Switching from native code in iOS or Android to Flutter is not as simple as directly converting the code. Flutter uses the Dart programming language, which is different from Swift (iOS) or Java/Kotlin (Android).
However, you can gradually transition your app to Flutter, or use Flutter for new features in your app. Flutter has excellent interoperability features, which makes it possible to integrate Flutter with your existing code. You can create a Flutter module and add it to your Android or iOS project. Here’s a high-level idea of how this might work:
- Create a new Flutter module: A Flutter module is essentially a Flutter project that can be included in an existing native application.
- Integrate the module into your existing application: This step involves configuring your existing application to include the Flutter module, either by using the Flutter tools or by manually setting it up.
- Call Flutter code from your native code: You can use platform channels to communicate between your native code and your Flutter code.
- Gradually replace your existing code: You can start by replacing the simpler features of your app with Flutter code, gradually working your way up to the more complex features.
However, the process could be time-consuming and challenging, especially for complex applications. There might be features or libraries in native code that are not available in Flutter. In such cases, you may need to create those features or find equivalent libraries that work with Flutter.
Also, keep in mind that while Flutter allows you to use the same codebase for both iOS and Android, you still might need to make certain platform-specific adjustments. You’ll want to make sure your Flutter code looks and feels right on both platforms.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the move to Flutter should be based on your project’s specific needs. Flutter offers some great advantages like faster development, beautiful UI, and a single codebase for both platforms. But if your app is already built and functioning well with native code, it might not be necessary or beneficial to transition to Flutter.