs and potential app vulnerabilities to generate the best user experiences.
- Update apps regularly to leverage the latest trends in the software development world.
A Flutter developer is responsible for building, designing, testing, and deploying cross-platform applications that help businesses achieve their goals. Before you employ the right Flutter professional for your project, you need to consider important factors as mentioned below:
- Roles and responsibilities of a Flutter developer
- 8 must-have technical skills to look for in a Flutter developer
- Step-by-step process to select and onboard the expert for your project
- Key engagement models before selecting Flutter app developers in India
- Best Practices to Select and Onboard the Right Flutter Developers for Your Project
Roles and Responsibilities of A Flutter Developer
A Flutter developer is a software development professional who creates modern cross-platform applications using the Flutter framework and Flutter developer tools. Here’re some of the roles and responsibilities to give you a better idea –
- Design and develop cross-platform applications from scratch. Integrate essential features as and when required.
- Perform tests (automated and manual) to analyze the performance of the app in a real, controlled situation.
- Write clean and readable code. Follow the best coding practices, protocols, and principles for the same.
- Identify potential bugs, issues, and app vulnerabilities. Take necessary measures to resolve them with utmost immediacy.
- Keep up with the latest tools and technologies in the Flutter development niche to suggest improvements around apps’ architecture.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams of UI/ UX designers, QA experts, Project Managers, and others to monitor the entire app development life cycle.
- Follow the latest trends and market expectations to introduce updates and modifications.
- Take ownership of product delivery within budget and stipulated timeline without compromising on quality.
Flutter developers can help businesses expedite the app development process by using developer tools. A Flutter developer must be a master of writing readable code, code optimization, and social skills to work with large teams. To check that out, you must evaluate their must-have technical skills. Let’s explore them one by one.
Must-have Technical Skills to Look for In a Flutter Developer
You can only convert your app ideation into a full-fledged product when your project is backed by the top Flutter developers. Here are the skills you need to look for while selecting the developers of your choice.
Know-how of Native Programming Languages
Your chosen developers should have a good understanding of both or at least one major app development platform using native code, for example, Android with Kotlin or iOS with Swift. Their know-how of these platforms is necessary to make the most out of Flutter.
Good Command over Dart
Dart is the programming language launched by Google that is used in Flutter. Any project that requires the use of Flutter also demands prior experience in Dart. It is a multidimensional language used for server development, mobile and web development, and much more. Hence, the developers must be well aware of this language and its basic concepts.
Familiarity with Agile and Waterfall Methodologies
Agile methodology is a compilation of development practices and frameworks that are backed by the 12 principles mentioned in the Agile Manifesto. On the contrary, Waterfall refers to the easy implementation of a sequential life cycle in the development process. These methodologies accelerate the workflow. Hence, you need to hire Flutter developers with hands-on expertise in utilizing them to their full extent.
Knowledge of Version Control Tools
Your selected Flutter developers should be well-versed in version control tools and technologies like Git, GitHub, and Bitbucket. These tools are vital in keeping track of changes and modifications applied to the project with utmost precision. Moreover, they boost collaboration among developers and improve overall productivity.
Experience in SQLite
SQLite is a platform that helps store continuous data and effectively loads it when required. Having good knowledge of this platform is paramount as it allows developers to work with multiple framework development settings. Thus, you need to select Flutter app developers who have experience handling projects that involve SQLite and managing large amounts of data.
Hands-on Expertise in Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
IDEs can provide robust debugging support and simplify working with desired programming languages. They combine the capabilities of common developer tools into a sole GUI to build enterprise-grade applications. Therefore, you need to ensure that the developers you choose have a good understanding of popular IDEs that support Flutter, including Android Studio, Visual Studio Code, and IntelliJ IDEA.
Experience in Flutter DevTools
Flutter DevTools is a web suite of debugging, performance, memory, and layout inspection tools that simplifies the overall development execution. Check whether the developers are familiar with these tools. Verify their knowledge of using Flutter Inspector to analyze and remove layout issues. Find out if they have worked with Timeline and how it is used to identify the time taken to render widgets.
Proficiency in Commonly Used Design Tools
Choose Flutter developers or a team that has worked on projects involving the complete exploitation of popular design tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, and Flutter Studio. This will help you create and visualize ideas in a hassle-free way. The tools will streamline your development process, and the developers will assist you in delivering unmatched user experiences.
Step by Step Process to Select and Onboard Flutter Professionals
Considering all the above will help you choose the best candidates for your app development project. Just make sure that you follow the below step-by-step process to make the best use of your hiring strategy.
#1 Assess Your Requirements
Assess your software development needs before approaching the top flutter app developers. Evaluate the position based on several criteria, such as the experience, qualification, and skill set of the candidate. The more specific profile, the better.
