The Flutter URL Launcher package makes it easy to access common web resources including web pages, email addresses, phone numbers, text messages, and maps directly from a Flutter app. Developers may have their Flutter app do things like open a web page, send an email, or make a phone call by launching an external app or visiting a specified Address. Launching third-party programs or web pages is made easier and the overall app experience is enhanced by this bundle.
Custom URL schemes are a powerful feature
Flutter’s url launcher package boasts the remarkable capability of launching certain screens or actions inside another app through custom URL schemes. An app or function may have its own special identification in the form of a custom URL scheme. When a custom scheme URL is opened, the system checks to see whether an appropriate software is already installed on the device to handle the scheme. If so, the app is opened and the specified procedure is executed.
For example, the popular social media app Instagram has a custom URL scheme that allows developers to launch the app and open a specific user profile or post. The URL scheme is “instagram://”. Developers can use this URL scheme to launch the Instagram app and open a specific user profile or post from within their app.
To use custom URL schemes with the Flutter url_launcher package, developers need to specify the URL with the custom scheme in the launch() method. For example, to launch the Instagram app and open a specific user profile, the URL would be “instagram://user?username=USERNAME”. The launch() method would be called with this URL to open the Instagram app and navigate to the specified user profile.
Overall, custom URL schemes are a powerful feature of the Flutter url_launcher package that allows developers to integrate their apps with other apps on the device. By using custom URL schemes, developers can provide a seamless user experience and make their apps more useful and engaging.
Url launcher features
Flutter url_launcher package provides several features that make it a useful tool for launching URLs in Flutter apps. Here are some of its key features:
- Launch URLs: The package provides a straightforward API for developers to utilize in order to have their applications launch external URLs. To do this, just provide the required URL to the start() function.
- Launch email addresses: The package may be used to send emails as well as open websites. In-app emailing functionality may benefit from this.
- Launch phone numbers: The package also allows developers to launch phone numbers. This can be useful for apps that need to initiate phone calls from within the app.
- Custom URL schemes: The package lets developers launch phone numbers. Apps that need to make phone calls may utilize this.
- Error handling: The package handles URL launch problems. Handling mistakes graciously helps developers improve user experience.
The Flutter url launcher package contains various functions that make it a helpful tool for opening URLs in Flutter applications. It’s simple to implement, allows for any URL schemes, and has built-in error handling.
To use Flutter URL Launcher in your Flutter application, you need to follow these steps:
- Add the URL Launcher package to your pubspec.yaml file:
dependencies: url_launcher: ^6.0.3
- Run flutter pub get to install the package.
- Import the package in your Dart file:
import 'package:url_launcher/url_launcher.dart';
- To launch a URL, use the launch() method:
void _launchURL() async {
const url = 'https://www.example.com';
if (await canLaunch(url)) {
await launch(url);
} else {
throw 'Could not launch $url';
}
}
We begin by executing canLaunch to see whether the device is capable of opening the URL (). If launch() is successful, the URL is opened in the user’s default browser. An exception is thrown if it returns untrue.
- Email, phone, SMS, and map URLs may also be launched:
void _launchEmail() async {
final Uri _emailLaunchUri = Uri(
scheme: 'mailto',
path: '[email protected]',
queryParameters: {
'subject': 'Hello from Flutter',
'body': 'How are you doing?',
},
);
final String _emailLaunchUriString = _emailLaunchUri.toString();
if (await canLaunch(_emailLaunchUriString)) {
await launch(_emailLaunchUriString);
} else {
throw 'Could not launch $_emailLaunchUriString';
}
}
void _launchPhone() async {
const phoneNumber = 'tel:+1234567890';
if (await canLaunch(phoneNumber)) {
await launch(phoneNumber);
} else {
throw 'Could not launch $phoneNumber';
}
}
void _launchSMS() async {
const smsMessage = 'sms:+1234567890';
if (await canLaunch(smsMessage)) {
await launch(smsMessage);
} else {
throw 'Could not launch $smsMessage';
}
}
void _launchMap() async {
const mapUrl = 'https://www.google.com/maps?q=1600+Amphitheatre+Parkway,+Mountain+View,+CA';
if (await canLaunch(mapUrl)) {
await launch(mapUrl);
} else {
throw 'Could not launch $mapUrl';
}
}
The examples below show how to utilize several schemes (mailto, tel, sms, and https) to access various Websites.
All done! Formerly, launching a Website, email, phone number, SMS message, or map from a Flutter app was a manual process.
Conclusion
If you want to create an app that opens URLs or deep links, the url launcher package for Flutter is a must-have. It offers a straightforward API for integrating web link opening into software projects. This package makes it simple for programmers to provide links to other resources inside their applications, such as web pages, social networking apps, or even particular screens within other programs. All things considered, the Flutter url launcher package is crucial for developers who want to create high-quality, feature-packed applications.
