Flutter Architecture and

Features
[1] Architecture
Flutter Architecture
Flutter is a UI toolkit developed by Google that allows developers to build cross-
platform applications using a single codebase. It follows a layered architecture,
ensuring high performance and a smooth user experience. The architecture
consists of three main layers:

i) Framework Layer (Dart) – The Developer’s Layer

This is the topmost layer where developers write Dart code to build Flutter
applications. It provides various libraries and tools, making it easy to create UI
components.

Key Sub-Layers:
Widgets Layer:

Everything in Flutter is a widget (buttons, text fields, images, layouts, etc.).

Supports Stateless Widgets (immutable UI) and Stateful Widgets

(dynamic UI updates).

Rendering Layer:

Converts widgets into a render tree, responsible for layout, size, and
painting.

Ensures smooth UI rendering at 60 or 120 FPS.

Animation & Gestures Layer:

Handles touch gestures (tap, swipe, drag, pinch) and smooth

animations.

Foundation Layer:

Flutter Architecture and Features 1

 Provides essential APIs for networking, databases, and state
management.

ii) Engine Layer (C++) – The Core Processing Unit

This layer is written in C++ and is responsible for rendering the UI efficiently. It
provides:

Skia Graphics Engine:

A powerful 2D rendering engine used for drawing UI elements like

buttons, text, and images.

Works at GPU speed for smooth performance.

Dart Runtime:

Executes Dart code using Just-In-Time (JIT) and Ahead-Of-Time (AOT)

compilation for fast debugging and optimized performance.

Text and Layout Rendering:

Manages how text is displayed and how UI elements are positioned.

iii) Embedder Layer (Platform-Specific) – The OS

Bridge
This layer acts as a bridge between Flutter and the native operating system
(Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux).

Uses Platform Channels to communicate with native APIs like camera, GPS,
Bluetooth, and sensors.

Manages input gestures (touch events, keyboard inputs, etc.).

Integrates native services such as notifications, file storage, and system

settings.

How Flutter Works Internally?

1. User interacts with the app (e.g., taps a button).

2. Flutter Framework processes this interaction and updates the widget tree.

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 3. Rendering Engine draws updated UI elements using Skia.

4. Embedder Layer interacts with the OS for necessary system-level access.

Conclusion
Flutter’s layered architecture ensures fast rendering, beautiful UI, and seamless
native integration. By combining Dart’s simplicity, Skia’s power, and native OS
interaction, Flutter delivers a highly optimized and scalable application
development experience.

[2] Features
Features of Flutter
Flutter is a powerful open-source UI toolkit developed by Google for building
natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single
codebase. It offers various features that make app development efficient and
flexible.

Key Features of Flutter

i) Single Codebase

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 Write one codebase and deploy it on Android, iOS, web, and desktop
platforms.

Saves development time and effort.

ii) Fast Development with Hot Reload

Hot Reload allows developers to see UI changes instantly without restarting

the app.

Helps in quick debugging and testing.

iii) Widget-Based Architecture

Everything in Flutter is a widget (buttons, text, images, layouts).

Offers customizable and reusable widgets for a flexible UI.

iv) High Performance

Uses Dart language and a compiled ARM engine for smooth animations and
fast execution.

Runs on the Skia Graphics Engine, enhancing UI rendering speed.

v) Rich UI with Material & Cupertino Widgets

Provides Material Design widgets for Android and Cupertino widgets for iOS.

Ensures a native-like look and feel for both platforms.

vi) Built-in State Management

Supports various state management techniques like Provider, Riverpod, Bloc,

Redux, etc.

Helps in handling app logic efficiently.

vii) Expressive and Flexible UI

Offers custom animations, transitions, and dynamic layouts for a rich user
experience.

Supports custom themes and responsive UI.

viii) Native Performance & APIs

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 Provides direct access to platform-specific features like camera, GPS,
Bluetooth, sensors using platform channels.

ix) Open-Source and Large Community Support

Backed by Google with a strong developer community and frequent updates.

Many plugins and third-party libraries are available.

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