The Clash of Clans: Kotlin Vs. Flutter

Published on Aug 26, 2019

Updated on Apr 13, 2020

First things first – Kotlin is a programing language whereas Flutter is a framework. As frameworks provide solutions to particular problems, you’ll find several inbuilt functions in Flutter to complete an application. And, of course, programming languages know no limit for app development.

Since May 2019, Google officially supports Kotlin for mobile app development on Android. But, Flutter is an open-source mobile application development framework created by Google itself!

Both Kotlin and Flutter have a ‘Google tag’ attached with them. Therefore, ‘which is better’ is a big question before developers. Reading further, you’ll get to know ‘when’ to use Kotlin or Flutter.

When to use Kotlin?

Kotlin is a cross-platform general-purpose programming language. Although it relies on Java Class Library, its syntax is more concise. Want to know the difference between Kotlin and Java? Here’s your answer.

The scope of app development in Kotlin is unlimited. For instance, Uber’s internal tooling processes (e.g. Annotation processors, Gradle plugins, etc.) are coded in Kotlin. Pinterest app moved from Java to Kotlin to provide users a better interface.

Source: Pinterest@GooglePlay

Following are the situations where Kotlin supersedes any other programming language for mobile app development.

#1 Adding Features to an Existing App

Kotlin works well and is interoperable with Java and Java components. If you want to add features to an existing app, then instead of revamping the entire architecture or changing the platform, you can simply use Kotlin to solve the purpose.

#2 Simple Syntax for Sophisticated Codes

With intuitive syntax, it is easy to write and deploy new codes in Kotlin. For apps that require heavy coding, Kotlin is simple to maintain.

#3 Inbuilt Debugging

Kotlin’s fail-fast compiler can search bugs automatically and prevents them from coming again. Thus, Kotlin is safer than Java and reports and resolves crashes instantly.

StackOverflow survey 2019 reveals- Kotlin is the fourth most loved programing language!

When to use Flutter?

Flutter is a framework developed by google on Dart programming language. Its architecture includes the Dart platform, Flutter engine, Foundation library, and design-specific widgets. Flutter got the spotlight because apps developed in Flutter are compatible with both iOS and Android.

The Flutter framework is capable of building full-fledged applications in different domains like e-commerce, utility, social, and entertainment. For example, Alibaba’s mobile app is built in Flutter.

Image source: Alibaba@GooglePlay

#1 For Building Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

If you want to build an application in minimum possible time, you should go for Flutter. Be it to impress investors, or present prototypes, Flutter is just sufficient (and fast too) to give a clearer idea of the product.

#2 Quick Fixes

Flutter’s hot reload feature allows developers to execute code changes in real-time. If you know, the project will require frequent changes, Flutter can give you quick fixes.

#3 Easy Set-up

Flutter is easy to set-up, even in low-end PCs. It enables developers to access native features like Geo-location and camera along with additional widget support.

It would be unjust if we don’t discuss the situations where Flutter doesn’t meet developers’ expectations.

At present Flutter is still in its early stages. There aren’t too many CI (Continuous Integration) Platforms (e.g. Jenkins and Travis) that support it. Flutter, although makes it easy to build apps for android and iOS, does not cover web-apps. Therefore, Flutter is a misfit for businesses that require both mobile and web applications.

Now that Kotlin vs. Flutter is a hot-topic, should ‘React JS’ feel left out?

React JS, which is backed by Facebook was once popular for developing mobile user interfaces. Many developers still prefer React Native, which enables native Android, iOS, and UWP development with React. However, the new-age developers are more inclined towards Kotlin and Flutter.

What Developers say on Kotlin Vs. Flutter

“Dart is just a wannabe amateur hobby me-too project compared to Kotlin.”
Mike Milpot, Software Architect, Inventor

“Apart from the fact that you can still call Android/iOS APIs, building Flutter UIs is a bit more exhaustive than it is on Android.”
Wilberforce Uwadiegwu, Mobile Software Engineer, NCK Tech

“You can of course, use the Flutter knowledge to develop iOS apps later, so it can be a more useful knowledge if you want to focus on mobile development, but learning java will give you a step if you want to work on Back-end web development.”
Maycon Miranda, Web Developer, Bio Extratus

“Currently flutter lacks library/guide when comparing to Kotlin/Java. Therefore sometimes you’ll need to transfer or wrap Android library to flutter by yourself. It’ll make the time of developing your application increased.”
Phạm Anh Minh, Samsung Vietnam Mobile R&D Center

Final Thoughts

Kotlin and Flutter are competitive and are going to be better with every release. Experts say, if you want to strengthen back-end app development skills, you should learn Java followed by Kotlin. Thereafter, with little effort, you’ll automatically get hold of flutter.

Not too long ago, storing data meant dedicating an entire room to massive CPUs. Then came the era of personal computers, followed by external hard drives and USB sticks. Now, storage has become practically invisible, floating somewhere between data centers and, well, the clouds—probably the ones in the sky. Cloud computing continues to evolve, As cloud computing evolves, optimizing costs without sacrificing performance has become a real concern. How can organizations truly future-proof their cloud strategy while reducing costs? Let’s explore new-age cloud optimization strategies in 2025 designed for maximum performance and cost efficiency.

Smarter Cloud Strategies: Cutting Costs While Boosting Performance

1. AI-Driven Cost Prediction and Auto-Optimization

When AI is doing everything else, why not let it take charge of cloud cost optimization too? Predictive analytics powered by AI can analyze usage trends and automatically scale resources before traffic spikes, preventing unnecessary over-provisioning. Cloud optimization tools like AWS Compute Optimizer and Google’s Active Assist are early versions of this trend.

