How to Create Mobile and Desktop Apps Using .NET MAUI

Nowadays, it is extremely trendy to create applications that run on different platforms. The traditional approach requires a separate code base for each platform, but such development takes more time and resources. With .NET MAUI, developers can create cross-platform applications that work on different platforms (mobile and desktop) and have a single code base.

.NET MAUI was released in 2022 as a replacement for Xamarin.Forms. This framework allows the implementation of applications that have flawless native user interfaces and high performance. In this article, our team will tell you how to create desktop and mobile applications using .NET MAUI.

How to Set Up the Development Environment

Setting up the environment is the first and most important step you need to take. Below, we will describe the steps to set up and prepare the device for development.

Visual Studio Installation

• Install Visual Studio by downloading it from the official Microsoft website and selecting the edition - Community (free of charge), Professional, or Enterprise.
• Proceed with the installation of the .NET MAUI workload (main and optional if needed).
• After all the required workloads are selected, you need to start the installation and go through the installation process.
• Sometimes, after the installation is complete, you need to restart your work computer and then open Visual Studio.

SDKs for Target Platforms Installation

• For the development of Android apps. If the workload selected is mobile development with .NET, the Android SDK is enabled by default. You can also install the Android emulator.
• For the development of iOS apps. A prerequisite is a Mac and a downloaded XCode.
• For the development of Windows apps. It is necessary to install the Windows App SDK
• For the development of macOS apps. A prerequisite is a Mac and a downloaded XCode.

Installation Verification

When the installation process is complete, you need to open Visual Studio and check for the presence of the .NET MAUI App template.

How to Create a .NET MAUI Application

The Structure of the Project

.NET MAUI is aimed at cross-platform development, which is why the project structure is organized in such a way that there is a main project with separate code folders for each platform. In other words, the main folder contains the main code of the entire project. The platform folder contains code for each platform, where you can customize specific functions for a particular platform. The resources folder is used as a place to store common resources such as images, icons, etc. App.xaml & MainPage.xaml - the files here define the visual component of your application.

Design Principles

The user interface of .NET MAUI applications is created mainly using XAML. .NET MAUI offers cross-platform UI components that fit different platforms and look native. Besides, .NET MAUI offers responsive layouts that adapt to different screen sizes. Also, using XAML, you can declaratively define UI parts, which will make the code itself readable and clean.

User Flows

.NET MAUI offers ready-made navigation patterns, allowing developers to easily create elements that will transport the user between different parts of the application.

Features Development

• One of the basic principles of .NET MAUI applications is data binding to connect elements of your application (e.g., buttons, text fields) with data in your software. .NET MAUI apps use the MVVM pattern.
• .NET MAUI provides native device features with a single codebase. Among the examples are camera access, geolocation, calendar scheduling, compass, push notifications, biometric authentication, file storage, access to the microphone, and more.
• .NET MAUI also enables the custom writing of platform-specific features. This is often used in cases where an option should be available on one platform but not on another. This can be handled through conditional compilation or by creating small pieces of code in the specific folders.

.NET MAUI App Testing

The next step is mandatory testing to verify whether the application is working properly and performs all its intended functions, whether the UI/UX is correct and convenient, and to search for and identify obvious bugs. Developers can test their code with unit tests, as well as using various simulators and emulators.

.NET MAUI Application Deployment and Publishing

The last step in the development process is the deployment of the application after testing, approval, and verification from the stakeholders. Some of the applications are developed for internal company use, others for the global market, and can be published in app stores:

• Android - Google Play
• iOS - App Store using Xcode
• Windows - Microsoft Store
• MacOS - Mac App Store

Tips for the .NET MAUI Development

• Using the MVVM pattern allows for a clear separation between the visual part of the application and the business logic
• It is important to test the developed .NET MAUI applications on real devices because emulators cannot always show a 100% clear picture of certain aspects, such as performance
• The key factor in the success of a .NET MAUI application is performance. Although .NET MAUI itself offers good performance, you always need to keep it under control and test
• You need to understand that if you want to have specific features for a single platform, this may require a unique implementation

Why .NET MAUI for the Development

Currently, the popularity of .NET MAUI development is growing, all thanks to the following:

• Common code base for all platforms, which saves development time
• Applications for each platform look like native
• .NET MAUI applications are characterized by good performance indicators
• Tooling
• Many ready-made features
• Easy integration with the .NET ecosystem

Conclusion

.NET MAUI is a revolutionary step in the development of cross-platform applications. It allows you to create a unified code base and simplifies the development process itself. Importantly, applications written in .NET MAUI have a faster time to market and are characterized by good UI, stable software operation, and fast operation. Microsoft continues to develop .NET MAUI, expand its capabilities, and make the development process itself simple and stable. If you don't have your own in-house team with expertise in .NET MAUI development, you can always turn to a professional software development company with relevant experience in hiring .NET MAUI developers.