#2 Create a Job Description
Create a job description that includes the details of the project and the necessary qualifications that the developer should have. You can also include the specific roles and responsibilities of the developer based on your project.
#3 Start Screening Candidates
When you identify and reach out to potential hiring resources, you will receive applications from a number of developers. Screen every candidate that applies, and eliminate the ones that do not match your requirements.
#4 Set up an Interview
Once you have discarded the applicants that are not fit for the job, you will be left with the ones that match your project needs. Now, you need to reach out to these applicants and set up an interview with them.
#5 Choose the Best Ones
Ask them about their previous projects and work experience. You must ensure that the skills on their resume match the ones they actually possess. You can now choose the best fit for the profile of all the people you interview.
#6 Onboarding
When you complete all these steps as specified, you will have a team of Flutter developers that you can count on. The final step is to host a smooth, secure onboarding process and provide all the needed infrastructure, resources, and knowledge transfer sessions.
Key Engagement Models Before Selecting Flutter Programmers
As a business owner, you need to choose an engagement model that brings the best Flutter developers on board and offers the required services within budget. We have compiled a few models that can help you out in the best possible way. Let’s take a look at them one by one.
Full-time Engagement Model
If you have a long-term project and a flexible budget, then you should not look beyond the standard full-time engagement model. When you hire dedicated Flutter app developers, they are responsible for assisting your company on all your software-related issues. This model also requires you to carry out an effective onboarding process to get the right fit for the job profile.
Some of the other aspects to keep in mind while doing so include accommodation costs, taxes, social security, employee benefits, insurance, costs for providing necessary working conditions, etc. This means that choosing this model can be costly and time-consuming.
Freelance Engagement Model
Hiring freelancers is the easiest way to gain access to flutter experts. You can approach them via online freelancing sites such as Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, etc. This type of engagement is the best for companies with short-term projects and a limited budget.
However, this model has the most risk as the developers are hired part-time. Their level of engagement is also lower since they are catering to several clients simultaneously. In this scenario, receiving quality and quantity becomes difficult.
Outsourcing Engagement Model
Outsourcing combines the best of both the above models. It helps your company align with the best talent from all over the world. It is a cost-effective solution to build an entire team or hire a skilled Flutter developer in India.
In this model, you partner with a reliable Flutter app development company that can help you choose certified developers while avoiding the complexities of hiring. Besides, you get 24X7 support to resolve potential errors and recurring issues.
Extended Team Model
Another cost-effective and most important hiring model that can help you pick desired developers quickly and easily is an extended team model. It aims to upscale your existing software development capabilities by exposing your project to an extended team of skilled Flutter developers.
This model is not applicable to time-bound projects. It is a long-term and ongoing collaboration which does not end even after the project’s completion. Moreover, it helps you overcome skill deficits instead of replacing your in-house team members.
Best Practices to Select and Onboard the Right Flutter Developer for Your Project
All these models can help you select cost-effective remote Flutter developers or build a dedicated development team operating from your desired location. You just need to consider the below aspects of hiring while choosing one.
#1 Conduct a Coding Assessment
Conducting a coding assessment is one of the best ways to evaluate the skills of candidates that apply. This also helps you ensure that the skills of the programmers on their CVs are bonafide. You will also get a good idea about the time they take and the approach they follow to solve a particular problem.
#2 Check the Online Presence
Don’t only rely on the application you receive from the developer. When you are evaluating potential candidates, you should go beyond their applications and work samples. Check their online presence. This includes sites like GitHub and Stack Overflow, which developers often consult.
#3 Be Aware of the Product Development Cycle
Before you choose Flutter developers, you need to be aware of the product development cycle and its individual stages. You need to have a brief idea about the upgrades and bug fixes related to your app. You need to figure out where exactly the product falls in its development cycle. This will help you determine whether you need a short-term or a long-term solution.
#4 Don’t Compromise on Quality
For startups and new businesses, budget is an important factor. And while you shouldn’t go way overboard with your spending, you shouldn’t compromise on quality either. Low-cost developers might appear more enticing, but they may also offer a low-quality solution. Hence, you should never prioritize low costs over quality.
Conclusion
Having Flutter developers can prove beneficial for businesses that want to create applications for both Android and iOS platforms with quick turnaround times. They can satisfy all the cross-platform development needs and help in generating profitable outcomes in the long run.
They can accelerate the overall development process and deliver breakthrough technology solutions that users would love. Just make sure that you hire Flutter developers committed to delivering what is expected within budget and estimated timeline. Get in touch with us to augment your team with dedicated Flutter professionals.
Author's Bio:
Pritam Barhate, with an experience of 14+ years in technology, heads Technology Innovation at Mobisoft Infotech. He has a rich experience in design and development. He has been a consultant for a variety of industries and startups. At Mobisoft Infotech, he primarily focuses on technology resources and develops the most advanced solutions.