Flutter: Interesting packages, part 3.
Tags: flutter, 100daysofcode, codenewbie, dart
Published: 2021-09-28 11:07:21



Welcome one and all to yet another edition of this blog series, that revolves around flutter packages that can and may be included in your individual flutter projects. The first and second parts can be found right [here](https://medium.com/@samuelwahome/flutter-interesting-packages-part-1-bcbae82e4d4b) and [here](https://medium.com/@samuelwahome/flutter-interesting-packages-part-2-b8edd9292e90). Finally, enough of the niceties and let's cut to the chase.

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1.[video_player](https://pub.dev/packages/video_player)

Need to include video playback functionality in your flutter app, well look no further than this, as the Flutter dev team has your back with this awesome plugin. It is able to display videos by integrating with [ExoPlayer](https://exoplayer.dev/) and [AVPlayer](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/avfoundation/avplayer) for Android and iOS specifically. As much as it is a great package, the tooling isn't exactly a piece of cake, as one would be required to build their own custom controls for volume, playback speed, and everything in between. Plus [SRT](https://docs.fileformat.com/video/srt/#:~:text=SRT%20(SubRip%20file%20format)%20is,content%20after%20it%20is%20produced.) is the only subtitle format it supports at the moment, hence this plugin does have some improvements that should be considered in the near future.
Other than that, if your needs aren't that complex, then this package is definitely a good recommendation for you.

2.[chewie](https://pub.dev/packages/chewie)
Enough judgment of the [video_player](https://pub.dev/packages/video_player) plugin, as it may have just found a suitable companion. Long story short, chewie simply wraps around the video player plugin and adds custom controls that you can easily adjust to your liking, resulting in a unique and positive user experience. In case you do need a bit of help integrating both chewie and [video_player](https://pub.dev/packages/video_player) in your flutter app, this [post](https://medium.com/flutterdevs/video-player-in-flutter-22202be72d6e) by [Shaiq khan](https://medium.com/@shaiq_khan) should be of much help. Therefore, this package is definitely a good recommendation.

3.[url_launcher](https://pub.dev/packages/url_launcher)
Ever required your flutter to handle URLs? Well, then this package may be just what you need to accomplish just that. This package supports a wide variety of URL schemes, both on Android and iOS, hence this package definitely has your back. All in all, this package is definitely a good recommendation for all interested flutter developers out there.

4.[flutter_blurhash](https://pub.dev/packages/flutter_blurhash)
Ever required a placeholder for an image that may be loaded from storage or a network? Then this package may be just what you need for that very purpose. I know that I've mentioned [transparent_image](https://pub.dev/packages/transparent_image) somewhere in one of my other posts. Well, this package simply serves as an alternative to that, depending of course, on your preferences or specific use-case. In case you do need help incorporating this package, then this blog [post](https://medium.com/flutterdevs/exploring-blurhash-image-placeholder-in-flutter-24dad611c487) should be of much help. All in all, this package is definitely a good recommendation.

5.[flutter_bloc](https://pub.dev/packages/flutter_bloc)
All this talk about [state management](https://flutter.dev/docs/development/data-and-backend/state-mgmt), then suddenly bloc pops into the fray. In addition to other solutions out there such as [provider](https://pub.dev/packages/provider), [flutter_bloc](https://pub.dev/packages/flutter_bloc) simply enables you to share application state between screens, and across your app. Therefore, depending on your specific use case, then this package is definitely a good recommendation.

6.[share_plus](https://pub.dev/packages/share_plus)
Do you require your flutter application to be able to share content with other apps, much like implicit [intents](https://developer.android.com/guide/components/intents-filters) in android? Well, look no further as this package definitely has your back. This package enables you to share files, text, and links with ease, and also invokes the share dialog on your behalf, so it definitely has you covered. All in all, this package is definitely a worthy recommendation.

7.[device_info_plus](https://pub.dev/packages/device_info_plus)
Do you need to collect information on the specific device your application is running on, perhaps for analytical or debugging purposes? Well, look no further as this package may just be what you need. With this package, you are able to get current device information from within the Flutter application and is supported on most platforms, which is definitely a huge plus. All in all, this package is definitely a good recommendation.

8.[sign_in_with_apple](https://pub.dev/packages/sign_in_with_apple)
Are you a flutter dev that needs an authentication service that is specific to Apple device users, specifically via their Apple ID? Then this package may be just what you need. Implementing this functionality goes beyond just importing this package in your app, but the official package docs do a good job of simplifying the process to ensure a smooth user experience. All in all, this package is definitely a worthy recommendation.

9.[android_alarm_manager_plus](https://pub.dev/packages/android_alarm_manager_plus)
Ever needed to include an alarm clock-like functionality in your Flutter application? Then this package may be just what you are looking for. This package works by accessing the android [AlarmManager](https://developer.android.com/reference/android/app/AlarmManager) service, then runs some dart code underneath to extend even more control to your Flutter app.
With that said, there is one catch though, as this package only caters to the android platform, which kinda beats the logic of designing an app that can work on more than one platform. Anyways, this package is still definitely a worthy recommendation to all who may need it.

10.[infinite_scroll_pagination](https://pub.dev/packages/infinite_scroll_pagination)
All this talk about efficiently retrieving information from databases and suddenly pagination pops into mind. Need a package for this exact use case? Well, look no further as this package may be just what you need. Call it auto-pagination, lazy loading pagination, progressive loading pagination, or endless scrolling pagination, then this package definitely has your back, and is also a worthy recommendation to all who may need it.

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I guess that has been a lot to swallow😂. All the afro mentioned packages have null safety incorporated into them, hence no worries about incompatibility with recent versions of Flutter. If you've loved this post, leaving a like❤ won't hurt one bit.
To all readers, cheers to code🥂, and have a blessed day.