Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit created by Google. It is used to develop cross-platform applications from a single codebase. While Flutter is not an Apple-native technology, it is fully supported on macOS, making it an excellent choice for developers who want to build apps for both iOS and Android using a single codebase. This article will guide you through the process of setting up Flutter on macOS and creating your first Flutter app.

Examples:

1. Installing Flutter on macOS:

   • Step 1: Download the Flutter SDK Go to the Flutter SDK download page and download the latest stable release.

   • Step 2: Extract the Flutter SDK Open Terminal and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the Flutter SDK. Extract it using the following command:

     tar xf flutter_macos_vX.X.X-stable.tar.xz

   • Step 3: Update your PATH Add the Flutter tool to your path by editing your .zshrc or .bash_profile file:

     export PATH="$PATH:`pwd`/flutter/bin"

     Then, run source ~/.zshrc or source ~/.bash_profile to refresh your terminal.

   • Step 4: Run Flutter Doctor Ensure all necessary dependencies are installed by running:

     flutter doctor

     Follow the instructions to install any missing dependencies.

2. Creating a New Flutter Project:

   • Step 1: Create a new Flutter app In Terminal, navigate to the directory where you want to create your project and run:

     flutter create my_first_flutter_app

   • Step 2: Navigate to your project directory

     cd my_first_flutter_app

   • Step 3: Open the project in your preferred IDE For example, if you are using Visual Studio Code, you can open the project by running:

     code .

3. Running Your Flutter App on iOS Simulator:

   • Step 1: Open iOS Simulator You can open the iOS Simulator from Xcode or by running:

     open -a Simulator

   • Step 2: Run the Flutter app Ensure the iOS Simulator is running, then run:

     flutter run

     This will compile and deploy your Flutter app to the iOS Simulator.

4. Running Your Flutter App on a Physical iOS Device:

   • Step 1: Connect your iOS device Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.

   • Step 2: Trust your Mac on the device Follow the prompts on your iOS device to trust the connected Mac.

   • Step 3: Run the Flutter app Ensure your connected device is detected by running:

     flutter devices

     Then, run:

     flutter run

     This will compile and deploy your Flutter app to the connected iOS device.