Flutter’s vast ecosystem of packages on pub.dev makes development a breeze. But what happens when a package doesn’t fully meet my needs? Instead of waiting for updates or switching to an alternative, I take control by customizing and extending it. Today, I’ll share my unique step-by-step approach to modifying and extending pub.dev packages in a way that no one has explained before.

Why Customize a pub.dev Package?

Many times, I come across a package that does 90% of what I need, but the remaining 10% is a roadblock. Some common reasons I customize a package include:

• Adding new features not yet implemented.
• Fixing minor bugs before the official update.
• Improving performance for my specific use case.
• Changing UI elements to match my app’s theme.

Instead of waiting for the package maintainer, I take matters into my own hands. Customizing a package not only helps in getting the required features faster but also improves my understanding of how Flutter packages work under the hood. It gives me an edge in debugging and optimization, making my app more efficient and user-friendly.

My Step-by-Step Process for Customizing a pub.dev Package

Step 1: Identify the Issue or Feature Gap

I start by defining exactly what I need. Let’s say I’m using the multidropdown package, but I need a different animation for dropdown expansion. Instead of searching for alternatives, I decide to modify it myself.

Step 2: Clone the Package Locally

I don’t modify the package inside pubspec.yaml because updates will overwrite my changes. Instead, I:

Navigate to my project folder and run:

 git clone https://github.com/package-repo/multidropdown.git

• Copy the package into my packages/ folder inside my project.

In pubspec.yaml, I update the dependency to use my local version:

 dependencies:
  multi_dropdown:
    path: packages/multi_dropdown

Step 3: Understand the Codebase

Before modifying anything, I explore the package structure. I:

• Read the lib/ folder to understand the main files.
• Check the example/ folder for usage patterns.
• Open the multidropdown.dart file to see the widget structure.

Go through pubspec.yaml to check for dependencies and ensure no conflicts arise when integrating my customized version.

Step 4: Modify the Code to Suit My Needs

Let’s say I want to change the dropdown animation. I:

• Open multidropdown.dart.

Find the animation-related code:

  AnimatedContainer(
  duration: Duration(milliseconds: 300),
  curve: Curves.easeInOut,
  child: _dropdownContent(),
)

• Modify the animation:

  AnimatedContainer(
  duration: Duration(milliseconds: 500),
  curve: Curves.bounceOut,
  child: _dropdownContent(),
)

Step 5: Use My Custom Version in the App

After making the changes, I restart my app to see the effect. If everything works fine, I continue using my custom version. If any issues arise, I debug using logs or Flutter DevTools to track errors and optimize the performance further.

Extending a pub.dev Package Without Modifying the Source

Sometimes, I don’t want to modify the source but still need additional functionality. Here’s how I extend a package.

Step 1: Create a Wrapper Class

Instead of modifying the multidropdown package, I create my own class that extends it:

import ’package:multidropdown/multi_dropdown.dart’;

class CustomDropdown extends MultiDropdown {
  CustomDropdown({super.key, required super.items, required super.onChanged});

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return super.build(context);
  }
}

Step 2: Add New Functionality

For example, I want to add a hover effect to the dropdown:

class CustomDropdown extends MultiDropdown {
  CustomDropdown({super.key, required super.items, required super.onChanged});

  @override
  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
    return MouseRegion(
      onEnter: (_) => print(’Hovered!’),
      child: super.build(context),
    );
  }
}

Step 3: Replace Usage in My App

Instead of using MultiDropdown, I now use CustomDropdown everywhere.

Keeping My Custom Version Updated

Whenever the original package updates, I:

1. Check the changelog to see what’s new.
2. Merge the latest changes into my custom version.
3. Test everything before committing the changes.
4. Ensure compatibility with other dependencies in my project to avoid runtime errors.

Publishing My Custom Version (Optional)

If my modifications are useful to others, I can:

• Fork the repository and push my changes.
• Submit a pull request to contribute back to the community.
• Publish my version on pub.dev under a new name.

Additionally, I document my changes in a separate file (CHANGELOG.md) so that I or others can keep track of improvements and modifications over time.

Final Thoughts

Customizing and extending pub.dev packages gives me complete control over my Flutter projects. Instead of waiting for updates or compromising on features, I tweak things to fit my needs. By following this step-by-step process, I ensure that my app stays flexible and optimized while leveraging the power of open-source Flutter packages.

If you’ve ever hesitated to modify a package, give this approach a try—it’s simpler than you think! Understanding the internal workings of a package enhances my problem-solving skills and makes me a more confident Flutter develo