FlutterFlow vs Appgyver: A comparison of 12 key factors

FlutterFlow and AppGyver are two robust contenders when it comes to choosing a no-code development platform. Both platforms bring unique strengths to the table, providing developers with powerful tools and features to streamline their app creation process. 

In this article, we'll go through the distinctive offerings of each platform, exploring aspects such as scalability, security, custom functions, responsive design, and integration options. 

We'll guide you through all you need to know about these platforms to make the right choice for your project!

TL;DR

Both platforms offer native app development capabilities, powerful customization, deployment to app stores, and seamless API integrations for versatile functionality.  FlutterFlow stands out with its extensive library of over 170 pre-built components, automated testing, and responsive design. AppGyver is a feature-rich platform, backed by SAP, that supports very complex logic.

Overview of FlutterFlow and Appgyver

FlutterFlow and AppGyver are two no-code platforms for mobile and web app development. Both are based on a visual drag-and-drop interface, which allows for the creation of user interfaces, logic, and app functionality without the need to write code. However, they also provide the option to add custom code when greater flexibility or integration is required.

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FlutterFlow leverages Flutter to enable the creation of native apps for iOS, Android, and the web. It offers integration with Firebase, API support, animations, and more. Additionally, you can export the generated flutter code or directly deploy it to app stores.

Flutter is an open-source UI toolkit created by Google. It is used to develop cross-platform apps from a single source code that can run on various platforms, including web browsers, Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Flutter is based on the Dart programming language and can be used to complement the no-code development of FlutterFlow.

AppGyver is a part of SAP, a leading enterprise solutions company. AppGyver allows for the visual creation of professional apps with integration with SAP and other solutions. It also enables the creation of backends with new cloud-based features. AppGyver generates apps based on React and React Native, which can run on all platforms, including on TV.

Ease of use and learning curve

FlutterFlow can be really straightforward when it comes to creating basic UI designs. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to assemble visual elements for their apps quickly. However, for more advanced features and behaviors, there is a learning curve. Achieving complex functionalities may require delving into Flutter's programming language, Dart, and gaining familiarity with the broader Flutter ecosystem. 

AppGyver, as a low-code platform, may not be the most beginner-friendly option. It is better suited for users with a background in web design, product management, engineering, or software development. The platform's complexity might make it challenging for individuals with little or no technical expertise. However, if you have an in-house development team or the budget to hire a developer, AppGyver could be a suitable choice for more advanced projects.

Functionality

FlutterFlow best features

• Automated testing: The platform provides automated testing to ensure app features function as intended.
• Custom functions: Users can create custom functions, extending the platform's capabilities for unique functionalities beyond standard offerings.
• API integrations: You can integrate FlutterFlow apps with any other services by using Make.com or Zapier. That makes it possible to send emails, push data to Hubspot, etc.
• Native Firebase / Supabase integration: With these services, you can be sure your data is stored safely.

AppGyver's best features

• Powerful logic system: AppGyver stands out with a powerful logic system, with over a hundred logic functions built. It allows users to create complex UI logic, mathematical calculations, and array operations.
• API integrations: AppGyver facilitates seamless integration with external services through API integrations, enhancing app functionality.
• Responsive design: Similar to FlutterFlow, AppGyver supports responsive design, ensuring a consistent user experience across various devices.

Templates and design capabilities

FlutterFlow provides pre-made templates and components through its marketplace for those seeking design assistance and a quick start. Although the marketplace's template selection is comparatively smaller than some other no-code platforms, it offers free options and additional paid resources starting at $200.

Composer Pro from AppGyver provides numerous pre-built UI components and blocks within its core component library. The offer is complemented by their marketplace, which also allows developers to share their own components. Appgyver incorporates responsive design capabilities, ensuring that apps adapt to different screen sizes and devices.

Programming languages and custom code integration

In FlutterFlow,  your visual designs and logic serve as the foundation for your app's functionality, with FlutterFlow generating Flutter code to bring your concepts to life. What makes FlutterFlow truly versatile is the option to take this generated code and further customize or extend it using Flutter's programming language, Dart. Essentially, FlutterFlow provides the best of both worlds – you can rapidly build and design your app using no-code and low-code tools, and when the need arises for highly specialized functionality, you have the flexibility to implement it with custom code. 

In situations where standard flow and formula functions fall short, AppGyver provides an advanced solution through the JavaScript node, available in the "Advanced" section of the flow function library. It enables users to write custom JavaScript code to execute complex logic.   For more experienced users seeking even greater customization, AppGyver offers the option to make changes to the core underlying code. This includes building React and React Native apps, creating composite components, and more. 

Support, community, and resources

Both AppGyver and FlutterFlow have very active communities. From official documentation to user-generated tutorials on platforms like YouTube, users have access to a diverse range of materials to enhance their understanding and utilization of these platforms.

AppGyver provides a Support Portal, although users have reported longer response times. However, the platform has a vibrant forum where the AppGyver team and fellow developers actively engage. Many users appreciate the strength of the community support despite any delays in formal support channels.