How it Works: AI tools analyze real-time workload data and predict future cloud resource needs, automating provisioning and scaling decisions to minimize waste while maintaining performance.
Use case: Netflix optimizes cloud costs by using AI-driven auto-scaling to dynamically allocate resources based on streaming demand, reducing unnecessary expenditure while ensuring a smooth user experience.

2. Serverless and Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) Evolution

That seamless experience where everything just works the moment you need it—serverless computing is making cloud management feel exactly like that. Serverless computing eliminates idle resources, cutting down costs while boosting cloud performance. You only pay for the execution time of functions, making it a cost-effective cloud optimization technique.

How it works: Serverless computing platforms like AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, and Azure Functions execute event-driven workloads, ensuring efficient cloud resource utilization while eliminating the need for constant infrastructure management.
Use case: Coca-Cola leveraged AWS Lambda for its vending machines, reducing backend infrastructure costs and improving operational efficiency by scaling automatically with demand.

3. Decentralized Cloud Computing: Edge Computing for Cost Reduction

Why send all your data to the cloud when it can be processed right where it’s generated? Edge computing reduces data transfer costs and latency by handling workloads closer to the source. By distributing computing power across multiple edge nodes, companies can avoid expensive, centralized cloud processing and minimize data egress fees.

How it works: Companies deploy micro data centers and AI-powered edge devices to analyze data closer to the source, reducing dependency on cloud bandwidth and lowering operational costs.
Use case: Retail giant Walmart leverages edge computing to process in-store data locally, reducing latency in inventory management and enhancing customer experience while cutting cloud expenses.

4. Cloud Optimization with FinOps Culture

FinOps (Cloud Financial Operations) is a cloud cost management practice that enables organizations to optimize cloud costs while maintaining operational efficiency. By fostering collaboration between finance, operations, and engineering teams, FinOps ensures cloud investments align with business goals, improving ROI and reducing unnecessary expenses.

How it works: Companies implement FinOps platforms like Apptio Cloudability and CloudHealth to gain real-time insights, automate cost optimization, and enforce financial accountability across cloud operations.
Use case: Early adopters of FinOps were Adobe, which leveraged it to analyze cloud spending patterns and dynamically allocate resources, leading to significant cost savings while maintaining application performance.

5. Storage Tiering with Intelligent Data Lifecycle Management

Not all data needs a VIP seat in high-performance storage. Intelligent data lifecycle management ensures frequently accessed data stays hot, while infrequently used data moves to cost-effective storage. Cloud-adjacent storage, where data is stored closer to compute resources but outside the primary cloud, is gaining traction as a cost-efficient alternative. By reducing egress fees and optimizing storage tiers, businesses can significantly cut expenses while maintaining performance.

How it’s being done: Companies use intelligent storage optimization tools like AWS S3 Intelligent-Tiering, Google Cloud Storage’s Autoclass, and cloud-adjacent storage solutions from providers like Equinix and Wasabi to reduce storage and data transfer costs.
Use case: Dropbox optimizes cloud storage costs by using multi-tiered storage systems, moving less-accessed files to cost-efficient storage while keeping frequently accessed data on high-speed servers.

6. Quantum Cloud Computing: The Future-Proof Cost Gamechanger

Quantum computing sounds like sci-fi, but cloud providers like AWS Braket and Google Quantum AI are already offering early-stage access. While still evolving, quantum cloud computing has the potential to process vast datasets at lightning speed, dramatically cutting costs for complex computations. By solving problems that traditional computers take days or weeks to process, quantum computing reduces the need for excessive computing resources, slashing operational costs.

How it works: Cloud providers integrate quantum computing services with existing cloud infrastructure, allowing businesses to test and run quantum algorithms for complex problem-solving without massive upfront investments.
Use case: Daimler AG leverages quantum computing to optimize battery materials research, reducing R&D costs and accelerating EV development.

7. Sustainable Cloud Optimization: Green Computing Meets Cost Efficiency

Running workloads when renewable energy is at its peak isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for your budget too. Sustainable cloud computing aligns operations with renewable energy cycles, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources and lowering overall operational costs.

How it works: Companies use carbon-aware cloud scheduling tools like Microsoft’s Emissions Impact Dashboard to track energy consumption and optimize workload placement based on sustainability goals.
Use case: Google Cloud shifts workloads to data centers powered by renewable energy during peak production hours, reducing carbon footprint and lowering energy expenses.

The Next Frontier: Where Cloud Optimization is Headed

Cloud optimization in 2025 isn’t just about playing by the old rules. It’s about reimagining the game entirely. With AI-driven automation, serverless computing, edge computing, FinOps, quantum advancements, and sustainable cloud practices, businesses can achieve cost savings and high cloud performance like never before.

Organizations that embrace these innovations will not only optimize their cloud spend but also gain a competitive edge through improved efficiency, agility, and sustainability. The future of cloud computing in 2025 isn’t just about cost-cutting—it’s about making smarter, more strategic cloud investments.

At Mantra Labs, we specialize in AI-driven cloud solutions, helping businesses optimize cloud costs, improve performance, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Let’s build a smarter, more cost-efficient cloud strategy together. Get in touch with us today!

Are you ready to make your cloud strategy smarter, cost-efficient, and future-ready with AI-driven, serverless, and sustainable innovations?

The Clash of Clans: Kotlin Vs. Flutter