Flutter is a strong open-source UI toolkit created by Google that allows developers to build natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase.
With its growing popularity, the Flutter ecosystem has seen a surge in open-source projects that cater to different application domains, including ecommerce.
This article will explore some of the best open source Flutter apps designed for ecommerce use cases. We’ll also look at their features, benefits, and how you can leverage these projects to build your own applications.
Why use open source Flutter apps for ecommerce?
Open source Flutter apps are a goldmine for developers seeking to build robust applications without starting from scratch.
Here’s why they are particularly beneficial for ecommerce projects:
Cost efficiency
Leveraging open-source projects eliminates the need for costly development from the ground up. Many of these apps come with pre-built functionalities that you can customise according to your needs.
Quick prototyping
Open-source projects offer ready-made solutions, making it easier to prototype your ideas quickly. You can test your concepts, make modifications, and deploy them faster.
Learning resource
Analysing the source code of these projects provides a learning opportunity. Developers can understand how different features are implemented, how the state is managed, and how backend integrations are carried out.
Community support
With open-source projects, you have a vast community of contributors and users who are always ready to provide support, share knowledge, and troubleshoot issues.
While open source Flutter apps are highly advantageous, developers might face challenges related to performance, state management, and cross-platform compatibility.
For a deeper understanding of these challenges and their solutions, explore this guide on common challenges in Flutter mobile app development and their solutions.
Best open source Flutter projects for ecommerce
Here are some of the best open source Flutter apps and projects that cater to ecommerce use cases.
These projects demonstrate how to implement various functionalities like product management, user authentication, and order tracking.
This project is a comprehensive ecommerce app that adheres to Test-Driven Development (TDD) principles and Clean Architecture.
Built using Flutter 3, it provides a robust structure for building scalable and maintainable apps. Key features include product browsing, cart management, and order processing.
It uses the BLoC pattern for state management, ensuring the app is responsive and efficient.
The Virtual Store app is another excellent project that utilises Flutter and Firebase to provide a full-fledged ecommerce solution.
It showcases how to integrate Firebase for user authentication and real-time database management, making it ideal for those looking to learn how to use cloud services in their Flutter apps.
This project demonstrates the use of Riverpod for state management, along with Firebase for backend services.
It includes separate apps for the admin and customer, allowing for better user and product management.
The project also integrates advanced features like push notifications, multi-language support, and payment integration.
Key features of a good open source Flutter ecommerce app
When looking at Flutter ecommerce apps, it’s important to ensure they offer essential features that enhance the user experience and streamline the shopping process.
A good ecommerce app should have,
User-friendly navigation
Smooth navigation and clear categorisation of products are crucial.
Secure payment gateway
Integration with trusted gateways like Stripe or PayPal for secure transactions.
Robust backend integration
Real-time database support, user authentication, and product management.
Product management and cart
Features for adding/removing products from the cart, wishlists, and managing inventory.
Order and delivery management
Allow users to track orders, update addresses, and receive delivery notifications.
Setting up and customising open source Flutter ecommerce projects
Using an open-source Flutter project as a base for your ecommerce app is straightforward.
Follow these steps,
Clone the repository
First, clone the project repository to your local machine.
git clone <repository_url>
Install dependencies
Navigate to the project folder and install dependencies.
flutter pub get
Run the app
Launch the app on an emulator or device.
flutter run
Customise the code
Modify the UI, add new features, or integrate a new backend as per your requirements. For instance, you can integrate a new payment gateway or change the UI to match your brand colors.
