Build Cross-Platform Apps with C# and .NET MAUI

Introduction to C# and .NET MAUI

C# is a popular programming language developed by Microsoft that runs on the .NET platform. It is a modern, object-oriented language that is designed to be easy to learn and use. C# is often used for building Windows desktop applications, mobile apps, and games.

Recently, Microsoft has introduced .NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI), a new framework for building cross-platform applications with C#. .NET MAUI allows developers to build apps that run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, using a single codebase. This makes it easier for developers to target a wider range of devices and platforms without having to maintain separate codebases for each platform.

Getting started with C# and .NET MAUI

To get started with C# and .NET MAUI, you will need to install the .NET 5.0 SDK (Software Development Kit) and a code editor such as Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code. The .NET 5.0 SDK includes all of the tools and libraries needed to build .NET applications, including the C# compiler and the .NET MAUI framework.

Once you have the .NET 5.0 SDK installed, you can create a new .NET MAUI project in your code editor by selecting the "Create a new project" option and choosing the "MAUI App" template. This will create a basic project structure with the necessary files and dependencies for a .NET MAUI app.

Building a .NET MAUI app

To build a .NET MAUI app, you will need to write your code in C# and use the .NET MAUI framework to build the user interface and handle platform-specific functionality.

The .NET MAUI framework provides a set of APIs and components that allow you to build a cross-platform app with a consistent look and feel across all supported platforms. It also includes support for popular features such as live reloading, hot reloading, and native controls.

Deploying a .NET MAUI app

Once you have finished building your .NET MAUI app, you can deploy it to the desired platform by using the .NET MAUI command-line tool. This tool allows you to build and publish your app to the platform of your choice, including the App Store or Google Play store for mobile platforms.

Conclusion

C# and .NET MAUI provide a powerful and flexible platform for building cross-platform apps. With its modern language and framework, it is easy for developers to build apps that run on multiple platforms with a single codebase. If you are interested in building cross-platform apps with C#, .NET MAUI is a great place to start.