Flutter Kickstart: Embarking on Your Epic Journey into Mobile App Development
Tags: career, mobile, flutter, dart
Published: 2023-10-15 16:11:47



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ogwc9zhhcvjotiug3o64.png)

Developed and backed by Google, Flutter is an open source framework used in building attractive native applications. Flutter mobile APK is easier to learn and understand. In this world of fast paced individuals, many developers are always looking for ways to deliver appealing and functional applications. Flutter was developed by google and was introduced in may 2017.
This article answers how one looking to learn flutter can get started. It covers on what. could be the basics for any developer learning flutter.
In this ever-evolving landscape of mobile application development, staying ahead of the curve is very essentials for success within the tech industry. This article will help set journey of cross platform application development with flutter.

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**Install Flutter**

The initial step towards learning flutter is by installing the flutter SDK. Flitter is easily compatible with existing operating systems, that is Windows, MacOS and Linux operating systems. You can get to download the flutter APK from [here](https://docs.flutter.dev/get-started/install?gclid=CjwKCAjw_uGmBhBREiwAeOfsd7wgKmi_bMhDyHISHHFE0okW2fsIEgRVpK19VO3KlKzUSW9zZJQnrhoCd5gQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) depending on your operating system guide which can also be accessed from [here](https://docs.flutter.dev/get-started/install?gclid=CjwKCAjw_uGmBhBREiwAeOfsd7wgKmi_bMhDyHISHHFE0okW2fsIEgRVpK19VO3KlKzUSW9zZJQnrhoCd5gQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds). Flutter also comes with a command line tool known as “flutter” that helps a developer create and manage projects.


**Setting up your integrated Development Environment**
Integrated Development Environment (IDE) are crucial for any developer that wants. To enhance their development experience. We are going to cover the two most popular. IDEs for mobile application development. 
-**Android studio** – This is the most. Commonly used IDE for android development. For Flutter android studio offers comprehensive flutter support through plugins. It provides a customizable user-friendly interface, live rendering and streamlined development workflows. You can download android studio from [here](https://developer.android.com/studio). 

-**Visual studio code** – (VSCode) This is a lightweight cross platform code editor used by many. If not all developers. Starting off in visual studio will involve installation of the flutter and dart extensions for flutter development with ease. You can down Visual Studio Code from [here](https://code.visualstudio.com/download).

**Making sure your environment is set for Development**
This can be assessed by running the following command

`flutter doctor`

This is a flutter command used to check your device to analyze whether you have met all requirements necessary to start development in flutter. Later on we shall explore more about flutter doctor. On running this command, you should get the following response.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/60wog8t80go9ohg77so7.png)

This shows that. All requirements have been met and you are now ready to start development. In the case you have skipped a step, you will see it in the response as well.

**Creating your first flutter project**
On installing and setting up your development environment, it is now time to start creating your first flutter project. Using the command line tool/terminal, run the following. Command in your preferred directory. 

`flutter Create my_fisrt_flutter_app`

You replace “my_fisrt_flutter_app” with your preferred project name. Using this command creates your flutter project with the default structure also depending on the flutter version installed in your device.

**Understanding Flutter Project Structure**
Before proceeding directly into development, it is crucial to understand the structure of a flutter project.
-**Lib:** This is the directory that contains the main dart code. As a flutter developer most of your code will be contained in this directory.

-**Assets:** Your application will most certainly contain images, fonts e.t.c. You will use the Assets Directory to place your images, fonts e.t.c to make them accessible through your application.

-**Pubspec.yaml:** You will use this to declare all your third-party packages. It is also used to hold all metadata/dependencies for your project.

**Explore the flutter Code**
In your IDE navigate to the “main.dart” located inside the lib directory. This file will always be used as the main entry point to any of your flutter projects. It contains the “myApp” widget which serves as the road to your application. 
Widgets are building blocks to any flutter application. They represent various parts of the user interface and are reusable. To start with, you can experiment with the code and observe changes on the app’s UI by changing the widget tree.


**Running your Flutter Application**
First, you need to connect your android or IOS device to your computer. You can also start your emulator and run the following command. 

`flutter run`

Flutter then compiles your code and installs the application into your connected device or launches it to your emulator depending on the one you are using.

**Learning Resources**
-**Flutter Documentation** – You can access this from the official flutter website that offers comprehensive documentation. You can access this from https://docs.flutter.dev/. 
-**Flutter YouTube Chanel** – Here you get. Access to tutorials, updates and live coding sessions. 
-**Flutter Community** – Engage and be active in flutter forums, communities and social media pages to learn more.

Well done on now starting your journey with flutter. This will be filled with endless possibilities as you discover the joy of building beautiful, attractive and performant cross platform applications. Always have your best foot forward and practice, curiosity and community engagement as the keys to mastering flutter.
**Happy Coding!**