How to Perform Functionality in the Flutter App Even if the App is Closed?

As a Flutter developer, have you ever wondered how to perform certain tasks in the background even when the app is closed? Well, you’re in luck because in this article, we’ll explore the ways to achieve exactly that!

The Importance of Background Execution

In today’s mobile-first world, users expect seamless experiences from their apps, even when they’re not actively using them. Background execution allows your app to perform tasks such as:

• Syncing data with the server
• Pushing notifications
• Downloading content
• Tracking user location
• Running tasks at specific intervals

By implementing background execution, you can ensure that your app remains functional and efficient, even when the user is not actively using it.

Flutter Background Execution Methods

Flutter provides several ways to perform background execution, each with its own strengths and limitations. Let’s dive into the details:

1. WorkManager

WorkManager is a Flutter plugin that allows you to schedule tasks to run in the background. It’s a simple and convenient way to perform tasks such as:

• Image compression
• Data encryption
• Network requests

import 'package:workmanager/workmanager.dart';

void main() {
  Workmanager().executeTask((task) {
    // Perform task here
    return Future.value(true);
  });
}

WorkManager uses a combination of Android’s JobScheduler and iOS’s BackgroundTask APIs to schedule tasks.

2. Android’s AlarmManager and BroadcastReceiver

On Android, you can use the AlarmManager and BroadcastReceiver to schedule tasks to run at specific intervals. This method is more complex than WorkManager but provides more flexibility.

import 'package:flutter/material.dart';
import 'package:android_alarm_manager/android_alarm_manager.dart';

void main() {
  AndroidAlarmManager.oneShotAt(DateTime.now().add(Duration(seconds: 5)), 0, callback);
}

void callback() {
  // Perform task here
}

On iOS, you can use the BackgroundTask API to schedule tasks. This method is similar to AlarmManager but with some differences in implementation.

3. Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)

FCM is a cross-platform messaging solution that allows you to send notifications and perform tasks in the background. It’s a powerful tool that integrates well with Flutter.

import 'package:firebase_messaging/firebase_messaging.dart';

Future _firebaseMessagingBackgroundHandler(RemoteMessage message) async {
  // Perform task here
}

void main() {
  FirebaseMessaging.onBackgroundMessage(_firebaseMessagingBackgroundHandler);
}

FCM uses a combination of Android’s Firebase Cloud Messaging and iOS’s User Notifications APIs to perform tasks in the background.

Best Practices for Background Execution

When performing background execution in your Flutter app, keep the following best practices in mind:

1. Keep it simple: Avoid complex tasks that consume excessive resources, as they may be terminated by the system.

2. Use efficient data storage: Use efficient data storage solutions such as SQLite or Realm to minimize data access and storage.

3. Optimize network requests: Optimize network requests to reduce latency and data usage.

4. Handle errors gracefully: Implement error handling mechanisms to ensure your app remains functional even if errors occur.

5. Test thoroughly: Test your app thoroughly to ensure background execution works as expected on different platforms and devices.

Method	Platform	Complexity	Flexibility
WorkManager	Cross-platform	Low	Moderate
AlarmManager and BroadcastReceiver	Android	Moderate	High
Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)	Cross-platform	Moderate	High

In conclusion, performing background execution in a Flutter app requires careful consideration of the methods and best practices outlined above. By choosing the right method and following best practices, you can create a seamless user experience that continues even when the app is closed.

So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing background execution in your Flutter app today and take your users’ experience to the next level!

We hope this article has been informative and helpful. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below.

1. WorkManager package on pub.dev
2. Android AlarmManager documentation
3. iOS User Notifications documentation
4. Firebase Cloud Messaging for Flutter

Frequently Asked Question

Ever wondered how to keep your Flutter app performing tasks even when it’s closed? We’ve got you covered! Check out these frequently asked questions and their answers to learn how to execute functionality in the background.