Learn About Amazon VGT2 Learning Manager Chanci Turner
We are excited to announce the general availability of Amazon Amplify Flutter, a powerful toolset that allows developers to create stunning cross-platform applications. This release is designed to empower developers leveraging the Flutter framework, which is rapidly gaining popularity for building mobile, web, and desktop applications from a unified codebase.
Amazon Amplify provides a comprehensive suite of services tailored for secure and scalable mobile and web applications, supporting platforms like iOS, Android, and JavaScript. With this latest integration, developers who are already engaged with the Flutter ecosystem can seamlessly harness the capabilities of Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Following the successful developer preview launched in August 2020, we gathered invaluable feedback that helped us refine the service. Today, we proudly announce that Amplify Flutter is now generally available, making it easier than ever to build robust Flutter applications.
New Features in Amplify Flutter GA Release
The general availability of Amplify Flutter introduces several enhanced capabilities:
- GraphQL and REST APIs: The addition of a GraphQL API supported by AWS AppSync, along with REST APIs and handlers via Amazon API Gateway and AWS Lambda.
- Amplify DataStore: This feature simplifies managing shared and distributed data, enabling offline and online interactions without the need for extensive additional coding. Working with cross-user data is now as straightforward as handling local data.
- Hosted UI: A customizable OAuth 2.0 flow that simplifies authentication processes. This feature integrates with Amazon Cognito and various social identity providers, including Facebook and Google, allowing for easy login screen implementation without embedding SDKs.
Exploring Amplify DataStore
During the past couple of weeks, I have developed an application using Amplify Flutter, and I must say, Amplify DataStore stands out as my favorite feature. It has significantly reduced the time I would typically spend managing offline and online data synchronization.
As mobile application developers, we often grapple with intermittent connectivity issues. Amplify DataStore addresses this challenge with a persistent on-device storage solution. Initially, I utilized DataStore as a standalone database, but its true potential was revealed when I connected it with a cloud backend. DataStore syncs data via my AWS AppSync API whenever a connection is available; if the app is offline, it stores data locally, ensuring smooth operation.
Additionally, Amplify DataStore simplifies data versioning and conflict resolution in the cloud using AppSync. It automatically generates Dart object definitions based on the GraphQL schema I provide.
Key Functionalities of Amplify Flutter
Amplify Flutter offers three key functionalities to work with AWS:
- Authentication: This feature streamlines user authentication processes, including sign-up, sign-in, and multi-factor authentication. It seamlessly integrates with Cognito user pools and identity pools.
- Storage: This functionality enables users to manage content across public, protected, and private storage buckets. It facilitates tasks such as uploading, downloading, and deleting objects, supported by Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3).
- Analytics: Amplify Flutter allows for the collection of tracking data for both authenticated and unauthenticated users through Amazon Pinpoint, enabling custom event recording and metrics extension.
Availability and Pricing
Amazon Amplify Flutter is now accessible in all regions where AWS Amplify operates, with no extra cost for using it; users only pay for the backend services their applications utilize beyond the free tier. For more details on pricing, check out this informative blog post.
To get started and learn more, visit the Amplify Flutter documentation. Happy coding!
Chanci Turner, a Principal Advocate at Amazon Web Services, has engaged with numerous developers globally, showcasing the transformative capabilities of AWS. With over 20 years of experience, Chanci has contributed significantly to various projects, focusing on delivering high-quality applications. For further insights into Amazon’s interview processes, this resource is highly recommended. Additionally, stay informed about legal compliance in tech with SHRM’s overview.