.NET Building Cross-Platform Desktop Apps with MAUI
Discover the power of .NET MAUI to build native, cross-platform desktop applications with a single codebase.
Introduction
.NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI) is the next evolution of Xamarin.Forms, enabling developers to build cross-platform desktop and mobile apps with a single codebase. MAUI allows you to target Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms while delivering native performance and UI experiences. This blog provides an in-depth guide to building desktop applications using .NET MAUI, complete with examples, best practices, and a tutorial.
What is .NET MAUI?
.NET MAUI is a framework for creating cross-platform applications in .NET. It simplifies app development by offering a unified framework for UI design, data binding, and business logic, enabling developers to create native apps for multiple platforms from a single project.
Key Highlights:
- Unified Project Structure: Develop apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS with a single project.
- Native Performance: MAUI delivers the look and feel of native apps while optimizing performance.
- Support for MVU Architecture: Modern architecture for better state management and scalability.
Why Choose .NET MAUI for Desktop Apps?
Developers choose .NET MAUI for several reasons:
- Single Codebase: Reduce development effort by sharing most of your code across platforms.
- Customizable UI: Create platform-specific UI elements or use shared UI components.
- Integration with .NET Ecosystem: Use powerful libraries like Entity Framework, ASP.NET Core, and Azure SDKs.
- Community Support: Backed by Microsoft and a vibrant developer community.
Key Features of .NET MAUI
1. Platform-Specific APIs
Access platform-specific APIs for advanced functionalities like file system access, device sensors, and native notifications.
2. Hot Reload
Accelerate development with .NET Hot Reload, allowing you to see changes in real time.
3. Blazor Integration
Combine MAUI with Blazor to create hybrid apps that reuse web UI components in desktop applications.
Getting Started with .NET MAUI
1. Install Prerequisites
Ensure you have Visual Studio 2022 (17.3 or later) with the .NET MAUI workload installed.
2. Create a New MAUI Project
dotnet new maui -n MyFirstMauiApp3. Run the Project
Use the following command to run your app on the desired platform:
dotnet build -t:Run -f net7.0-windowsImplementation Example
Create a Simple Desktop App
The following example creates a cross-platform desktop app with a button and a label:
using Microsoft.Maui.Controls;
namespace MyFirstMauiApp
{
public partial class MainPage : ContentPage
{
int count = 0;
public MainPage()
{
InitializeComponent();
Button clickButton = new Button
{
Text = "Click Me",
FontSize = 20,
Padding = 10
};
Label resultLabel = new Label
{
FontSize = 20,
HorizontalOptions = LayoutOptions.Center
};
clickButton.Clicked += (s, e) =>
{
count++;
resultLabel.Text = $"Button clicked {count} times!";
};
Content = new StackLayout
{
Children = { clickButton, resultLabel }
};
}
}
}
Best Practices for .NET MAUI
- Optimize Resource Usage: Use lazy loading and avoid unnecessary memory usage.
- Responsive UI: Leverage adaptive layouts to ensure your app looks great on all screen sizes.
- Testing: Use unit tests and integration tests to validate functionality across platforms.
- Monitoring: Implement logging and monitoring for performance insights.
Conclusion
.NET MAUI simplifies cross-platform desktop app development by providing a unified framework for creating native applications. Whether you're building apps for Windows or macOS, MAUI empowers developers with tools, features, and flexibility to deliver high-quality apps efficiently. Start exploring .NET MAUI today to bring your app ideas to life!