Native Android Development vs No-Code: Build an MVP in days

Let me take you through a recent experience I had in the world of app development: 

‍

Creating an app as fast as possible to catch the eye of a major social media influencer. 

‍

This task took me down an unexpected path, comparing the worlds of Native Android Development vs No-Code Tools, each with its own pros and cons. 

‍

‍

The Unexpected Challenge

‍

Imagine my excitement when a potential client, a social media influencer with a whopping 2 million followers, showed interest in an app I developed. It was a simple yet snazzy Android app featuring:

‍

•  A couple of screens with nifty animations

•  Speech-to-Text and Text-to-Speech capabilities

•  Integration with OpenAI APIs

‍

But then came the twist: she wanted a web app version for easier sharing with her followers. 

‍

I’ve been an Android Developer for almost 10 years. As someone whose bread and butter is Android, web development isn't my forte. Time was ticking down to my response, and I had to act fast, I couldn’t spend weeks or months learning web development. And saying "I only have an Android version" wasn't an option. So, what's a developer to do?

‍

‍

Enter FlutterFlow: My No-Code Hero

‍

FlutterFlow caught my eye. It's this cool no-code platform where you can whip up mobile and web apps in no time. So, I took the plunge.

‍

‍

My FlutterFlow Experience:

‍

• Day 1: I spent two hours getting the hang of it, exploring features, and setting up the main screen. Admittedly, I hit a snag with the speech-to-text feature and had to add some code, but it wasn't a dealbreaker. If you’re not using these kinds of features you won’t need to deal with code. 

‍

• Day 2: Things got smoother. I implemented API requests, integrated Text-to-Speech (again, a bit of coding involved), and polished up the second screen. It was fascinating to see how much quicker I progressed compared to Day 1.

‍

‍

Native Android vs FlutterFlow: A Side-by-Side

‍

Learning Curve:

‍

• FlutterFlow: With basic tech know-how, you'll be up and running in a day. Newbies might need a bit more time to grasp app development concepts.

‍

• Android Development: It's a steep hill to climb, potentially taking months to master. Not ideal when speed is key.

‍

Development Speed:

‍

• FlutterFlow: It took me just 2 days, including my initial learning curve. Implementing API requests and designing UIs is a breeze here. Which in my opinion is what speeds things up: UI is as simple as drag and drop. 

‍

• Android Development: As a senior developer, it still took me 5 days. Even simple apps require foundational setup. 

‍

Reliability and Scaling:

‍

• Native Development: Native development is king for reliability and scalability. You're the master of your domain, with no fears of hitting a platform's limit.

‍

• No-Code Tools: They have their limits. However, FlutterFlow's option to export code is a unique feature that mitigates some of these constraints, offering a safety net if you ever hit these walls.

‍

Price:

‍

• Android Development: Apart from a one-time $25 fee for a developer account, it's free. 

‍

• FlutterFlow: Offers various monthly subscription plans that range from $0 to $70, so consider your project duration and weigh it against native development costs.

‍

‍

Making the Right Choice

‍

Use FlutterFlow if:

‍

• You're still validating the market and need something fast and cost-effective.

‍

• Your app is simple, without advanced OS-specific features.

‍

• You lack coding experience or the resources to hire a developer.

‍

• Quick multiplatform deployment is your priority.

‍

Go Native if:

‍

• You've found your product-market fit and are ready to invest in a robust, scalable codebase for future development. Now, it's important to note that it's not that FlutterFlow isn't scalable or robust at all, it is. But in my opinion as a developer, when it comes to native development, there's a certain level of control and customization that you just don't get with third-party tools. 

‍

• You have experience in native development and prefer its familiarity.

‍

In the end, it all boils down to your specific needs and understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach. Remember that this article was written thinking about the best alternative to build an MVP as fast as possible. 

‍

‍

Conclusion

‍

Selecting the right technology for your project depends on your specific needs and the nuances of each platform. Both Native Android Development and No-Code tools like FlutterFlow have their strengths and weaknesses. If you're struggling to decide which path is best for your MVP, feel free to get in touch. I'm here to offer personalized guidance and help you embark on a successful MVP development journey!