How to Show Notification Counter Badge on App Icon in Flutter
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced mobile world, displaying real-time notifications is crucial for engaging users and ensuring they stay connected with your app. In Flutter, you can easily implement a notification counter badge on your app icon to notify users of new updates, messages, or notifications. In this article, we’ll explore how to show a notification counter badge on the app icon in Flutter.
What is a Notification Counter Badge?
A notification counter badge is a small red or blue circle displayed on the app icon, indicating the number of new notifications. It serves as a visual cue to alert users to new updates, helping them stay on top of their notifications. The notification counter badge is a standard UI element found in many popular apps, such as Gmail, Facebook, and Twitter.
Why is a Notification Counter Badge Important?
A notification counter badge is essential for several reasons:
1. Improved User Engagement: By displaying real-time notifications, you can keep users engaged with your app, increasing the likelihood of them checking the app regularly.
2. Enhanced User Experience: A notification counter badge proactively informs users of new updates, saving them time and effort searching for notifications manually.
3. Increased Conversions: By reminding users of new updates, you can boost conversions and drive more sales or leads.
How to Show Notification Counter Badge on App Icon in Flutter
To display a notification counter badge on the app icon in Flutter, you’ll need to use the `BadgeStateful` widget from the `badges` package. Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Add the Badges Package to Your Project
First, add the `badges` package to your `pubspec.yaml` file:
“`yml
dependencies:
flutter:
sdk: flutter
badges: ^2.0.0
“`
Then, run `flutter pub get` to install the package.
Step 2: Import the Badges Package
In your Dart file, import the `badges` package:
“`dart
import ‘package:flutter/material.dart’;
import ‘package:badges/badges.dart’;
“`
Step 3: Create a Badge Widget
Create a `BadgeStateful` widget to display the badge:
“`dart
class NotificationBadge extends StatefulWidget {
final int notificationCount;
const NotificationBadge({Key? key, required this.notificationCount}) : super(key: key);
@override
NotificationBadgeState createState() => NotificationBadgeState();
}
class _NotificationBadgeState extends State
@override
Widget build(BuildContext context) {
return BadgeStateful(
badgeContent: Text(
widget.notificationCount.toString(),
style: TextStyle(fontSize: 10, color: Colors.white),
),
child: Container(
width: 40,
height: 40,
decoration: BoxDecoration(
borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(20),
color: Colors.red,
),
),
);
}
}
“`
Step 4: Display the Badge on the App Icon
Finally, display the badge on the app icon using a `Navigator`:
“`dart
void main() {
runApp(MyApp());
}
class MyApp extends StatelessWidget {
@override
Widget build(BuildContext context) {
return MaterialApp(
title: ‘Notification Badge Demo’,
home: Scaffold(
appBar: AppBar(
title: Text(‘Notification Badge Demo’),
),
body: Center(
child: NotificationBadge(notificationCount: 5),
),
floatingActionButton: FloatingActionButton(
onPressed: () {
Navigator.push(
context,
MaterialPageRoute(builder: (context) => BadgeIcon()),
);
},
tooltip: ‘Show Badge Icon’,
child: Icon(Icons.add),
),
),
);
}
}
class BadgeIcon extends StatefulWidget {
@override
BadgeIconState createState() => BadgeIconState();
}
class _BadgeIconState extends State
@override
Widget build(BuildContext context) {
return Scaffold(
appBar: AppBar(
title: Text(‘Badge Icon’),
),
body: Center(
child: Badge(
position: BadgePosition.topRight(top: -5),
badgeContent: Text(
‘3’,
style: TextStyle(fontSize: 10, color: Colors.white),
),
child: Icon(Icons.message),
),
),
);
}
}
“`
Conclusion
Displaying a notification counter badge on the app icon in Flutter is a simple yet effective way to engage users and increase conversions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily implement a notification counter badge in your Flutter app using the `BadgeStateful` widget from the `badges` package.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Q: What is the `badges` package in Flutter?
A: The `badges` package is a popular Flutter package that provides a simple and customizable way to display badges on app icons or any other widgets.
2. Q: How do I add the `badges` package to my Flutter project?
A: To add the `badges` package to your Flutter project, simply add the following line to your `pubspec.yaml` file:
“`yml
dependencies:
flutter:
sdk: flutter
badges: ^2.0.0
“`
3. Q: How do I display a notification counter badge on the app icon in Flutter?
A: To display a notification counter badge on the app icon in Flutter, use the `BadgeStateful` widget from the `badges` package, as shown in the code example above.
4. Q: Can I customize the appearance of the badge icon?
A: Yes, you can customize the appearance of the badge icon by modifying the `BadgeStateful` widget’s properties, such as the badge color, font size, and position.
5. Q: Is the `badges` package compatible with the latest Flutter version?
A: Yes, the `badges` package is compatible with the latest Flutter version. Make sure to update your `pubspec.yaml` file and run `flutter pub get` to ensure you’re using the latest version of the package.
