Flutter 9: Mastering User Feedback with Indicators

Flutter 9 provides powerful widgets for enhancing user experience through effective feedback mechanisms. This guide explores the implementation of SnackBar, RefreshIndicator, Visibility, and ErrorWidget, offering practical examples to improve your app's responsiveness and user engagement.

SnackBar – Temporary Message at Bottom

SnackBar is a temporary message displayed at the bottom of the screen to provide quick feedback. It's perfect for confirmations, errors, or short notifications.

ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar(
 SnackBar(content: Text('This is a SnackBar!')),
);
// ✅ You can also add actions:
SnackBar(
 content: Text('Deleted'),
 action: SnackBarAction(label: 'UNDO', onPressed: () {}),
)

RefreshIndicator – Pull to Refresh

The RefreshIndicator widget enables the pull-to-refresh functionality, allowing users to refresh data by swiping down on a scrollable view.

RefreshIndicator(
 onRefresh: () async {
 // Refresh logic here
 },
 child: ListView.builder(
 itemCount: 20,
 itemBuilder: (context, index) => ListTile(title: Text('Item $index')),
 ),
)

Visibility – Show or Hide Widgets

The Visibility widget allows you to show or hide a widget without removing it from the layout, preserving its space. This is useful for conditional display of elements.

Visibility(
 visible: true, // false to hide
 child: Text('Now you see me'),
)
// ✅ Use replacement: to show another widget when hidden.
replacement: Text('Hidden content'),

ErrorWidget – Handling Widget Failures

The ErrorWidget displays a fallback UI when a widget fails to build, preventing app crashes and providing a more user-friendly experience.

ErrorWidget.builder = (FlutterErrorDetails details) {
 return Center(child: Text('Oops! Something went wrong.'));
};

Pro Tip