What are the Core Features and Top Benefits of Dart Programming Language?

Ever since its introduction in 1995, JavaScript has gone on to become one of the most recognized and widely used programming languages. But it wasn’t without its drawbacks; JavaScript requires massive code bases and has not been very scalable. To remedy this, another programming language called Dart was introduced by Google in 2011. Google introduced Dart programming language to support structured and flexible web programming. Let’s take a closer look at this programming language, its features, and how different it is from JavaScript.

Introduction to the Dart Programming Language

Dart is an object-oriented client-optimized programming language used to build mobile and web applications on various platforms. It has easy-to-use applications that can be utilized to work on both the user and server end. Dart employs C-style syntax and is mainly used to create front-end user interfaces for mobile applications.

What is Dart Programming Language Used for?

Dart is used to build high-performance mobile or web applications. Some of its most significant applications include:

• It’s the basic programming language for the Flutter framework—explained in further detail below—and is used to build scalable mobile applications

• Being a general-purpose programming language, it is used to build native mobile apps for Android or iOS, desktop apps, and servers

Why Should You Learn the Dart Programming Language?

Despite being a relatively new programming language, Dart has gained immense popularity due to its unique features and user-friendly attributes. Here’s why you should learn it:

Efficiency

This is fast-paced. It uses a source-to-source compiler to arrange codes more quickly. Hence, it has a more efficient UI in comparison to other programming languages.

Ease of Use

Dartpad, a Dart programming tool, makes it easier to work on the language directly from the browser without the need of installing any software.

Flutter Framework

The Flutter framework by Dart is used to create cross-platform applications (applications that are compatible with multiple mobile operating systems). It ranks among the top four mobile app development frameworks and has over 11 billion downloads. Dart’s Flutter framework has been used to build apps for popular e-commerce brands like Alibaba and eBay. Other companies that use Flutter include BMW, Google Pay, ByteDance, Hamilton, and Toyota. Given that Flutter uses Dart, it is essential to learn it if you want to learn Flutter development.

Flexibility

Another important reason why you should learn Dart is because of its flexibility and compatibility with JavaScript. Moreover, developers can run a program on Dart even if there are minor errors in the compilation.

Features of the Dart Programming Language

Dart is an open-source programming language with free-to-use advanced features that have made it a hit with software developers:

Object-Oriented

An object-oriented programming language, Dart uses data as objects instead of treating it as functions or logic. It supports both basic and advanced object-oriented programming concepts like class, interfaces, abstract, and mix-in.

Asynchronous

This is an asynchronous programming language that allows enhanced concurrency. Simply put, Dart enables the simultaneous running of tasks using independent entities called isolates.

Multi-Platform Support

It can work on different operating systems like Windows, Linux, macOS, and other primary operating systems, all thanks to the Dart Virtual Machine (Dart VM) feature. 

In-Built Libraries

Dart comprises extensive in-built libraries such as Input-Output (IO), Software Development Kit (SDK), Math, Convert, Core, Asynchronous, HTML, and more. You can find pre-written codes in these libraries and import them to optimize your tasks.

The Advantages of Dart Programming Language

• Anyone who has knowledge of JavaScript can easily learn Dart
• It is a scalable and flexible language that facilitates quick compilation 
• Dart is a stable programming language used to build high-performance real-time applications
• It supports both Ahead of Time (AOT) and Just in Time (JIT) compiling and can adapt to fast-changing workflows

The Disadvantages of Dart Programming Language

• As Dart is a new programming language, it has a small support community and does not have a lot of learning resources
• It comprises a single object class and does not support the repetition of codes
• Dart does not support renaming a function without writing a new assignment statement 

An Example of the Dart Programming Language

The most common example in any programming language is how to print ‘Hello, World!’ Given below is the code for printing it in Dart.

void main() {
print(‘Hello, World!’);
}

Here is another example of the Dart programming language code that comprises nearly all the basic features of the code:

// Define a function.
void printInteger(int aNumber) {
print(‘The number is $aNumber.’); // Print to console.
}

// This is where the app starts executing.
void main() {
var number = 42; // Declare and initialize a variable.
printInteger(number); // Call a function.
}

Dart vs JavaScript

Dart has a similar language syntax to Java and JavaScript. Therefore, it’s easier for developers who have knowledge of JavaScript to learn Dart. However, they do have some key differences:

Accessibility and User-Friendliness

JavaScript was created in 1995 and is a mature language. You can find multiple JavaScript frameworks or libraries to reuse existing codes. Dart was developed in 2011 and is relatively newer. It does not include a lot of libraries or frameworks, and this makes it difficult for developers to utilize the full potential of the language.

Type Safety

Being a compiled language, Dart allows developers to discover programming errors during the compilation process. Hence, it is considered a type-safe language. On the other hand, Java is an interpreted language and allows developers to find programming errors during the runtime. Therefore, Dart is a more type-safe language in comparison to JavaScript.

Language Editor

Dart uses Sublime or VIM lightweight editors whereas JavaScript uses editors like Emacs or Atom.

Applications

It is commonly used as a basic language for the Flutter framework to develop front-end cross-platform mobile applications. It isn’t used for the back-end development of apps. JavaScript, on the other hand, can be used for back-end and server-side development of mobile and web applications. 

ALSO READ: 10 Easy and Smart JavaScript Project Ideas You Can Use

How to Learn the Dart Programming Language?

If you are a beginner, this step-by-step process should help you figure out how to learn Dart:

1st Step: Start by learning the syntax of the language and other fundamental concepts like classes, variables, and data types.

2nd Step: Familiarize yourself with Dart software-building tools by learning about Dart SDK, which includes Dart VM and other development tools.

3rd Step: Check out various online resources to see and learn some Dart code examples. Some of the most beneficial online resources that will help you master the Dart are:

• The official Dart website
• Dart SDK, which comprises Dart VM, the Dart development tools, and the Dart libraries
• Dartpad, an online tool for writing and running Dart codes in a browser 
• The Flutter website, which explains how to develop mobile applications through the Flutter framework, uses Dart to function

4th Step: Once you get a basic understanding of how Dart works, you can start practicing simple codes or command-line scripts.

5th Step: You can use the Flutter framework to build mobile applications and develop advanced Dart skills.

ALSO READ: A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a Successful Programmer

In addition to these steps, also think about pursuing online courses that help you learn advanced Dart programming skills. Emeritus’ online coding courses offer you the best in JavaScript and Dart coding skills. Check them out today!

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