Shorebird is a library that can increase the speed of app distribution on the Flutter framework. Learn more in our following article.
As the environment of mobile app development evolves, new technologies help developers overcome difficulties and accelerate the development process. One of those tools is Shorebird, a library that we use at LOGIQUE to enhance the speed of app distribution and user experience in our applications.
Table of Contents
What is Shorebird Library?
When we need to update a program, we usually upload the most recent version and submit it to Google Play or the Apple App Store. This process frequently takes longer than planned.
Shorebird is here to address these constraints. By offering a more effective method, the program is able to transmit changes directly to users. Furthermore, users can obtain hotfixes, new features, and other updates faster and more reliably.
Key Feature Shorebird Library
- Hot Updates: The main feature of Shorebird is its ability to implement Hot Updates. Specifically, it allows us to implement new features or fixes to the application without requiring users to download the latest version of the app. Furthermore, this function also significantly ensures that our application always runs the latest code, which in turn provides a smoother user experience.
- No App Store Approval Required: Bug fixes, security updates, and new features. Shorebird can update our application directly to users without waiting for approval, increasing the application’s responsiveness to changes.
- Multiplatform Support: Shorebird can run on both Android and iOS platforms; therefore, it does so using a single codebase.
- Version Management: Shorebird helps us manage versions efficiently; consequently, that has been very helpful for us when dealing with large-scale applications.
- Easy Rollback: In the rare case where an update causes issues, Shorebird, therefore, allows us to quickly roll back the update.
Benefits of Shorebird Library for Flutter Developers
- Faster Development Cycle: By using Shorebird, we can therefore reduce the time spent updating our application.
- Enhanced User Experience: With Shorebird, users will receive updates instantly; thus, they can continue using their apps without disrupting their experience.
- Better Control at Release: We can choose, for instance, to update certain features for specific users.
- Risk of App Store Delays Decreases: One of the biggest frustrations we face is waiting for approval from the app store. Consequently, this can delay important updates, features, or bug fixes. On the other hand, Shorebird helps us avoid the uncertainty of app store reviews and ensures that updates can be made at any time.
- Cost Efficiency: By using Shorebird, we can avoid the costs and time associated with resubmitting applications to the app store and also streamline our development process.
Shorebird Use Case
- Emergency Bug Fix: If there is a bug that can cause the application to crash or negatively impact the user experience, then, consequently, Shorebird can fix it immediately.
- Security Update: Shorebird allows security vulnerabilities to be fixed quickly; as a result, it ensures that the application remains secure and compliant.
- A/B Testing: We can release different versions of the application to different users to test features, UI changes, or functionality. Moreover, this flexibility allows for controlled experiments without the need for a full application update.
- Repeatedly Release Features: Shorebird allows us to release features quickly and gradually. As a result, we can continuously improve the application and offer new features. Moreover, this is possible without having to follow the update schedule set by the app store.
Conclusion
Its ability to deliver live updates to users, therefore, offers significant advantages in terms of speed, flexibility, and control over the application development cycle. Moreover, by integrating Shorebird, we can not only enhance our workflow but also provide a better user experience and, consequently, stay ahead in the increasingly competitive field of mobile applications.
Shorebird is an excellent pick for your next Flutter project if you want to speed up development, reduce app store release time, and give a more responsive user experience. If you require assistance with mobile app development, please contact the LOGIQUE team. We offer Flutter-based mobile app development services to match your project requirements.