Introduction to .NET MAUI
Welcome to the official documentation for .NET MAUI. .NET Multi-platform App UI (MAUI) is an open-source, cross-platform framework for creating native mobile and desktop applications with C# and XAML from a single shared codebase.
What is .NET MAUI?
.NET MAUI is the evolution of Xamarin.Forms. It simplifies and streamlines the .NET developer experience for building native cross-platform applications that can run on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. With .NET MAUI, you can build native applications with a single project and a single codebase.
- Single Project: Manage all your platform-specific code, resources, and project settings in a single .NET project.
- Single Codebase: Write your UI and business logic once in C# or XAML and deploy it across multiple platforms.
- Native Performance: .NET MAUI apps compile to native application packages that run directly on the target platform, delivering native performance and look-and-feel.
- Modern UI: Leverage modern UI patterns and controls for rich, engaging user experiences.
Key Features
- Unified Project System: A single project structure for all target platforms.
- Modern C# and XAML: Powerful language features and a declarative UI markup language.
- Platform-Native APIs: Direct access to native APIs and device features.
- Performance Enhancements: Optimized for speed and responsiveness.
- Rich Ecosystem: Integrates seamlessly with the .NET ecosystem.
Getting Started
To start building your first .NET MAUI application, ensure you have the .NET SDK installed, along with the .NET MAUI workload. You can then create a new project using the .NET CLI or Visual Studio.
For detailed setup instructions, please refer to the Getting Started guide.
Platform Support
.NET MAUI allows you to target the following platforms:
- Android
- iOS
- macOS (Mac Catalyst)
- Windows (WinUI 3)
Evolution from Xamarin.Forms
.NET MAUI builds upon the foundation of Xamarin.Forms, incorporating significant architectural improvements and aligning with the modern .NET platform. If you have experience with Xamarin.Forms, you'll find the transition to .NET MAUI smooth and intuitive.
Common Scenarios
.NET MAUI is ideal for a wide range of applications, including:
- Business productivity apps
- E-commerce and retail apps
- Educational apps
- Games
- And much more!
Explore the rest of the documentation to learn more about building powerful, cross-platform applications with .NET MAUI.