At Boffin Coders, we always keep up with the latest developments in mobile app technologies to ensure we’re using the best tools available. Recently, Swift Package Manager (SPM) has been introduced to Flutter, starting with the Flutter 3.24 release. This is a huge update for those working on iOS and macOS apps in Flutter.
Let’s break down what this means for mobile app developers and how it simplifies iOS/macOS development.
What is Swift Package Manager (SPM)?
Swift Package Manager is a tool provided by Apple to manage code dependencies for Swift projects. Essentially, it helps developers integrate external libraries into their apps easily. Before SPM, Flutter developers had to use CocoaPods, which required extra tools like Ruby, making setup more complicated for those who weren’t familiar with the Apple ecosystem.
Now, with SPM being part of Xcode (Apple’s development environment), developers can manage their project dependencies natively, which makes the process much simpler.
Benefits of Swift Package Manager for Flutter Developers
- Easier Setup
With SPM, there’s no need for additional tools like Ruby or CocoaPods. Everything you need to manage dependencies comes bundled with Xcode, making it easier to set up a Flutter project for iOS or macOS. This especially benefits developers who are new to Apple’s platforms. - Access to More Libraries
SPM opens the door to the wider Swift package ecosystem. Developers using Flutter can now easily tap into a wide range of Swift libraries that weren’t as easily accessible before. This enhances what can be done with iOS or macOS apps built using Flutter. - Automatic Dependency Handling
If one library depends on another, SPM takes care of it. Developers don’t have to manually manage these dependencies, making the overall process smoother and reducing potential errors. - Future-Proofing
With Apple pushing SPM as the standard for iOS development, integrating it into Flutter is a forward-looking move. Over time, as more plugins shift to SPM, this will likely become the default for iOS dependency management in Flutter projects.
How to Enable Swift Package Manager in Your Flutter Projects
If you’re ready to start using SPM with Flutter, here’s how you can enable it:
Switch to Flutter’s Main Channel
First, you’ll need to switch to the main Flutter channel by running the following command:
flutter channel main
Upgrade Flutter
Make sure your Flutter SDK is up to date:
flutter upgrade
Enable SPM
After upgrading, you can enable SPM by running:
flutter config --enable-swift-package-manager
Once these steps are complete, your Flutter project will start using Swift Package Manager to manage iOS and macOS dependencies. If your project depends on plugins that haven’t switched to SPM yet, Flutter will still use CocoaPods as a fallback option.
What This Means for Plugin Developers
For developers creating plugins for Flutter, this update means that they can now build plugins that depend on Swift packages. This makes it easier to use Swift libraries and opens up more options for creating powerful, reusable Flutter plugins that work seamlessly on iOS and macOS.
The Flutter team is actively improving SPM integration, so the more developers who use it and report issues, the better it will become.
The Future of SPM in Flutter
While CocoaPods is still supported, SPM is set to become the default way of managing dependencies for iOS and macOS in Flutter. This shift reduces setup complexity and is a big win for developers who want a smoother, more integrated experience when working with Apple platforms.
At Boffin Coders, we’re excited to see how SPM transforms the development process and can’t wait to leverage its benefits in our own projects.
Have questions about how Swift Package Manager can benefit your Flutter app?
Reach out to us at Boffin Coders, and we’ll help you get started with the latest in mobile app development technology!
This update reflects Flutter’s ongoing effort to make iOS and macOS development more accessible and efficient. It’s a game-changer for anyone working with Apple platforms through Flutter.
If you’re looking to leverage this technology, consider to hire mobile app developers who specialize in Flutter.
