Migration from Xamarin to Flutter – step-by-step guide

As the Head of Codigee, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing the migration of various applications to Flutter – ranging from large-scale projects to smaller ones. In this article, I’ll share practical guidance and tips on how to convert Xamarin app to Flutter efficiently and smoothly.

In my experience, migrating an app can be even more rewarding than building one from scratch. When migrating, you’re working with a proven product with clear goals and a vision for long-term success. You already understand what users want, what works, and what doesn’t. Flutter provides an opportunity to enhance performance and modernize your application, ensuring it meets current market demands and business needs.

Why migrate from Xamarin to Flutter?

You might wonder, “Can I just adjust the syntax from C# (Xamarin) to Dart (Flutter)?” Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Xamarin is built on C#, while Flutter uses Dart as its native language. Even if we could adjust the syntax, there are significant differences in libraries, plugins, and UI patterns. For example:

• UI: Xamarin uses Windows.Forms in XML, while Flutter employs a declarative style in Dart.
• State Management: Xamarin typically uses MVVM, whereas Flutter favors Bloc or other state management patterns.

This means that a complete rewrite is usually necessary. However, this isn’t just a technical task—it’s also a strategic opportunity. During migration, you can rethink and improve your product, focusing on what users truly desire while eliminating what’s no longer needed. This can lead to increased engagement, retention rates, and, ultimately, better business outcomes.

How to Prepare for Migration: Process, Challenges, and Requirements

Before diving into the migration process, preparation is critical. Here’s how we approach it:

1. Initial Meeting: The process starts with an introduction call, during which we discuss your project’s documentation, assets, desired changes, backend condition, and deadlines. This is crucial to setting the right expectations and understanding your goals.
2. Workshops: Over the first month, we conduct workshops to get to know your product inside and out. During these sessions, we brainstorm what works, what doesn’t, and what can be changed “by the way.” This helps us align on the users’ and business needs.
3. Planning: After familiarizing ourselves with your product, we suggest UX and code changes. We then provide you with a full schedule, including estimations and plans.

Challenges You May Encounter

Migrating from Xamarin to Flutter presents several challenges:

• Database Transition: Depending on whether you want to keep the current database or design it from scratch, this can be complex but manageable with the right strategy.
• State Management: While Xamarin uses MVVM, Flutter typically employs Bloc. Although these approaches are similar, they require careful redesign and time.
• Legacy Code and Libraries: Both platforms use different libraries and plugins, such as MVVMCROSS and Realm Database, which may need to be replaced or re-implemented.
• User Adaptation: Users often resist changes, even when UX is improved. Being prepared for this reaction and rewarding users for their loyalty can help smooth the transition.

For more in-depth information on potential pitfalls, you can download our comprehensive PDF guide.

The Migration Process from Xamarin to Flutter

The migration process resembles a standard development project but with a few key differences:

1. Project Preparation: This is the most crucial phase. We define the scope, backend work, frontend work, and potential UX redesign. You can start by listing all screens and asking two critical questions:
   1. What’s the purpose of this screen?
   2. Should we change it or improve it, or does it work correctly?
      As we get familiar with your product, we’ll work with you to refine this list, focusing on simplicity and effectiveness
2. Development: With a solid plan, we develop the new Flutter app from the ground up.
3. Testing and Deployment: Rigorous testing ensures a smooth deployment. We’ll address any issues that arise and ensure the new Flutter app meets all your requirements.

How Long Does the Migration Take?

On average, the migration takes 4-6 months, depending on the project’s complexity. For smaller projects it can be even 2 months. But rest assured, we’ll keep you updated throughout the process and work diligently to meet your timeline.

Why Choose Flutter Over .NET MAUI?

You may wonder, “Why should I choose Flutter over .NET MAUI?” Flutter is a more modern framework, offering faster development cycles and a broader range of features. It’s especially beneficial for businesses looking to refresh their product, boost user engagement, and increase retention rates.

For a detailed comparison, you can read our article on Flutter vs .NET MAUI. 

How Much Does It Cost to Migrate from Xamarin to Flutter?

The cost of migration can vary significantly based on factors such as project size, complexity, and scope. While providing a general price is difficult, typical projects range from $20,000 to $60,000.

However, consider these points:
• Maintenance Savings: If your current maintenance budget is $5,000, migrating to Flutter could reduce it to $1,500.
• Faster Feature Development: Modern, scalable code allows for faster development—up to 40% faster.
• Improved Reviews: A better UX and faster app can lead to higher ratings and fewer user complaints.

In the long run, the benefits of migrating to Flutter, such as increased revenue, better user satisfaction, and easier scalability, make it a worthwhile investment.

Summary

Migrating an application from Xamarin to Flutter is not just a technical challenge but also a strategic opportunity to enhance your product. While the process requires a complete rewrite, it also offers the chance to modernize, increase user engagement, and improve business metrics. As a modern and versatile tool, Flutter provides faster feature development and lower maintenance costs, making it an attractive alternative to .NET MAUI.

With proper preparation and planning, the migration can be successfully completed within a few months, and the financial benefits will quickly offset the investment. This is an excellent opportunity to refresh your product, satisfy users, and prepare your app for future challenges.

Let me know if you need any further adjustments or additional information!
You can book a meeting via link: www.codigee.com/#eryk