It’s not a secret that when it comes to client-side application development, Javascript is the king. But like all programming languages, it also has a lot of problems. If you are one of the developers, who don’t like Javascript and searching for an alternative then Dart programming language should be your first choice. It is a new programming language developed by Google back in 2007 but its stable release came into existence in 2017.

Dart is a brand new programming language and becoming very popular day by day. It is a scalable language that can be used to write simple scripts or full-featured apps. Whether you’re creating a mobile app, web app, command-line script, you can do it with Dart. It’s an easy, productive, fast and portable language that uses a fully object-oriented approach and C-style syntax to make it simple and approachable.

Let’s have look at the basic dart program:

// Define a function.

printNum(int aNumber) {

print(‘The number is $aNumber.’); // Print to console.

}

// This is where the app starts executing.

main() {

var number = 42; // Declare and initialize a variable.

printNum(number); // Call a function

Characteristics of Dart Programming

Before we look at why you should learn Dart programming, let’s highlight some key characteristics of this language. They include:

1. Fully Object-oriented

Dart expects programmers to use classes. This is unlike JavaScript which gives you the freedom to use classes or not. With Dart, you have no other option but to include classes. It supports interfaces, mixins, abstract classes, reified generics, static typing, and a sound type system.

2. Optionally typed

While most programming languages are either typed or not, Dart is optionally typed. The language gives you an option to declare the type of variables or you can go ahead to use the variable without declaring it. This is unlike JavaScript which is not a typed language.

3. Compatible with JavaScript

You can compile your Dart code to JavaScript and run Dart applications in any modern browser.

4. Isolates

Instead of threads, the Dart language uses isolates for concurrency. Isolates can’t actually share any memory, they pass information through messages.

With these characteristics, it will now be easier to understand why any ardent programmer should consider learning Dart.

Five Reason Why You Should Learn Dart Programming

Here are five reasons why any programmer should spare some time to learn Dart programming language:

1. Easy to learn

Obviously, you don’t want to put your time on a programming language that will take you ages to understand. Here is where Dart will come to your rescue. It has a very short learning curve. You will take a very short time to learn and become an expert in it.

But, why does Dart programming look so simple? The first reason is it supports both loose and strong typing. This makes it easier for anyone who is just moving from a different programming language.

The Dart syntax is simple and can be easily understood without straining. While the language is well structured just like C, it manages to beat the latter in terms of simplicity.

2. Dart encourages productivity

Apart from simplicity, Dart encourages high levels of productivity. Productivity in this context refers to doing more within a short time. This is something that every programmer yearns to achieve.

One of the things that make Dart a productive language is its syntax. It has a simple and concise syntax. Not only is the syntax simple but also it is powerful enough to perform complex tasks.

Another key factor that makes Dart a productive language is the large collection of libraries that are packaged in it. They will save you from coding every functionality from scratch. Instead, you simply need to call the functions in the library to do complex tasks.

3. Dart uses AOT and JIT Compilation

Dart programming language is capable of compiling both ahead of time (AOT) and just in time (JIT). Although this feature is not on all the Dart frameworks, you will find it on Flutter (Dart framework for mobile application development).

There are numerous advantages that come with these two methods of compiling a program. Ahead of time is ideal for building native mobile apps that will work natively. On the other hand, JIT is mainly used during the development and testing of apps. During the app development process, JIT allows a programmer to see changes instantly. You don’t have to recompile or wait for the mobile app to reload. You will be able to see the changes that you have saved without much hassle.

The JIT feature is not available in most mobile app programming languages such as Java and C#. With these two languages, you must save then recompile the app every time that you want to see the changes that you have made. To an ordinary programmer, this can be hectic if not time-wasting. Dart seems to be a perfect solution to this problem.

4. Dart is Flexible and Portable

This is another reason why you should learn Dart programming language. It is a very flexible language. This simply means that you can run it anywhere without any limitations.

Dart mobile apps can run on Android, iOS, Windows, MacOs and any other operating system out there. Web applications that have been built by Dart can run on any browser. As a developer, the flexibility and portability of a programming language matters. It is obvious that you would like to build an application that will run on any platform without any constraints.

5. Dart is ideal for Reactive Programming

Dart is an ideal language for reactive programming. This is a type of programming that deals with data streams which are responsible for every change in a program.

This type of programming can support interactive components of an application such as user interface widgets.

The reactive nature of Dart is because of its generational garbage collector and fast object allocation. Also, Dart supports asynchronous programming. This is made possible because of its Stream objects. If you are intending to build a data-intensive or an interactive application, Dart may be an ideal language for you.

6. Versatility

Dart is a programming language for any programmer. Whether you are a mobile app developer, web developer or desktop application developer, the language will be useful to you. Dart can be used to program both the server-side and client-side of any application.

Conclusion

I hope that with this discussion about Dart programming you will be able to ma e a noble and critical decision: to learn Dart programming language. Even if you don’t have an emergency programming project to handle, being an expert in this language will help you be marketable.