MVC vs MVVM in Flutter (Architectural Patterns in Flutter)

4 min readSep 29, 2024

I understand that distinguishing between MVC (Model-View-Controller) and MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel) can be challenging, especially within the context of Flutter where both patterns can be implemented effectively. In Flutter, State management approaches like GetX, Provider and Riverpod uses MVVM as architectural patterns.
Let’s delve deeper into the core differences between MVC and MVVM.

1. High-Level Overview

MVC (Model-View-Controller)

Model: Manages the data and business logic.
View: Handles the UI and displays data to the user.
Controller: Acts as an intermediary between Model and View, handling user input and updating the Model or View accordingly.

MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel)

Model: Manages the data and business logic (same as MVC).
View: Handles the UI and displays data to the user (same as MVC).
ViewModel: Serves as a bridge between the View and Model, handling presentation logic and state. It exposes data streams that the View can observe, often leveraging data binding.

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2. Key Differences Between MVC and MVVM

Data Binding

MVC: Typically relies on manual updates to the View from the Controller.
MVVM: Utilizes data binding (e.g., streams, listeners) to automatically reflect changes in the ViewModel within the View.

Testability

MVC: Testing can be more challenging as Controllers often handle both user input and view updates.
MVVM: Enhanced testability since ViewModels can be tested independently of the View, focusing solely on presentation logic.

3. When to Use Each Pattern in Flutter

Use MVC When:

Building small to medium-sized applications with straightforward state management needs.
You prefer simpler architectures with fewer layers.
The application doesn’t require highly reactive UI updates.

Use MVVM When:

Developing large-scale applications that benefit from a clear separation between UI and business logic.
You want to leverage reactive programming for automatic UI updates.
Testability and maintainability are top priorities.
Using state management solutions like Provider, Riverpod, or GetX that align well with MVVM.

4. Code Snippets Highlighting Differences

A. MVC Controller vs. MVVM ViewModel

MVC Controller (CounterController):

class CounterController {
  final CounterModel _model = CounterModel();
  final ValueNotifier<int> counter = ValueNotifier<int>(0);

  void increment() {
    _model.increment();
    counter.value = _model.counter;
  }

  void decrement() {
    _model.decrement();
    counter.value = _model.counter;
  }
}

MVVM ViewModel (CounterViewModel):

class CounterViewModel extends ChangeNotifier {
  final CounterModel _model = CounterModel();

  int get counter => _model.counter;

  void increment() {
    _model.increment();
    notifyListeners();
  }

  void decrement() {
    _model.decrement();
    notifyListeners();
  }
}

Key Differences:

MVC Controller: Uses ValueNotifier to manage and notify state changes.
MVVM ViewModel: Extends ChangeNotifier and uses notifyListeners() to notify the View.

B. MVC View vs. MVVM View

MVC View (HomeView):

class HomeView extends StatelessWidget {
  final CounterController controller = CounterController();

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return Scaffold(
      // ... UI components
      body: Center(
        child: ValueListenableBuilder<int>(
          valueListenable: controller.counter,
          builder: (context, value, child) {
            return Text('Counter Value: $value');
          },
        ),
      ),
      // ... FloatingActionButtons calling controller.increment/decrement
    );
  }
}

MVVM View (HomeView):

class HomeView extends StatelessWidget {
  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return Scaffold(
      // ... UI components
      body: Center(
        child: Consumer<CounterViewModel>(
          builder: (context, viewModel, child) {
            return Text('Counter Value: ${viewModel.counter}');
          },
        ),
      ),
      // ... FloatingActionButtons calling viewModel.increment/decrement via Provider
    );
  }
}

Key Differences:

MVC View: Directly listens to the Controller’s ValueNotifier.
MVVM View: Uses Consumer from Provider to listen to the ViewModel's ChangeNotifier

Summary:

Conclusion

While both MVC and MVVM aim to separate concerns within your Flutter application, MVVM offers a more reactive and scalable approach, especially when paired with state management libraries like Provider. MVC provides a straightforward structure suitable for simpler applications but may encounter scalability challenges as complexity grows.

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MVC vs MVVM in Flutter (Architectural Patterns in Flutter)

1. High-Level Overview

MVC (Model-View-Controller)

MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel)

Note: Flutter Machine Learning & AI Courses

2. Key Differences Between MVC and MVVM

Data Binding

Testability

3. When to Use Each Pattern in Flutter

Use MVC When:

Use MVVM When:

4. Code Snippets Highlighting Differences

A. MVC Controller vs. MVVM ViewModel

B. MVC View vs. MVVM View

Summary:

Conclusion

Note: Flutter Machine Learning & AI Courses

Written by Hamza Asif

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