FlutterFlow offers customer support on weekdays with the goal of responding to all chat support requests within one business day and all email support requests within two business days. The platform also provides troubleshooting guides to help users diagnose and resolve common issues. FlutterFlow also has a great Community Forum, where its user base shares insights.

Deployment and hosting

With Appgyver, when it's time to distribute your app, their Build Service simplifies the process. For web builds, the service not only hosts your app but also provides you with the source code. This source code can be freely edited and tested locally, with tools such as the VS Code editor and Live Server extension making the process seamless.

For iOS, you can submit it to Apple for review. Upon acceptance, your app becomes accessible on the public App Store. If you need to, you will be able to restrict your app's access to your organization or specific users using download codes, through the Apple Business Manager.

In the case of Android, the APK package generated by the Build Service aligns with what you would obtain by manually building an app with Android Studio. This APK can be installed on your device using a USB cable, uploaded for direct-download link sharing, published on Google Play, or managed through a mobile app management solution for distribution. 

FlutterFlow simplifies the deployment and hosting process, and it allows users to publish their Android and iOS apps directly to the Play Store and App Store within the platform. On the Deployment page, users can choose the deployment source, whether it's code from a GitHub branch or the current FlutterFlow code. They can specify the version and manage settings related to both the Play Store and App Store.

In addition to mobile apps, FlutterFlow enables the creation and publishing of web applications. It’s simple to transition existing mobile apps into web apps with a few adjustments. The platform provides free hosting and custom subdomains for all users. Some components are optimized for better performance on the web. Flutterflow also allows you to choose your own backend service.

Cross-platform support

With AppGyver users can build apps without the need for a specific operating system or dedicated compilation software. Through their cloud-build service, users can request a binary version of their native application, which is automatically delivered upon completion. Deploying web apps is equally straightforward, users can publish apps across mobile, web, tablet, TV, and desktop platforms with ease. 

Cross-platform support is a key feature of FlutterFlow, leveraging the Flutter framework to enable the creation of native apps for iOS, Android, and the web. The code export feature facilitates further customization and integration with external services, and live preview enables real-time visualization of the app's design on devices or browsers.

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Code export

FlutterFlow generates clean and readable code that follows the best practices of Flutter development. You can download the code anytime and edit it in your preferred IDE or code editor. Once the code is exported, developers can take advantage of the full capabilities of Flutter and Dart to keep developing the app outside the FlutterFlow environment. This feature is only available for users that have at least the "standard" plan subscription.

At the moment, AppGyver doesn't support exporting code. The platform focuses on and encourages users to integrate any necessary custom code directly into the visual platform using plugins. The decision not to support full code export is intentional, as AppGyver views this process as essentially one-way. AppGyver's project structure, optimized for machine use, may result in an exported project that isn't highly readable. The team is actively researching ways to improve this aspect, exploring options for a more comprehensible export structure that could be further developed. But for now, their primary focus is on enhancing the user experience within the visual builder. 

Integrations

FlutterFlow provides extensive support for building feature-rich applications through its integration capabilities. It offers both customizable API integrations and pre-configured options. The platform's integration with Google Firebase is particularly good, using Firestore for data connectivity. FlutterFlow's out-of-the-box integrations include Google Analytics, Google Maps, GitHub, Paypal, Stripe, Algolia, and more.

AppGyver's Composer Pro comes equipped with a REST integration wizard that helps with the process of integrating any API into your application. Moreover, the AppGyver marketplace has a rich collection of pre-built APIs, eliminating concerns about the availability of suitable APIs. AppGyver's marketplace further offers a range of ready-to-use integrations, to help developers connect their apps with external services.

Security and privacy handling

AppGyver prioritizes enterprise-grade security by integrating features like encryption, role-based access controls, and adherence to industry standards. These measures strengthen data protection and ensure compliance with privacy regulations.

While Composer Pro enhances the security of applications and user data within AppGyver, developers need to exercise caution to avoid unintentional security risks. It's crucial to focus on securing user data and retaining control over administration privileges to safeguard valuable business information. Being mindful of the access credentials included in apps and understanding their privileges in backend systems is also essential to maintain security integrity.

Learn more: Flutterflow security: A Review and best practices

Backend and data handling

On FlutterFlow, the go-to choices for backend services are Firebase and Supabase, both of which fall under the category of BaaS (Backend-as-a-Service) platforms. For those new to this concept, BaaS platforms are cloud-based services designed to handle the fundamental functions of an application's backend. Instead of dealing with the complexities of setting up and maintaining a server infrastructure, users can leverage these platforms to manage server-side operations such as data storage and retrieval, user authentication, and real-time communication.

AppGyver adopts a unique approach by allowing users to bring their own data into Composer Pro. Recognizing the central role of data in modern applications, Composer Pro simplifies the process of adding custom integrations and provides pre-built integrations to aid the development process. AppGyver offers a NoSQL development database for users to experiment with. AppGyver calls their data handling  "zero lock-in", meaning that when you integrate your app with your backend, the connection is established directly, avoiding unnecessary routing through external servers.

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