The underlying _updateNode call requires that all parameters be set non-null. There's a single call site in the framework in lib/src/semantics/semantics.dart in SemanticsNode.updateWith(). At that call site, all parameters are either asserted non-null in the constructor of SemanticsData or defaulted to null, with the sole exception of textDirection. The ergonomics of this method are currently pretty ugly and we should consider migrating most of the defaulting and assertions that we apply at the call site up to the definition in dart:ui. That work is filed as https://github.com/flutter/flutter/issues/57720.
Flutter Engine
Flutter is Google's mobile app SDK for crafting high-quality native interfaces in record time. Flutter works with existing code, is used by developers and organizations around the world, and is free and open source.
The Flutter Engine is a portable runtime for hosting Flutter applications. It implements Flutter's core libraries, including animation and graphics, file and network I/O, accessibility support, plugin architecture, and a Dart runtime and compile toolchain. Most developers will interact with Flutter via the Flutter Framework, which provides a modern, reactive framework, and a rich set of platform, layout and foundation widgets.
If you are new to Flutter, then you will find more general information on the Flutter project, including tutorials and samples, on our Web site at Flutter.dev. For specific information about Flutter's APIs, consider our API reference which can be found at the docs.flutter.dev.
Flutter is a fully open source project, and we welcome contributions. Information on how to get started can be found at our contributor guide.