Flutter, a popular framework for building natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase, is supported by several Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). Here are the main IDE options for Flutter development:
Eclipse
Eclipse is the old man in the IDE world. It seems less of a choice even for Java Developers, but, it is still alive. https://marketplace.eclipse.org/content/dart-plugin-eclipse-0
Pros:
- Highly customizable with plugins.
- Free and open-source.
Cons:
- Flutter support is not as robust as in other IDEs.
- Generally less popular for Flutter development.
Emacs and Vim
Emacs and Vim are option for hard-core – open source/linux users.
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly customizable.
- Suitable for users comfortable with terminal-based editors.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve and requires significant configuration.
- Limited out-of-the-box support for Flutter. There are Language Plugins. Read more about it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/FlutterDev/comments/ml6e7r/does_everyone_using_vim_as_ide_for_flutter/
Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
VS Code https://code.visualstudio.com/ has become the new Eclipse – with extensions for every programming language.
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly customizable.
- Extensive library of extensions, including the Flutter and Dart plugins.
- Integrated terminal and Git support.
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Cons:
- Requires configuration and setup for optimal use.
- Debugging experience might not be as robust as Android Studio.
Android Studio
Google shifted to Modified version of IntelliJ – and rebranded it – first for Android and some years ago – for Flutter: https://developer.android.com/studio
Pros:
- Full support for Flutter with the Flutter and Dart plugins.
- Excellent for Android development with built-in tools and emulators.
- Strong code refactoring and debugging tools.
- Built-in version control (Git) support.
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive.
- Might be overkill for non-Android Flutter development.
IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ is currently one of the most popular Java IDE. As Android Studio is based on it – it could also be extended with plugins – to support Android and Flutter. https://www.jetbrains.com/idea/
Pros:
- Full support for Flutter with the Flutter and Dart plugins.
- Powerful code analysis and refactoring tools.
- Strong support for various programming languages.
Cons:
- The Ultimate version is paid (Community edition is free but with limited features).
Can be resource-intensive
Plugins and Extensions
Regardless of the IDE chosen, you have the option to install the necessary plugins/extensions for Flutter and Dart to enable full development features, such as:
Flutter: Adds support for Flutter development, including project creation, debugging, and running Flutter apps.
Dart: Provides support for Dart language features, syntax highlighting, and code analysis.
Conclusion
Each IDE has its strengths and weaknesses, so experimenting with a couple of them might help determine which one best fits your workflow and preferences.