How to Use GoRouter: Declarative, URL-Based Routing in Flutter
Deep links, redirects, and auth guards
go_router is a declarative routing package officially maintained by the Flutter team.
Define routes with GoRoute objects and register them in a GoRouter instance. Navigate with context.go('/home'), mapping 1:1 with URL paths.
Supports all practical features: auth redirects (redirect to /login when not logged in), ShellRoute (persistent bottom tab bar), nested routes, etc.
Implementation Steps
1
Add go_router package (pubspec.yaml)
2
Create GoRouter instance + define routes with GoRoute
3
Connect router with MaterialApp.router()
4
Implement auth guard with redirect callback
Pros
- ✓ Perfect Web/deep link support with URL-based routing
- ✓ Stability guaranteed by Flutter team official maintenance
Cons
- ✗ Initial setup more complex than basic Navigator
- ✗ Version updates may incur migration costs
Use Cases
Web + mobile hybrid app (URL-based routing required)
Apps with authentication flows